Prairie Branches fosters entrepreneurship
By Joan Janzen
Prairie Branches in Kerrobert is just one of four-day programs offered in Kerrobert, Wilkie, Unity and Biggar. Eunice Washkowsky, Executive Director, oversees the programs at their head office in Wilkie, and Cindy Ternes is the program coordinator in Kerrobert.
“Cindy is very motivated and gets everyone going,” Eunice said. Cindy oversees five participants involved in the day program, which operates five days a week in the basement of the Kinsmen Hall. She is assisted by five full-time staff and two casual staff members.
L-R: Cindy Ternes - Program Coordinator; participants - Joe Phillips, Darren Hood, Chad Riendeau, Danny Germann; Marleah Whyte - full-time staff. Missing: Participants - Phillip Sperling and Matthew Foster. SUBMITTED PHOTO
The program ensures adults with special needs have a safe environment to enjoy both work and recreation and be empowered to achieve their full potential. Since opening in January 2020, Cindy and her team have developed an amazing program in Kerrobert, which is focused on fostering entrepreneurship.
Participants are able to use their interests and skills in a variety of ways. Darren Hood provides summer and winter yard services for both residents and businesses. He calls his business Hood’s Yard Services. “Snow shovelling is his favourite thing to do,” Cindy said.
Darren also makes Hood’s Homemade Rootbeer, which is available to purchase, as well as helping recycle cardboard boxes at the local hardware store. He definitely keeps busy.
Chad’s Creative Corner is Chad Riendeau’s business venture, where he makes dog treats, as well as Chad’s Sparks fire starters. You’ll also find him doing yard work and shredding paper at SGI.
A candy business called 2Sweet is jointly operated by Joe Phillips and Phillip Sperling. They sell their treats to local businesses, and Phillip also makes and sells homemade hot plates.
Prairie Branches conducts two major fundraisers yearly, selling plants and Christmas wreaths. The proceeds are used to purchase items, such as snowshoes, which they want for the upcoming winter season. The funds also pay for group activities and trips.
The group has enjoyed visiting the Festival of Lights at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm, going horseback riding, and enjoying a train ride out at Stettler. On Halloween Monday, they invited groups from Wilkie, Unity and Biggar to join them at a party and dance. But on a regular basis, they enjoy spending time together doing crafts, celebrating birthdays, playing games and cards. Participants have also taken pottery classes and cooking classes.
On the last Tuesday of each month, the group hosts a coffee and muffin morning, which helps raise funds and gives the participants an opportunity to sell their products to the community. “We’re very fortunate to have the support of the community and local businesses. I’m really thankful for that,” Cindy said.
As well as working alongside the participants, Cindy is busy attending meetings, doing the bookkeeping and keeping everything organized. “I love my job!” Cindy said. “I get the greatest gift because I learn so much from the group of participants.”