Upcoming Dates:
- October 13 Thanksgiving Day
- October 14 Flu Vaccination Day at RFCSL
- October 31 Halloween Party & Fund-Raising Lunch at RFCSL
- December 25-31 Holiday Closures
A Message from the CEO
Dear RFCSL Community,
As we are transitioning into the final quarter of the year, I’m delighted to share updates on our organization’s progress from April through September 2025 and outline our focus for the fall. Our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional services and nurturing a supportive community remains our paramount objective.
Organizational Updates
Management is currently focused on ensuring stable, high-quality operations while actively preparing for future strategic shifts.
- Structural Evaluation: We are proceeding with the plan to consolidate similar front-line roles into a single job position. This strategic move aims to promote greater accountability and equality across our team, with targeted implementation for April 1, 2026.
- External Stakeholder Support & Engagement: We are committed to sharing our operational expertise to benefit the wider community support network. We are developing detailed guidance for other organizations on critical governance and operational matters, focusing on: Governance and Transparency, Compliance and Risk Mitigation, Financial Integrity.
Commitment to Exceptional Client Care
Providing the highest standard of care and maximizing the quality of life for the individuals we support remains our utmost priority.
- Focus on Person-Centered Planning: We continue to emphasize highly individualized support focused on promoting independence and community inclusion for every client. Our planning ensures services directly address the unique goals and needs of each person.
- Seamless Transitions: We are actively streamlining our intake and placement processes to ensure smooth and timely transitions for all new and moving individuals, minimizing disruption and anxiety during changes in service.
- Client Success Stories: We celebrate and highlight successful client outcomes, such as achieved milestones, positive adjustments to new environments, and the development of strong, supportive relationships. These stories demonstrate the value of our commitment to quality service.
Community Engagement Highlights
Our dedicated committees have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant and engaging environment, enriching our clients’ lives through active community participation:
- Skills and Inclusion: Our programs are continually evolving to offer activities that promote both skill development and meaningful social interaction within the community.
- Fundraising Success: Our recent fundraising initiatives have been successful in raising funds to support new and expanded client activities and programs.
Prioritizing Self-Care
We want to emphasize the importance of self-care. Your health and well-being are paramount and prioritizing them is essential for both your personal fulfillment and your ability to provide excellent client care.
Seeking Your Feedback for Continuous Improvement
Your feedback is invaluable. If you have any suggestions, insights, or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at rakeshp@resourcefulfutures.org.
Looking Ahead to Continued Growth
As we move forward through the remainder of 2025, our commitment to our core mission remains steadfast. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to sharing further updates with you in the coming months.
Thank you for your continued support and unwavering commitment to our mission.
Best regards,
Rakeshkumar Patel, CEO
Highlights & Appreciation from HR
As we wrap up another busy and rewarding quarter, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible efforts, milestones, and contributions across our organization. From performance review engagement to safety initiatives, team transitions, and service anniversaries—this quarter has been filled with growth, collaboration, and meaningful progress.
Here are some of the highlights we’re proud to share:
Thank You to All Employees for an Incredible Performance Review Engagement
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this performance review process such a meaningful and successful experience. One of the highlights this quarter was connecting with each of you through your reviews—it was truly inspiring to learn about your individual achievements and the goals you’re working toward.
Together, we’ve finalized self-initiated goals and aligned them with key performance indicators, laying a strong foundation for continued growth and development. Your enthusiasm, openness, and commitment made this process not only productive but deeply rewarding.
I’m excited about the journey ahead and look forward to supporting your ongoing success. Thank you again for your collaboration and for making this initiative so impactful!
Updated Policy & Procedure Manual
We have recently finalized updates to our Policy & Procedure Manual, which is now accessible in a convenient digital format.
- Health & Safety Handbook: The relevant department is diligently developing a comprehensive Health & Safety Handbook that strictly adheres to OHS guidelines.
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP) Development: Our team has successfully developed a new, tailored Emergency Response Plan (ERP) designed to fit the specific needs of our organization. This plan has been circulated to the Leadership Team for review and feedback. Once reviewed completed the plan can be finalized and implemented promptly.
HR & Performance Initiatives
We are excited about the launch and implementation of several key HR initiatives designed to enhance efficiency and employee support.
- Performance Review Integration (via Internal Portal): We have completed the finalization of performance review questionnaires and are actively integrating them into our ShareVision. This ensures comprehensive profiles, real-time performance tracking, and streamlined record-keeping for better talent management and retention. HR will perform performance reviews for each employee in March 2026.
- Goal Setting: Our HR team has successfully completed the initial individual performance goal setting for all employees for September 2025. This initiative was led by Kendra, who focused on setting customized goals that leverage each employee’s individual ability to maximize their performance and potential.
- These goals are now a vital monitoring tool. Employees will meet with HR in March 2026, or as needed, to formally review their progress. Concurrently, completing the twice goal review cycle September 2025 and March 2026.
- Job Description Review: A comprehensive revision of all employee job descriptions is nearing completion and will be distributed shortly.
Thank You to the Health & Safety Committee
A sincere thank you to the Health & Safety Committee for your continued support and collaboration. Your dedication has been instrumental in advancing our workplace safety initiatives. This quarter, we’ve made significant progress on three key projects:
- Health & Safety Handbook: A dedicated resource for employee training and onboarding, offering clear guidance and expectations to support a safe and informed workplace.
