Volume 35 Issue 4 April 2015 www.cosmoindustries.com

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK 2015 Every volunteer has created a ripple effect at Cosmopolitan Industries (Cosmo) by choosing us as their destination. They have undeniably impacted the lives of our program participants. National Volunteer Appreciation Week (NVAW) is celebrated annually at Cosmo where we take the time to highlight the work of our volunteers, celebrate the impact they have made and to recognize that they are our rocks. This year’s campaign took place from April 12th-18th 2015 and featured the theme “Volunteers Are Part of the Ripple Effect”. In celebration of the campaign, Cosmo invited all volunteers to attend a presentation in our gym. We highlighted all volunteers including: students and individuals donating their spare time, new and existing partnerships, and top contributors. The event was finalized with a slideshow of pictures showcasing volunteers in action. All volunteers received thank you cards and those able to attend the event received bags of Ripple chips and Cosmo lanyards. Thank you to our volunteers who attended the event! Cosmo’s volunteers help in a wide array of areas creating ripples throughout our programs. Some of the most popular activities volunteers helped with this past year include: creating artwork, providing academic tutoring, performing music and singing, interacting with peers, assisting with vocational tasks, reading Braille to participants, teaching fitness based activities (break dancing & yoga), pet therapy, assisting with beauty groups, leading a Horticulture Club, assisting on recreation outings and many more. Volunteers help in most areas, providing an extra hand to our busy staff and taking the time to build relationships with our participants. There were 77 individuals who chose to volunteer to fill their time, gain experience in a new field, give back to a cause that is dear to their hearts and/or to make a difference in someone’s life. The volunteers in this category helped with everyday scheduled activities, special events, and shared some of their special talents with us. Please see the following pages to see some of our top supporters and how they have created ripples around Cosmo. We’d like to thank students from local elementary and high schools who continue to play a vital role in the volunteer program. Many of our students choose to volunteer with us to complete work education placements and to complete Christian Ethics hours. Staff also encouraged their children to donate their time on days off from school and had them visit with our participants. Youth volunteers often shadow staff and help with day to day activities within an area. This past year, Cosmo hosted eight local school groups. The groups assisted with large group activities such as bingos, crafts, gym activities, barbecues and special events. Some groups also had the opportunity to be divided in to smaller groups and dispersed throughout areas to gain perspective of what a traditional day is like at Cosmo. School groups were fortunate to be exposed to a unique learning opportunity out of the classroom for a hands on experience. The following school groups contributed to 727.54 volunteer hours: St Michael Community School, St Volodymyr School, Silverspring School, Roland Michener School, Nutana Collegiate, Tommy Douglas Collegiate, Montgomery School and College Park School. A special thank you to St Michael Community School who is committed to volunteering with Cosmo on a monthly basis. The Seniors Division is pleased to host a different class every month to help with crafts, games and bingos. Another thank you to Tommy Douglas Collegiate Softball Academy who hosted a group of 12 participants for three mornings at their school. Student athletes organized and coordinated a variety of fitness based activities for our participants to attend for one morning three weeks in a row. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity! Cosmo is proud to sustain many partnerships with business groups and other organization leaders from Saskatoon. Some of our top supporters from 2014-2015 include: Galon Insurance, United Way of Saskatoon and Area (Day of Caring projects), Ethos Salon Spa, The Kiwanis Club of Saskatoon, International Women of Saskatoon, Language Instruction to Newcomers to Canada, Saskatchewan Polytechnic Nursing department and Saskatoon Public Library. These partners go above and beyond by spending hundreds of hours creating extraordinary opportunities for participants. These groups can be seen highlighted on the next page along the number of hours they have contributed to Cosmo this past year. In addition to the above supporters, we were lucky to have hosted the following groups: BHP Billiton, Cargill and Great Western Brewers. Thank you for donating your time to us and we hope to see you again!

