HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE:
- Message from our CEO Rakesh P.
- HR Director’s Update
- 2025 Holiday Closures Calendar

Sad News
- It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of our esteemed owner, Rob Halfyard, on November 6, 2024. This unexpected loss has deeply affected all of us at RFCSL. In response to this sudden event, the RFCSL management have appointed myself, Rakesh Patel, as the new CEO to ensure the seamless continuation of our operations. Fortunately, I have been closely mentored by Rob for over a year, gaining invaluable experience in both the operational and financial aspects of our agency. So far, everything is progressing smoothly, and the RFCSL management continues to operate without any disruption to client services and care. Our mission remains to provide world-class client services and enhance the quality of life for our clients. Consequently, we are implementing some changes at the administrative level and in our organizational structure, as detailed below. We are still addressing the legal aspects and future direction of RFCSL, and we will keep everyone informed as more information becomes available.
RFCSL Organizational Structure Changes
- Following the passing of Rob and the retirement of Eric Jensen, there have been some changes at the management level. Kendra Sillito will now serve as the HR Director, and Shelly Nedobroski will take on the roleof Client Services Director.
- The management team has also brought on board Brijeshkumar Patel a Finance/HR Assistant and a System Administrator to support payroll and HR functions, enhance computer security, and improve digital efficiency.
- Sam L. left RFCSL on December 31, 2024, to pursue better career opportunities. Jordan Lorentzon has been hired, with the new job title of Mentor & Onsite Trainer, starting on January 9, 2025.
Christmas Party
- We are delighted to announce that our annual Christmas Party on December 16, 2024, was a tremendous success! There was music, various games and activities for everyone to enjoy, including a raffle with exciting prizes. A festive photo booth was set up, complete with holiday-themed props, allowing everyone to capture fun memories. The event featured a delicious spread of food, including a variety of appetizers, main courses, and desserts, catering to different dietary preferences. Both clients and staff members actively participated, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. The hall was beautifully decorated with holiday lights, ornaments, and a stunning Christmas tree, setting the perfect festive mood. The overall ambiance was joyful and celebratory, with everyone coming together to enjoy the holiday spirit. We received wonderful feedback from attendees, who appreciated the effort put into making the event memorable. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the party, from the organizers to the volunteers and participants.
RBC Bank Volunteers
- We were absolutely delighted to welcome four enthusiastic volunteers from RBC Bank to our event. Their presence and eagerness to assist significantly enhanced the overall experience, making the event even more memorable. The volunteers from RBC Bank brought a vibrant energy and a spirit of generosity that resonated with both our clients and staff. Their contributions were invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for their support and dedication.
Flu Vaccination Success
- Our recent flu vaccination clinics, held on October 11, 2024, and December 18, 2024, at RFCSL, were incredibly successful. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Buffalo Run Pharmacy for their partnership and to everyone who took the time to get vaccinated. Your participation is crucial in helping us maintain a healthy and safe workplace. The high turnout and positive response underscore the importance of these clinics in protecting our community’s health.
Policy & Procedure Manual
- We have recently updated our Policy & Procedure Manual, which is now available in a digital format on the RFCSL website. After logging in, select Documents, then the Policy & Procedures Manual in the drop-down menu. It is essential for everyone to take a moment to review these updated guidelines to ensure we continue to operate smoothly and remain compliant with all regulations. Familiarizing yourself with these policies will help us maintain a cohesive and efficient work environment.
Liability Insurance Renewal
- As of today, I hope all permitted subcontractors and respite workers have renewed their liability insurance, which was due on November 15, 2024. Ensure that you have already sent a proof copy of your renewed insurance to the HR department. If you have any questions or concerns related to liability insurance, please contact the RFCSL HR Department. This is crucial for maintaining compliance and protecting our operations.
Employee Benefits
- Regarding employee benefits, this year RFCSL management has decided to continue with our current benefit provider. After evaluating several companies, we realized that our current provider still offers the best deals.
Online Systems Familiarization
- As we advance, we will be increasingly utilizing our online systems, such as Share Vision and Humi. It is important for everyone to become well-acquainted with these platforms. Should you encounter any issues or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out via email or phone. Our goal is to ensure that everyone is comfortable and proficient in using these systems to enhance our operational efficiency.
Client Care
- Providing exceptional care for our clients remains our foremost priority. We urge everyone to be diligent in their duties and to seek assistance whenever necessary to ensure we deliver the highest standard of service. Your unwavering dedication to the well-being of our clients is greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed!
Self-Care
- Lastly, we want to remind everyone of the importance of self-care. Taking care of your own health and well-being is just as crucial as the care we provide to our clients. Avoiding burnout is essential, and we encourage you to take the necessary steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Feedback for Improvement
- We are continually striving to enhance our services and improve our workplace. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. Your insights are invaluable and play a significant role in our growth and development. Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work!
Best regards, Rakeshkumar Patel, CEO
HR Director's Corner
Join us in giving a big “CONGRATULATIONS” to our (Community Access employee) Dinah Bangsoyao for her 5 year-Milestone with Resourceful Futures. Thank you, for all you have contributed over the years. It is people like you that assist us to provide excellent quality of care. THANK YOU!
Resourceful Futures would like to thank all our Employees, Permitted Subcontractors and Respite workers for their support in completing all new Mandatory Training Requirements that were introduced.
Upcoming In-House training for Employees, Permitted Subcontractors or Respite workers.
Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) will be held Jan 29, 2025, 9am – 4pm
(any respite workers requiring this training please contact Kendral@resourcefulfutures.org to be enrolled)
Open Futures Learning
Continual learning opportunity for all Staff, Permitted Subcontractors and Respite workers.
If you have not completed the Infection Control and Bloodborne Pathogens Module yet this is a reminder that it is now a required course that has been added, please complete. If you require any support with logging in, please contact Kendral@resourcefulfutures.org for support.
Kendra S
Residential Coordinator’s Corner
Another year has come and gone.
We would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to everyone that reached out by email, phone calls, flowers and attended Rob’s Celebration service. There is not a day that we do not think about what Rob has done for our sector and, most of all, for our clients.
We cannot thank Carrie and Colt Chesney enough for your unwavering support, utmost care and dedication to Sen Truong. Sen found his angel wings on December 2, 2024. We will always remember Sen’s infectious laugh and kind heart. Sen will be deeply missed by all.
On Share Vision, you will find the new closure dates for 2025. It will be on each client’s file.
Reminder that the coordinators will be doing home visits and home inspections that coincide with your contract in March and April. We will start to coordinate the dates in early March.
Thank you to all of you for continuing to make our jobs easier. We appreciate your time and dedication to our folks.
Please ensure that your client’s activity schedule including weekends, evenings and days off are posted on their Share Vision Calendar.
Happy New Year from all of us to all of you!
Shelly, Linda and Tracy
COMMUNITY ACCESS PROGRAM
The entire RFCSL Community Access Program is deeply saddened by Rob’s passing on November last year. We will miss him tremendously. The CAP team will strive to continue Rob’s advocacy to continue to deliver utmost support, care and excellent service to the clients in our agency. It is also tragic that we lost a client shortly after. Sen will always have a place in our hearts.
Life’s challenges make us determined and strong to move forward with a positive attitude and high hopes that things will be alright and will be even better.
December of last year, our Assistant Team Leader Sam decided to have a career change. We wish Sam only the best for him and his loved ones.
Please join me and Guien in welcoming Jordan Lorentzon who joined the Community Access Team this year as Mentor/Trainer. Welcome Jordan, we are excited to have you on board.
Enjoy the last quarter of year 2024 photos from our different Day Program activities and events.
Sharon, Guien & Jordan

