CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT
Transcript of CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT
O n behalf of the Cosmo Industries management team, I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with happiness. Christ-mas for many of us, is a favourite holiday with a unique meaning. For me, it’s a time to reflect on what's been achieved personally and here at Cosmo. I am proud with what has been achieved and appreciate all the hard work of the Cosmo team. Where else could we work and make such a difference in the lives of over 400 men and women with intellectual disabilities? Our team and our fo-cus on the participants underpins all that we do. Two of the most significant achievements for Cosmo in 2014, include arriving at an agreement with the City of Saskatoon for single stream recycling services and the roll-out of the program. The second achievement is that we've begun the process of Renewal. Together
we've drafted a blueprint for the future. Building on our strengths, we are working with the Ministry of Social Services to create more sup-ported employment opportunities
and satellite program delivery to address growing community needs. Building Cosmo as a social enter-prise through expanding our recy-cling business and renewal is how we will continue to be of good ser-vice to adults with intellectual disabilities. These are exciting developments and something I'm looking forward to in 2015. Overall it's been a very productive year.
This time of reflection and being part of the Cosmo community, my first year with the company, makes me think that we are living the Miracle on 34th Street. In closing, I'm excited about what 2015 may bring in anticipation of our renewed partnership with the City of Saskatoon, Cosmo Renewal and engaging the Cosmo commu-nity in our plans. I'm also looking forward to helping participants reach their goals and welcoming new staff to the Cosmo Team. Warmest greetings, Susan Hetu Executive Director
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Volume 34 Issue 12 December 2014 www.cosmoindustries.com
Calendar of Events Wed. Dec. 24th—closed
early Thurs. Dec. 25th—closed
Fri. Dec. 26th—closed Dec. 31st closed early Thurs. Jan. 1st—closed
reetings! This is my first year as
Chair of the Cosmo Industries Board of Direc-
tors. What a year of change this has been! Many exciting things are happening. Major changes to our facility have improved the quality in the workplace for our participants and staff. We were awarded the contract for Multi-Unit Residential Recycling by the City of Saskatoon. This opportu-
nity will broaden Saskatoon’s awareness of the positive impact that our participants have in the community. We have also wel-comed a new Executive Director, Susan Hetu, to help navigate us into these new uncharted waters. This time of year brings joy and happiness to our families and friends. We are thankful for the time that we can spend together. May we all be grateful for the many friendships here at Cosmo
Industries. Enjoy the festivities and events this month. On behalf of the Board, we wish the staff, volunteers and partici-pants a wonderful Christmas sea-son and hope the New Year brings good health and happiness to each of you. Sincerely, Brent Rempel Board Chair
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT
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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE
LIFE ENRICHMENT TEAM
eniors This year, everyone enjoyed numerous activities. Many of the participants in our area enjoyed making cards, participating in several musical activities, and spending time with many wonderful volunteers. We enjoyed many activities through our partnership with the students from St. Michael School. We were able to enjoy, as an entire group, the annual end of summer bbq at the Forestry Farm. We had many good times filled with laughter and memories. herapy The Therapy Program at Cosmo is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for program participants. With a wide variety of exercise therapy options offered, this year, participants were involved in fitness training, specialized fitness programming, assisted walking, group fitness classes, wax therapy and swim therapy programs. All program participants have done a great job of staying active and making fitness a priority! Awesome work everyone and here’s to another great year in 2015! osmo at Elmwood Day Program Over the course of the last year, the Cosmo Day Program has been filled with joy and excitement, taking advantage of each season’s festivities. We kept our-selves busy with many crafts, games, themed parties, in-house movies and physical activities in Elmwood's state of the art gym. One of the major benefits of the Day Program is that we are able to venture out in the community and experience so much. A favourite is going out for coffee, which we were able to enjoy many times as well as shopping outings, Cosmo seasonal parties, trips to the Berry Barn, Taste of Saskatchewan and so on. If our bus could fit in the parking lot and the residents could benefit, we were-there. Our relationship with the Elmwood Rec Team also extended further with trips to the Ex, magic shows, and partnerships with several different elementary schools. We did have a few sad moments, with the passing of some of our dearest friends. Although these times were hard, it reminded us to appreciate every single day and enjoy everything we have to the fullest. The Cosmo Day Program will continue to grow, continue to seek out new opportunities within the community, and continue to have a great time while doing so. osmo at Sherbrooke Day Program In 2014, Cosmo at Sherbrooke Day Program has had a wonderful year working hard, sorting and prepping paper products to be recycled, also enjoying the bounty of global events here at Sherbrooke. At this time, we have eight Cosmo participants and four cats that live at Sherbrooke. They have varied work schedules either exclusively at Sherbrooke or in combination with Cosmo. We are all pleased with the benefits of the relaxed environment of working from home and are looking forward to a happy and healthy New Year. ecreation Recreation had a busy 2014! From winter activities such as the Festival of Trees and Noon Carols to summer activities such as garage sales and day trips. There was an activity for everyone to enjoy. We hosted a wheelchair clinic in the fall, which was a lot of fun for participants and staff. Tours to the agriculture building and new police station were a hit for participants as well! We are looking forward to 2015 and all the exciting activities planned.