National Volunteer Appreciation Week

April 12th-18th 2015

Continued on Page 2

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Also a big thank you to our Disability Support Worker and Social Work students who choose Cosmo as a practicum experi-ence. Your willingness to learn and implement new ideas is greatly appreciated! Our participants thank you for the friendships, memories and laughter. Volunteers are a huge part of Cosmo, and certainly can be described as our rocks. It’s been a busy and exciting year and I look forward to creating more opportunities in the upcoming year. I would also like to thank Debbie F., Marla K., Monica F., Tracey J., and Randine G., for your voluntary help in coordinating the recognition event and sitting on the Volunteer Apprecia-tion Committee. Another thank you to Shilo R. for your help in creating the beautiful posters hung around the building for this special campaign. It was greatly appreciated! My final thank you goes to the United Way for funding the Volunteer Coordinator position since 2009. Without their support, participants may not be exposed to as many fantastic opportunities and friendships that are offered through the volunteer program. Thank you all! Chantal Gosselin Volunteer Coordinator

History of National Volunteer Week

· National Volunteer Week was first proclaimed in 1943. Women's

Voluntary Services in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver organized special events to draw the public's attention to the vital contribution women made to the war effort on the home front.

· In the late 1960s, the idea of a designated week to honour volunteers was revived, and the focus was broadened to include all

community volunteers. During the 1970s and 1980s this special week grew in importance with local volunteer centres.

· In 1990, the third week in April was proclaimed National Volunteer

Week in all communities across the country. This week is now firmly

established as the highlight of the year for paying tribute to Cana-

dian Volunteers.

CALLING ALL STUDENTS! Can you help?

The summer is fast approaching and we are looking for students who are required to complete Christian Ethics hours. Summer is one of the best times to volunteer with us as we take many of our groups outside

to enjoy the sun.

Unsure of your summer schedule? No problem. Send Chantal your name and number/email address and she will contact you as

helping hands are needed with fun activities and recreation outings.

chantalgosselin00@gmail.com

or 306-664-3158

WHY?

It’s great to volunteer, but what are the benefits to you and your group?

Enhances and develops new skills

Promotes a sense of community

Provides a sense of achievement

Boosts career options

Introduces you to a diverse range of people

Is an opportunity to gain experience in the Human Services field

Creates friendships

Increases social/relationship skills

Soothes the mind and body

Increases self-confidence

Teaches you valuable employability skills

Provides the opportunity for you to share specific talents

Presents team building opportunities outside of your office/school setting

Promotes social responsibility

An alternate way to donating

Boosts staff/student satisfaction and retention

Portrays a positive community profile

Enhances trusting relationships between your staff/students

Builds a higher morale within your group

Increases pride and positive feelings towards your company/group

An opportunity to learn about Cosmopolitan Industries and adults with

intellectual disabilities

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A volunteer action is like a stone

thrown in a lake:

its effect has a direct impact.

At the same time, like ripples,

volunteer efforts

reach out far and wide to improve

communities.

Undeniably, volunteers rock.

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CREATING RIPPLES AT COSMO TOP GROUP CONTRIBUTORS

*APRIL 2014-MARCH 2015* Cosmo hosts and partners with businesses, school groups and organizations to

offer unique volunteer experiences in a fun learning environment. Groups may choose to volunteer at different capacities with varying motivations,

and will be offered a list of opportunities available for their group’s interest and size.

Congratulations to the following groups who have contributed the most amount of hours (per person) from the past year:

St Michael Community School

Assisted with various activities in the Seniors Division Classrooms rotated turns to visit Cosmo, allowing most of the grades to

have had a chance to experience volunteering at Cosmo. Total hours: 212.5 hours

Galon Insurance

Welcomed groups of participants on a weekly basis to their office on 2nd Avenue to have their photos taken for their identification cards,

donated government approved identification cards to participants, coordi-nated and lead the set up of the annual Galon Haunted House on Hallow-

een, donated tickets to the Auto Clearing Motor Speedway and treated staff and participants to treats and beverages. And much more!