Josh September 2024

KRISTI October 2024
AMANDA November 2024
Congratulations to our Client of the Month !!!

Employees of the Month:
September 2024: Adele Sialeu “for her passion and care!”
October 2024: Lorelyn Gaoat “for her empathy, enthusiasm, and dedication!”
November 2024: Rajinder “Ruby” Sehrai “she makes beautiful henna designs!”
Food Pantry is going strong! Please continue to access and remember that donations are always welcome. ERC members are always willing to help you access the pantry!
Advocacy! Here are some links to raise awareness about the important work we do!
Important note: we are unable currently to use the name RFCSL in our advocacy, but instead ask you to use your personal names.
*Click here to sign the #stillessential petition and feel free to share this link with your friends and family:
*Click below to download a template to write a letter to the Minister of Community and Social Services, Honorable Jason Nixon.
Note: a more effective letter is one that shares your personal story in the first few sentences.
https://adwa.ca/about-us/essential-but-forgotten-campaign/
*Click below to find out who is your Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). If you are willing, you can reach out to them to arrange a face-to-face meeting.
https://streetkey.elections.ab.ca/
Thank you, and as always, approach with any questions. My ears, and heart, are open!
Jordan Lorentzon Chair of the Employee Relations Committee
Rob’s Celebration of Life: tears were shed, stories were shared, and laughs were too!

Your contributions and or suggestions for our RFCSL Newsletter are appreciated and encouraged.
Please contact Sharon C. via email (sharonc@resourcefulfutures.org) or call Direct Line (587)747-1189 during office hours. Thank you.