NEWS & STORIES

Fall is Fabulous!

This fall was welcomed with much enthusiasm as the skies cleared of smoke and we could once again enjoy the outdoors in clean air. A large group went to Ellison Provincial Park for a picnic and enjoyed a campfire where they roasted marshmallows. Several groups went to The Pumpkin Patch in Armstrong to pick out the perfect pumpkins for Halloween and fall harvest displays. Also in Armstrong is the new Bloom Flower Festivals property where they had stunning sunflower fields on display. Davison Orchards is one of our favorite excursions - especially in the fall when the apples are ready. Thanksgiving was celebrated in our residential care homes with traditional dinners. The homes and our other facilities are busy decorating in a friendly competition to see who can create the most compelling fall harvest/Halloween displays.

Truth and Reconciliation Day

We acknowledge that we provide services and occupy space on the traditional, unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people. We have many staff and participants with indigenous heritage and we support diversity and inclusion in our workplace and beyond. Most of our programs were closed for Truth and Reconciliation Day. Our ACT program created indigenous-themed artwork.

Documentary on Venture Training

Venture Training is proud to have been selected by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce for a one-hour Telus community service documentary. The Bamboo Shoots crew spent a day and a half filming and interviewing staff, program participants, home share caregivers and community partners. While we could not feature all of our programs, we do hope that the documentary will serve to show our passion and dedication to our staff, participants, partners and community.

Thank you to everyone who took part! You will see your name in the credits at the end of the film. We will let everyone know when the documentary will be broadcast.

Program Spotlight

The Community Employment program trains, coaches and supports participants in their jobs within the local business community. Strengthening our community partnerships is paramount to ensure that the participant is a good fit with an opportunity for mutual long-term success.

Fun Facts:

19 Participants with ages ranging from 20 - 47
6 Participants in Discovery Phase (evaluate interests, skills exploration/development, likes/dislikes, planning for employability in wellness, motivation)
4 Participants in Development Phase (resume building, cover letters, training, job search, and tours of different employer facilities)
12 Participants in Job Maintenance Phase
10 New jobs created in 2021 so far

The Employee of the Month

At our Senior Staff meetings each month we take nominations for "Employee of the Month". The winner is then drawn randomly as it is impossible to choose one over the other. Winners receive a $50 gift card to the store of their choice. Here are recent nominees and recipients:

Recipient: Sarah H.
Nominees: Karen Y. / Mary I. / Zoe W. / Amber C.

Recipient: Evelyn W. (pictured, right)
Nominees: Blinda G. / Ashley B. / Kari J.

Recipient: Mary I. (pictured, left)
Nominees: Berna P. / Bonnie M. / Kathy D. / Darlene K.

Welcome New Staff

Management would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest members of our Administration Team: Maja, Ismail, and Kerry. Please pop by to introduce yourself.

Community Inclusion Month

This October, Venture Training and other disability service organizations across the province are celebrating Community Inclusion Month. This is the 23rd year that we are recognizing and celebrating the contributions and potential of people with disabilities in our community. It is also an opportunity to celebrate with the families, friends, caregivers, volunteers and employers who contribute every day to enhance the quality of life for people in our community.

In the past, people with developmental disabilities were isolated and there were not a lot of opportunities for those in the community to interact with them. The catalyst for change came in 80’s when students with disabilities were fully integrated into the regular school system. Around the same time Venture Training started taking work crews out to clear snow and perform landscaping tasks in the community. We also started working with local businesses to train and place people with developmental disabilities in their operations. In the 90’s, day programs were developed where people with developmental disabilities were taken on excursions such as visits to the library, recreational facilities, local attractions and parks. Today, about 8,500 people in Greater Vernon have a disability and you will see them throughout our community.

Everyone has a part to play in building inclusion and we all benefit when there is opportunity for everyone to achieve their potential. During Community Inclusion Month, we ask everyone to celebrate the contributions and potential of people with disabilities and to think about how each of us can make our communities more inclusive.

Ryan Cucheron
Executive Director

Mediterranean Quinoa Tuna Salad Recipe