Total hours: 125.5 hours

Tommy Douglas Collegiate The Tommy Douglas Softball Academy hosted three groups of 12

participants in their gym Student athletes organized fitness based activities for our participants

Other grades from Tommy Douglas helped support some of our special events such as the Summer Windup and the Christmas party.

Total hours: 137 hours

Silverspring School Grade 8 students volunteered with Cosmo as part of their class project,

“Project Business”. Students created businesses and sold products/services to the community and donated a portion of their profits to Cosmo.

Students then decided to not only donate their profits, but to donate their time by spending an entire day in smaller groups within Contracts,

Pathways, Life Skills and Seniors. Total hours: 120 hours

Montgomery School

Students from grades 5 and 6 experienced Cosmo for an entire day. The large group of students was split into smaller groups and dispersed

within areas. Students were exposed to every day activities, and also helped with break supervision.

Total hours: 120 hours

United Way of Saskatoon and Area (Day of Caring Projects) Coordinated two groups on separate occasions to help participants with

vocational tasks in the Contracts Division Total hours: 58.5 hours

SPECIAL MENTIONS Cosmo values each and every partnership. Some of the

most exciting programs we offer exist because of volunteer partnerships.

Thank you to the partnerships we’ve listed below who have not only donated their time, but have committed

to providing the best quality opportunities for our participants from April 2014-March 2015.

Ethos Salon Spa

Provide modern, professional haircuts, hairstyles and manicures to participants once per month

Total of 49 haircuts/hairstyles to participants free of charge

Total hours: 50 hours

Language Instruction to Newcomers to Canada Students volunteer with Cosmo to enhance their

English speaking skills. Students are placed in an area of their choice and assist staff with regular

group activities. Number of students hosted: 15

Total hours: 246 hours

Kiwanis Club of Saskatoon (Rhythm Band supporters & leaders)

Partnership of 31 years Rhythm Band is coordinated with the help of Rick

Stalwick, Kiwanis representative, Russ Regier, conductor and Shirley MacLennan, pianist.

Kiwanis purchased and donated 10 new vests Kiwanis purchased and donated 15 new bow ties

Kiwanis replaced the audio mixer system Total hours: 43 hours

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Nursing Department Hosted 10 first year students from the Community

Partnerships course in which each student completed 40 hours in assigned areas.

Hosted 3 second year students from the Inclusive Recreation for People with Disabilities in which each student completed 15 hours helping with

recreational activities. Total hours: 440 hours

Saskatoon Public Library

Welcome to Shannon Swekla who is our new volunteer!

Shannon reads to a group in Seniors once per month as part of their Outreach program.

Total hours: 6 hours

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TOP 5 CONTRIBUTING VOLUNTEERS *April 2014-March 2015*

Derek Houndle

Derek initially came to volunteer with Cosmo in the spring of 2014 as a student from the Recreation and Tourism Management program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. He enjoyed it so much that he decided to dedicate his summer to joining participants and staff on outings in the

community. Derek still volunteers for special events or on his days off. Total hours: 165 hours

Kirstin Gowda

Kirstin volunteered in Pathways on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 2013-December 2014. At the time, Kirstin was a U of S student studying Psychology who had a passion for teaching partici-

pants functional academics through activities such as workbooks, flash cards, games (for hands on learning) and included objects and pictures for in depth learning. She also enjoyed visiting and

bonding with participants. Total hours: 112.5 hours

Hodan Mohamed

Hodan was a participant of the International Women of Saskatoon program. She chose to volun-teer with Cosmo from February 2015-March 2015 as part of a five week placement to gain work experience. She assisted Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-3:00 pm with daily programming in Life Skills, Pathways and Seniors. Hodan developed strong bonds with participants and staff in the

Pathways area that she has returned to volunteer with us every Friday. Total hours: 111.5 hours