From everyone on our entire team we would like to wish everyone a safe
and Happy Holiday Season!
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W e have had many exciting changes this year. We have recently adopted some of the aspects of the Eden Philosophy and in doing so we have added some pets to our environ-ment. Taz, who is a Poodle/Shih Tzu cross comes in 1 – 2 times per week with his owner, Bonnie Engdahl who works in our area. Taz is comfortable making his way around the area and pops in to visit with the groups. He is very friendly and has adapted very well to our environment and enjoys going for walks with the participants. We have also added a 45 gallon aquar-ium to our lounge that ten Convict Cichlids occupy. The sound of the aquarium and the bright colour of the decor and lights are a peaceful attrac-tion. As well, we have welcomed two budgies to our area. Sunny, who is a bright yellow female and Dressler, who is a primarily green male with
some yellow and blue accents. They are on a movable cart and make their way around to all of the groups for visits. The participants in our
area assist in the care of the birds and fish on a daily basis as well as assisting in going out to purchase supplies for the animals. The animals have been a great addition to our area and bring smiles to many faces. Many of the participants interact with them and look forward to seeing them each day. In the New Year, we will continue to adopt more of the Eden Philosophy by incorporating more plants and children into our environment. We are in the process of continuing to brainstorm ideas and look forward to the changes in 2015. We would like to take this opportu-
nity to wish everyone a Happy Holiday
season and all the best in the New
Year!
Life Skills Training Division
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ard to believe that another year has gone by...so much has been packed in. Our year started off with a bang. The sounds of saws, hammers and other building tools. In January, the process of extending the walls in Pathways to reach the ceiling began. For the next 3 months, our groups were dispersed throughout various spaces in the building to allow the construc-tion to go on safely. We had activities going in the board room, the volunteer space and in the gym. Although inconven-ient for everyone, we persevered (and all other divisions accommodated) until the day came that we could return to our new and improved space. The fresh paint and quieter spaces have been great for us. It was well worth the wait! Summer time was filled with special events and activities ranging from the third annual Fashion Show to Rock n’ Roll Day in addition to our regular work. We are proud to report that our focus on engaging in a variety of work activi-ties has proven successful over the year as well. Huge congratulations to all of the program participants in Path-ways for taking on these challenges and keeping a positive attitude! The Participants and staff of Path-
ways would like to wish everyone a
Merry Christmas and all the best in
2015.
Pathways to Opportunity Division
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
FROM THE
PATHWAYS TO
OPPORTUNITY
DIVISION
ecycling Division (formerly known as Waste Reduction) has undergone the biggest transformation seen in many years. The Multi Unit Residential Recycling program has generated incredible changes within the Division. A massive recycling system has been installed to process all of the cans, bottles, plastic, paper and cardboard com-ing in from the hundreds of new bin sites across the city. We have hired approximately ten new employ-ees to handle all of the material now arriving daily. The new materials and processing system have created many exciting challenges to sort, bale and market all of the new commodities. We continue to process the paper and cardboard as we have done success-fully for many years. We are excited to expand meaningful employment opportunities for our Participants in
the coming year. Cosmo Shred contin-ues to provide outstanding service to businesses and families throughout Saskatoon. The participants and staff process huge quantities of documents
and produce one of our most valuable recycled materials. We
would like to thank the mem-bers of our Board, staff and
participants for all of their hard work and dedication in supporting
the Recycling Division over the past year. This has been a tremendous undertaking that will shape the future of Cosmo for many years to come. Thank you all! We hope that you have a Merry Christmas and that you are blessed with the best of everything life has to offer in the New Year. Recycling Division
AN AMAZING YEAR OF CHANGE
ANOTHER GREAT YEAR IN LIFE SKILLS
