WCA & SARCAN celebrate anniversaries!
By Joan Janzen
The evening of Friday, June 29th was a combined celebration of the anniversaries of West Central Abilities Inc. (WCA) and SARCAN in Kindersley. WCA celebrated their 50th anniversary, and SARCAN celebrated 35 years of service. Memorabilia was displayed throughout the facility for guests to view, while the local band ‘Lifestyle’ provided musical entertainment.
After a delicious meal, catered by Simply Satisfied, Lloyd Griffith, vice-chair of the WCA board, welcomed the guests and thanked committee members for making the evening possible. He introduced the Board of Directors and shared the lengthy journey of the WCA, including name changes and location changes.
He reviewed the beginning of SARCAN and its expansion, as well as the purchase of the first group home and building of several more group homes. He listed the many services provided by WCA throughout the years. Lloyd noted that everyone is looking forward to the completion of their new facility.
MLA Ken Francis extended greetings on behalf of the provincial government. He congratulated WCA and SARCAN on their anniversary.
30-Year Service Award Recipients: Kim Edmunds, Leanne Boychuk, Carmelita Kellington. Photo by Joan Janzen
Retiree Cindy Stanley was honoured after 25 years of service, presented by Leanne Boychuk. Photo by Joan Janzen
25-Year Service Award Recipients: Colette Pelletier and Linda Peterson. Photo by Joan Janzen
Craig Bews offered a few words from the perspective of a family member. His brother Brad has been part of the WCA community for 43 years. He offered heartfelt appreciation to the staff, and also thanked the clients. “I feel better having met them,” he concluded.
Normally service awards are presented twice a year at the Annual General Meeting and Christmas party, however larger public events had not been held for several years. As a result, award recipients received recognition at the 50th anniversary celebration.
Service awards were presented by Leanne Boychuk to employees, and retiree Cindy Stanley was recognized for 25 years of service.
3 Year Recipients were - (2021): Maypole Alberto; (2022): Amber St.Denis, Kristine Varona, Heather Moore, Brianna Schmaltz, and Randy Dorscht.
5 Year Recipients were - (2021): Hannah Bongbong; (2022): Danilo Santos; (2023): Michelle Winacott, Carrie Taylor.
10 Year Recipients were - (2020): Amanda Hammel, Alyssa Reiss; (2021): Rody Luzana, Leandro Palmero.
15 Year Recipients were - (2022): Regan Overand, Amber Soveran.
25 Year Recipients were - (2022): Colette Pelletier, Linda Peterson.
30 Year Recipients were - (2021): Carmelita Kellington; (2022): Leanne Boychuk, Kim Edmunds.
Graduates of the STRIDE training program receiving recognition were: Nishil Pethani, Michelle Winacott, Kristine Varona, Nichole Vergara and Nicole Miranda.
The evening concluded with an invitation to guests to enjoy a piece of cake in honour of retiree Cindy Stanley.