Helen Polsfut

Helen had volunteer experience with Cosmo years before she decided to return to us in July 2014. She was looking to meet new friends and to make a difference in their lives. Helen’s initial goals were to read to a small group of people in Seniors, and she soon decided she wanted to spend

more time helping as many people as she could. During her time, she formed personal bonds with participants from various areas and had a desire to meet their personal goals. She helped with

the following activities: visiting, puzzling, reading, letter writing and grammar, math sheets, counting, and many more. Helen is currently away for the winter and we are looking forward to

her return! Total hours: 102 hours

Francine Lyons

Francine volunteered her time in the Seniors area one full day per week from September 2014-January 2015. She worked alongside one of our staff and helped with daily programming.

Francine assisted with activities including: baking groups, crafting, bingos, art groups and many more. Being a sister to a participant in Seniors, Francine was very motivated to help enrich lives

and to brighten our days, especially her sister’s. Total hours: 80 hours

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CREATING RIPPLES AT COSMO TOP 3 YOUTH CONTRIBUTORS

*April 2014-March 2015*

Allison E. Allison is a high school student from

Bishop James Mahoney. She completed two work education placements with us here at Cosmo. She fulfilled many leadership roles in the Contracts Divi-

sion and is well known for her ability to work independent and for providing

inclusive activities for participants. Total hours: 147.7 hours

Nevaeh M.

Nevaeh is staff member Amy’s daugh-ter. She is an elementary student who

spends many of her days off from school here at Cosmo helping mom with vocational tasks in Contracts.

Nevaeh has volunteered with Cosmo since she was a toddler and has formed

many bonds with participants. Total hours: 37.75 hours

Leah A.

Leah is staff member Christie’s daugh-ter. She is a high school student who

will often spend her days off from school here at Cosmo helping her mom

in the Life Skills area. Leah has also volunteered with us through “Bring

Your Child to Work”. Total hours: 34.5 hours

Special Mention Thank you to Linda Risling and Mother Earth Greenhouse for their continuous support. Linda is the leader of the Horticulture Club who offers monthly hands on experiences to a lucky group of participants every year. Participants are taught to recognize physical parts of a plant and how to meet the needs of different plants. Our season typically debuts in May with a tour of the Mother Earth Greenhouse in Clavet and will end with designing centre pieces for the participant Christmas party. Other topics that are covered throughout the

year: bugs & fruits, vegetables, pumpkins, succulents, and seasonal plants. All learning sessions happen right here at Cosmo and all sessions are a guarantee for dirty hands!

If you ever wonder why our entrance on 34th Street looks so welcoming, you can thank Linda Risling and her Horticulture Club for planting the barrels just outside along our building.

Did you know? Cosmo hosted 50 youth under the age of 18 from April 2014-March 2015.

Did you know? Cosmo hosted 77 volunteers over the age of 18 from April 2014-March 2015. Many volunteers choose Cosmo to experience a new field, build a resume, spend time with a family member, acquire new skills and many other reasons.

The Cosmo Communicator Page 3

THANK YOU!

We would like to recognize all groups and individuals who have

taken the time out of their busy lives to volunteer with us.