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I n total, our volunteer program had over 3,900 hours to enriching the lives of our participants. We have sustained several strong volunteer partnerships in 2014 that we will continue to cherish and to recog-nize in the New Year. Some of these partnerships include: the Cosmo Kiwanis Rhythm Band, Galon Insurance, Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing, St Michael School, Canada World Youth, Language Instruc-tion to Newcomers to Canada, Ethos Salon and Spa, Saskatoon Public Library, Partners in Employment, Pet Therapy with Lenore and Winnie, and the Horticulture Club with Linda Risling. Another special thank you to the school groups, businesses and organizations that either toured or volunteered with us in the past year. In addition to these partnerships, we’ve had hundreds of volunteers and students contribute their time assisting groups, recreational outings, special events, and spending time with many of our participants in activities they love. Volunteers help in a large spectrum of activities that involve: fitness, academic tutoring, afternoon teas, peer interaction, horticulture, music, crafts, playing games, and pet therapy. Our program continues to grow with ongoing requests from schools, organizations and individuals inquiring about tours and volunteer shifts. Also, this summer Cosmo became an official Christian Ethics Work Host which enables us to host stu-dents who are eager to begin their hours over school breaks. We hope to increase the number of student hours with this new opportunity for the youth volunteers in 2015. Thank you to all of the volunteers who have taken the time this year to volunteer with us. We truly value your company and hope to start the new year with welcoming you all again. Happy holidays and all of the best in the New Year! Chantal Gosselin Coordinator of Volunteer Services
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HOLIDAY WISHES FROM THE
PROGRAMS DIVISION
THANK YOU TO COSMO’S VOLUNTEERS
t’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone. For the Programs Division, 2014 can be characterized by a year of new beginnings, growth and development. Community and Enriched Support In December 2013, the Community and Enriched Support Program moved into a newly renovated space. This move al-lowed for the development of smaller work and quality of life groups. In addition, it has allowed others from within Cosmo to trial or transfer to this new opportunity. Community involvement continues to be a significant component of each individ-ual’s personal plan. This year, those in this program worked at in house cleaning, yard clean up at a local confectionary, pa-per sorting, can pick up for Cans for Cosmo, couriering and shopping for Cosmo and folding clothing at a local store, grocery and supply shopping. We volunteered at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Parkridge Centre, SPCA, Bishop Pocock School, St. Volo-dymyr School, The Children’s Museum, Saskatchewan Teachers Federation, Food Bank, Clothing Depot and The Opportunity Shop. We are proud of our success. Participant Services In February, we re-structured and re-named what was previously the Intensive Training Program. From three to six staff, this team now provides: transition planning and support for students and participants new to Cosmo; individual program design and development; person centered planning and review; staff training; and intermittent enriched support. Transportation Through years of experience and a great partnership with First Student, we continue to coordinate transportation for 400 individuals. This truly is one of the many Miracles on 34th Street. This was especially evident this fall, when our Coordinator needed to very quickly find alternative transportation for over 55 participants affected by the Transit lock out. A special thank-you to First Student and our drivers, who accommodated many people on their existing runs. In addition, a special thanks to all of those staff who picked up and dropped off participants on their way to and from work. As you can see, this has been a year of growth and development. We so look forward to 2015 and the new opportunities that lie ahead. From our team to your home, all the best for a Merry Christmas and joyous New Year. Programs Division
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CHRISTMAS WISHES FROM PERSONAL SUPPORTS OW, the year has flown by and we are having a hard time be-lieving that Christmas and the end of another year is here. Our participant group, as always, continues to grow a little more each year. Our staff team has stayed con-sistent. Riza who was in a term position ended up staying on and is now here full time. This also allowed her and her family to pur-chase a home. Merly and her family
had the opportunity to go back to the Philippines and visit their fami-lies. Lyn’s mom and dad came back to Canada from the Philippines and Lita has another grandchild. Rhene-lyn got to spend a full month with her U.S. based husband this sum-mer. We have participated in all the renewal planning, cook offs, Telemiracle challenges, etc. that were a part of the year at Cosmo.
Everything that is meaningful and beautiful, and whatever brings you happiness, may all be yours this Holiday Season and throughout the coming year. The Personal Supports Team
BEST WISHES FROM THE CONTRACTS DIVISION he Contracts Division includes the Cafeteria, Bottle Depot, Community Based Work Groups and the six areas amongst the Division. All the areas provide work opportunities to over 140 program participants to help them maintain and build new work skills. Contracts: The main Contracts Division area consists of six areas completing work for 50 plus businesses within Saskatoon. So far this year, over 500,000 pieces of contract work have been completed. A wide variety of jobs are completed that include dry brushing and washing plant pots, counting and bagging components, collating, label-ling mail, boxing glasses and packaging. Participants have many options to assist with the variety of work oppor-tunities and as new jobs arrive, new skills are learned. One of the newest jobs that is enjoyable to the participants is making fleece tied blankets that are for sale to anyone looking for a special gift. Besides being busy with work, the Division sets time aside to plan fun group activities such as painting, bbqs, and learning how to take care of our fish and our new pet, a rabbit, named Finn. Bottle Depot: The Bottle Depot is a steady area that provides opportunities to participants who are interested in assisting with beverage disposal from a local brewery and the recycling sort. Cafeteria: The Cafeteria prepares meals and snacks for over 400 people on a weekly basis. A number of partici-pants regularly assist with food preparation and learning basic kitchen skills. Along with daily food preparation, the Cafeteria prepares meals for meetings and was busy with baking for the Christmas Dinner. Community Based Work Groups Employment Program: The Program currently includes 80 participants. Individu-als are provided with regular part time or casual occasions of work in the community. We have a total of eight Job Coaches who work with participants out in the community on a one to one basis or in small group settings of two or more participants. The Program currently has 25 community placements with new opportunities on the hori-zon in the New Year. Work experiences in the community truly create team spirit and bring validation and empowerment. Each participant is encouraged to work at his or her own pace and to express their interests/preferences towards work and environments they enjoy. This year we welcomed to the Program: Ashley Adair, John Chaise, Rebecca Lewis, Shauna Martens, Brad McVicar, Morgan Schuler, Janessa Vance, Jordan Westfield and Blair Uthe. Thank you for your motivation, humour and growing skills. From all of us, we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a healthy Happy New Year!
Contracts Division
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Steven Kinakin interviewed his friends at Cosmo and asked everyone,
“What was
YOUR
highlight of 2014?”
Andrea Larson (participant in Community and Enriched Support):
Started going down the waterslide at the pool this year!
Sheri Lowe (staff in Pathways):
Doing the safety play!
Terry Boulding (participant in Pathways): Getting interviewed by CTV.
Heather Cone (Safety Advisor):
Working with and interacting with all participants.
Pat Hawes (participant in Community Based Work Groups):
Going on recreation outings.
Irene McAdam (participant in Contracts): Going shopping.
Shawn Cherpin (participant in Contracts):
Watching break dancing with BJ.
Sharman Berg (participant in Life Skills): Getting to visit the Programs Division.
Kurtis Harrison (participant in Community and En-
riched Support): Going to the movies.
Faith Stadnyk (volunteer):
Getting to spend time with participants.
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NEW STAFF Terilyn Tocson-Community and
Enriched Support, Program
Division
Dana Fahl-Community and
Enriched Support, Program
Division
Adam Schaan-Term Job Coach,
Contracts Division
Harmonie King-Term Job Coach,
Contracts Division
CHANGES Amandeep Sandhu-Term
Seniors, Life Enrichment
Division
Ryan Davidson-Casual
A MESSAGE FROM THE INVESTORS GROUP Do you or your child have a disability, and qualify for the Disability Tax Credit? If so you are likely eligible to open up a Registered Dis-ability Savings Plan (RDSP). The Registered Disability Savings Plan is a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities, and their families save for the future. There are two important components to the RDSP. The Canadian Disability Saving Grant (CDSG), and the Canadian Disability Savings Bond (CDSB). The government contributes generously! For every $1 contributed, they may match up to $3. You could see your plan grow by 200%. If you have a low income and cannot contribute yourself, the government will still contribute for you. An RDSP will not affect any of your disability benefits. There are no restrictions – you can spend the money on anything you choose, as long as it is for the benefit of the individual with the disability (the plans beneficiary). If you have never initiated an RDSP plan you are able to make up the account limit for the previous 10 years, in order to maximize the grant and bond contributions to your or your child’s RDSP. While the RDSP plan seems complex, at Investors Group, we take special consideration regarding each individual’s situation. We can help you maximize your plan and take full advantage of the opportu-nities to receive grants and bonds. For further information on RDSPs, or to set up an RDSP plan for yourself or your child/grandchild please contact, Brittany Samaska @ (306) 955-9190.
Brittany Samaska Investors Group – Financial Planner [email protected] 300 – 203 Stonebridge Blvd Saskatoon, SK, S7T 0G3 Ph. (306) 955-9190
Big smiles for the Participants’ Christmas
party on Friday, Dec. 5th
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Cosmopolitan Industries Ltd. Board COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS 2014 – 2015
T he following appointments
have been named to Board
Committees for 2014-2015.