Ethos Salon Spa Galon Insurance & Mortgage Brokers

St Michael Community School St Volodymyr School Silverspring School

Roland Michener School Nutana Collegiate

United Way-Day of Caring Tommy Douglas Collegiate

Montgomery School BHP Billiton

Cargill Great Western Brewers

Language Instruction to Newcomers to Canada Saskatoon Public Library

Saskatchewan Polytechnic-Nursing program Kiwanis Club of Saskatoon

Haley Matz Taryn Speary

Jaylene Anderson Stephanie Eweidt

Nevaeh Moore Talia Archer

Francine Bobis Mark Bobis

Allison Egland Brieann Fehr

Émilia Figueroa Adesa Francis Zanga Francis

Ethan Giesbrecht Keon Janfada

Vaheed Janfada Joshua Kiniski Alyssa Paydli

Brody Pederson Adam Teichroeb Treyton Lindsay Danica Wambolt

Leah Adams Isabel Diaz Ismael Diaz

Brandon Cumberland Hannah Giesbrecht

Rebekah Hall Tashfia Nidhi

Shelby Tornato Irada Dmytrenko

Eliza Petty

Shayna Uhryn Trey Archer

Bailey Christopherson Derek Duquette

Jesse Hall Kaitlyn Leniuk

Lee Macabudbud Ashley Piche Chris Richter Laura Bodie

Taylor Zich-Dieno Tara Dundas Jayden Graf

McKenna Nundy Imani Mudasia Rachel Janzen Tanner Jaman

Brianne Parkalub Emmanuella Pratt

Sakina Bikuta Kirstin Gowda Corinne Gunn

Memunatu Kamara Annette Letwin

Shirley MacLennan Helen Polsfut

Rosamond Pratt Shun Qi

Russ Regier Linda Risling

Ruth Robinson Garnet Smith Rick Stalwick Gerry Teigrob

Roko Walo Lenore West & Winnie

Sarah Vetter Reem Indrias Fetene

Janet Carmona-Figueroa Derek Houndle

Krystyna Pokraka Shelby Richert

Chris Schurman Tina Thebeau Preston Ulrich Imma Donaldo

Jean-Anne Jackson & Sully Kelsey Bosch

Greg Fowlie-Neufeld

Sharla Humble Madison Jack Nicole Korol Denise Leduc Anahi Leyva

Francine Lyons Keiko Man

Mercedes McNab Shawna-Lynn Meier

Brooklyn Pellerin Adam Pottle

Carolyn Smith Karly Smith

Faith Stadnyk Ildiko Szabo

Kassidy Willoughby Torey Worth

McKenna Yurach Nan Zheng

Jenna Johnson Erin Petty

Yonghong Tian Sam Conrad

Alicia Thatcher Tigist Gebeyehu Bernie LeClaire Marie LeClaire

Maryama Mohammed Gordon Sukut

Lisa Sutherland Belainesh Weldenkiel

Janice Cushon Yousif Mahmood Spencer Vaillant Carolyn Wright

Hodan Mohamed Lorenzo Apostol Angelica Archila Katelyn Yeadon Shelby Fedler

Torie Kopp Lidija Hornjak

Anne-Marie Stewart Hameedullah Khan

Maxine South Bayani Trinidad

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Barb began her long standing career at Cosmo Industries in the Contracts Division on May 27, 1981. She has always been known to have a lot of determination, and would routinely catch the bus from Elmwood to work from Monday to Friday. Initially, she was able to try working in the Contracts Division, and has always been known to be very diligent at sorting. Barb glowed with the pride she took in her ability to differentiate many types of materials, and sort them by color, shape, and type. In 1985, Barb joined the Life Skills Division, where she was able to experi-ence a variety of activities which provided her many new types of learn-ing experiences. From musical activities such as karaoke, music makers, in-house musical concert events to gym activities like basketball, parachute, floor-hockey, walking, and dancing. Barb would sway her hips, dance, throw/pass a ball, shoot a hockey puck; and stay active. Barb had a passion for taking part in many Cosmo special events, and festivi-ties. She loved the cultural eats, and fun activities associated with each seasonal Cosmo festivity. Barb truly had many favourites, enjoying different types of coffee, and daily soup specials from the cafeteria, were two of Barb’s favourite daily food choices. Barb also liked activities where she could relax; listen to a story, watch a movie, lie down and rest in the snoezelen room, or take an out-door leisure walk in the summer sun. Over the many years Barb spent at Cosmo, she will always be remembered for her warm hugs and her polite friendly greetings in which she would greet the staff and coworkers by name. Barb had a close relationship with family, and looked forward to visits. Barb had an eye for fashion, wearing the right hat, necklace, and having her nails done, really seemed to make Barbie’s day! Barbie will be dearly missed by all those who had the opportunity to get to know her.