Brent Rempel is the Board
President and Ex Officio. The first
person listed is the Chair of that
committee.
Executive
Secretary
Treasurer
Chair
Vice Chair Vice President
Program,
Admissions
and
Transitions
Vice Chair
Chair
Appointed
Appointed
Appointed
Appointed
Appointed
Kirk Anderson
Greg Kuse
Ken Homenick
Alan Hunter
Heney Klypak
Jamie Lackie
Tanya Mitzel
Craig Newby
Gary Nickel
Michael Stensrud
Sandra Downes
Building &
Equipment
Vice Chair
Chair
Fundraising &
Community
Relations
Chair
Vice Chair
Vocational
Vice Chair
Chair
Board/Staff
Relations
Vice Chair
Chair
Linton Auchstaetter
Ken Homenick
Heney Klypak
Jamie Lackie
Gary Nickel
Michael Stensrud
Kirk Anderson
Roger Birtles
Sandra Downes
Betty Anne Fisher
Al Hunter
Jamie Lackie
Craig Newby
Derek Rope
Dennis Will
Linton Auchstaetter
Roger Birtles
Betty Anne Fisher
Ken Homenick
Tanya Mitzel
Gary Nickel
Dennis Will
James Yachyshen
Loye Anderson
Roger Birtles
Sandra Downes
Dwayne Schmautz
Heney Klypak
Derek Rope
Audit and
Finance
Chair
Vice Chair
Recycling
Chair
Vice Chair
Family &
Friends
Pension Fund
Trustees
Top of the
Rock Fund
Trustees
Chair
Nominating
Committee
Chair
Ken Homenick
Brent Rempel
Sandra Downes
Heney Klypak
Greg Kuse
Kathryn Bankowski
Kirk Anderson
Ken Homenick
Al Hunter
Greg Kuse
Jamie Lackie
Michael Stensrud
Peter Gerrard
Eric Antonini
Alan Hunter
Susan Hetu
Eric Antonini
Greg Kuse
James Yachyshen
Tim Eichholz
Ross Revill
Cheryl Tetreault
Sandra Downes
Heney Klypak
Gary Nickel
Brent Rempel
T he cafeteria will be closed December 22nd until January 2nd and will re-open on January 5th, 2015. Coffee and water will still be provided, how-
ever, no meals will be prepared during these weeks.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Loye Anderson
Roger Birtles
Sandra Downes
Greg Kuse
Tanya Mitzel
Gary Nickel
Dennis Will
Alan Clark
Joyce Phillips
Janet Macnab
Dawn Drieger
Cheryl George
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COSMOPOLITAN INDUSTRIES LTD. DATES FOR 2015 SPECIAL EVENTS, STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
AND APPROVED CLOSURES
JANUARY, 2015
Thursday, January 1st New Year's Day - Cosmo Closed
Friday, January 23rd Professional Development Day for Staff-Cosmo Closed
FEBRUARY, 2015
Monday, February 16th Family Day – Cosmo Closed
MARCH, 2015
Friday, March 6th Winter Carnival Party at Cosmo
APRIL, 2015
Friday, April 3rd Good Friday-Cosmo Closed
Thursday, April 23rd Cosmo Bull-a-Thon Bowling Event
Monday, April 27th Professional Development Day for Staff-Cosmo Closed
MAY, 2015
Friday, May 1st (1st Friday in May) Open House at Cosmo
Monday, May 18th Victoria Day - Cosmo Closed
Friday, May 22nd Participant Awards – 5-20 years
JUNE, 2015
No Holidays, etc.
Friday, June 5th Participant Awards – 25+ years
Monday, June 22nd Riverside Vipond Golf Classic
JULY, 2015
Wednesday, July 1st Canada Day - Cosmo Closed
AUGUST, 2015
Monday, August 3rd Civic Day - Cosmo Closed
SEPTEMBER, 2015
Monday, September 7th Labour Day - Cosmo Closed
Friday, September 18th Summer Windup at Cosmo
OCTOBER, 2015
Monday, October 12th Thanksgiving Day - Cosmo Closed
Monday, October 26th Professional Development Day for Staff-Cosmo Closed
NOVEMBER, 2015
Wednesday, November 11th Remembrance Day - Cosmo Closed
DECEMBER, 2015
Friday, December 4th Participant Christmas Party
Friday, December 25th Christmas Day – Cosmo Closed
Monday, December 28th Boxing Day-Cosmo Closed
Friday, January 1st, 2016 New Year’s Day – Cosmo Closed