Barbara Braun November 24, 1961

– March 7, 2015

SAFETY PLAY

In honour of Safety Week (May 4th-8th 2015), there will be a safety play performed at Open House on May 1st at 1:10 pm in the gym. The Cosmo Dancers will be performing between scene intermissions. It is going to be an awesome event and we invite everyone to stop by and

witness the talent that shines within our Cosmo community!

Thank you Top Of The Rock for giving many participants opportunities to root for the

Blades and enjoy the hockey season. The Top Of The Rock ROCKS in a big way!

THANK YOU TO THE RALPH RHYTHM KINGS

On Monday, March 30th, Cosmo welcomed the Ralph Rhythm Kings! They played polka music, Johnny Cash, Elvis, and old-time favourites.

When they played our favourite songs, we joined in singing with them. The Ralph Rhythm Kings thanked us for our passionate and

enthusiastic singing.

Some comments of the great concert are below: “I loved the polka music!” -Neville B – Seniors

“I loved when they sang the song Let Me Call You Sweetheart as it reminded me of the times I sang it to my Charles!”

-Marie H – Seniors “Excellent!” -Brian B – Pathways

“We loved singing along to it!” - Pathways

THANK YOU TO RYAN & BRIAN

On March 31st, the father and son duo of “Ryan and

Brian” Kendall brought their musical talents to Cosmo

and showcased their singing. Ryan, who is a participant

in the Pathways Division, sang many cover songs. The

songs were enjoyed by the many participants that

clapped and sang along to each song during their one

hour set.

Great job Ryan and Brian!

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Garbage Collection

Challenge! April 20th- May 1st

2015

We take pride in our community and we want to see it cleaned up! This year’s garbage challenge asks all areas to hit the streets and pick up the

rubbish they find around our building. This year’s theme is scavenger hunt bingo, fill a bingo card full

of garbage and receive a point for your division. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place pickers!

REMINDER Last day of Tim Horton’s coffee sales and bowling

outings for the winter is on Friday May 15th 2015!

NEW STAFF

Tayler Hegel-term, Job Coach-

Contracts Division

CHANGES Harmonie King—fulltime, Job

Coach-Contracts Division

Brittney Pelletier-casual

Sharlene Duquette-Executive

Director

GOODBYE

Michelle Dornan

GOODBYE TO PARTICIPANT Bill Mills- Retired

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‘Creative Currents’

Join us in celebrating a community of talent. Cosmo’s annual open house features the creative spirit of our program participants in service of the mission that each may

live a better, more meaningful and productive life.

Friday, May 1st 2015 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Featuring a Safety play at 1:00 pm & a performance by our

very own Rhythm Band at 2:15 pm.

We hope you enjoyed your

Easter

weekend with friends and

family!

Happy spring from all of us

at Cosmo! Make Safety Your Most Important Priority

From the moment we get up, to the moment we go to sleep, when we are moving

around there’s the possibility of getting hurt. A safe day is one where you are always

watchful and observant and really try to be safe. Do NOT Rush—as that’s when

most incidents or accidents happen!

Here is a general list of everyday safety basics:

Be Seen (headlights on, high-visibility vest, bike reflectors/flasher)

Be Heard (horn, vehicle back-up alarm, bike bell)

Protect Hands (wash frequently, gloves, oven mitts)

Protect Eyes (safety glasses, well-fitting goggles)

Protect Head (hardhat, bike helmet)

Protect Feet (good shoes, safety boots)

Protect body (special clothing as needed for work environment, fall protection

gear)

Every workplace in Saskatchewan is obligated to evaluate the work environment in

regards to potential and actual hazards. Cosmo is committed to informing our

employees of hazards, provide training and safe work procedures to minimize expo-

sure to hazards, and create a safe work environment.

Every worker has the right to refuse a job where they are not adequately protected.

Workers also have the right to communicate concerns and participate in our com-

pany’s Occupational Health and Safety Committee whose goal is to help maintain a

safe workplace.