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP): Integrated into the handbook for training and also available as a stand-alone document. It will be part of facility management protocols to ensure quick and effective emergency response.
- Committee Terms of Reference: The newly implemented RFCSL Terms of Reference provide structure and clarity for the committee’s roles and responsibilities.
Your insights and teamwork have been invaluable. Thank you for helping us build a safer, stronger, and more resilient workplace.
A Special Thank You to Jordan
A big thank you to Jordan, who has quickly and confidently stepped into his new role as RFCSL Trainer. In a short time, he has taken full ownership of our in-house training programs, bringing energy and a fresh perspective to the team.
Jordan has also begun incorporating training sessions for individuals receiving services, offering valuable insights and growth opportunities for everyone involved. His initiative and commitment are making a real impact, and we’re excited to see how this role continues to evolve.
Thank you, Jordan, for your outstanding contributions and enthusiasm!
Fond Farewell to Ashley and Madison
We say heartfelt goodbye to two of our valued Day Program team members, Ashley and Madison. Your dedication, compassion, and positive energy have left a lasting impact on our team and the individuals we support.
You will truly be missed. We are deeply grateful for the time, care, and commitment you’ve shared with us. Wishing you both all the best in your future endeavors—may your next chapters be filled with success, growth, and happiness.
Thank you for everything!
Celebrating Milestone Achievements
Please join us in congratulating our dedicated team members on reaching incredible service milestones:
- Lorelyn G. and Guien C. (Community Access) — celebrating 10 years of outstanding service!
- Justin R. (Permitted Subcontractor) celebrating 5 years of commitment and excellence!
Thank you for your years of dedication and hard work. It’s individuals like you who make it possible for us to continue delivering exceptional service and support. Congratulations once again!
Welcoming New Faces to Resourceful Futures
Last but certainly not least, we’re excited to be welcoming new faces to our services, both new employees and individuals receiving support. As you see new team members or participants joining us, please extend a warm Resourceful Futures Welcome!
Take a moment to introduce yourself, get to know them, and help them feel at home. A friendly smile, a kind word, or a helping hand can go a long way in making someone feel valued and included.
Let’s continue to foster a culture of connection, respect, and belonging—because together, we make Resourceful Futures a truly special place to be.
Kendra, HR Manager
RESIDENTIAL COORDINATOR’S CORNER
Happy October!
We would like to first start off with how grateful we are for your continued support with our folks.
October is a time of reflection with the leaves falling, animals getting ready to sleep for the winter months and all of us preparing to hunker down for the cold winter days.
As we gear up for the long winter days, please assist your individual to ensure they have a winter jacket, boots, gloves/mittens and hat.
Our agency is open in inclement weather. If the weather is too cold ( -20 or lower) or snowstorms, it is recommended to keep your individual home or if safe to do so, you can drive to their day program or activity and pick up. Please call Sharon 587-747-1189 to let her know that they will not be attending RFCSL’s day program. Under extreme weather conditions, the agency will send out a memo to inform that your individual will need to stay home. We advise, if you have another job and your client cannot be left alone, to have respite available for these unpredictable situations.
Share Vision has been successful, so we are close to a paperless environment. Please continue to complete all required documentation from the 1st-5th of each month. Ensure you have completed the goal updates, water temperature, respite done in that month, if applicable, emergency drills, M.A R sheet, once they are completed, please then complete your INVOICE.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact:
Shelly- 587-747-1186
Linda- 587-747-1183
Guien-587-747-1188
Tracy-587-747-1187
Thank You for all you do.
COMMUNITY ACCESS PROGRAM
A look back at our exciting year so far!
As we reflect on the past few months, it’s wonderful to see how much we’ve accomplished together as a team and community!
In April brought us the joy of Easter, which we celebrated with enthusiasm and togetherness. We also hosted a fundraising lunch, where we served delicious baked chicken legs, pasta salad, and fresh fruit. It was a heartwarming event that brought smiles and helped raise funds for future programs.
We celebrated Frontline Appreciation Week in May, a special time to recognize and thank our incredible staff for their dedication and hard work. Each day was filled with thoughtful surprises and treats, and we also shared a special appreciation lunch in gratitude for all the meaningful things our staff do for the clients we support.
June was just as exciting with our Fundraising Bake Sale organized by the Social Committee. Our doors were open to neighbouring offices to come and enjoy a variety of homemade goodies, cookies, pastries, and bread lovingly baked and donated by guardians, staff, and clients. The event was a great success, and we received so much positive feedback from our visitors.
We are in the Stampede Month of July, we held our Annual Stampede Party, a highlight of the year! Everyone dressed up in their best western wear, enjoyed Stampede-themed games, watched amazing client dance presentations, and shared in a hearty Stampede lunch prepared by our admin team. It was a truly festive celebration of community and spirit!
To wrap up the summer, August brought our Summer Year-End Party at Pearce Estate Park. Spending the whole day outdoors was a refreshing change from our usual routine. Clients and staff enjoyed nature walks, fun games, and quality time together, surrounded by the beauty of the park a day full of laughter, sunshine, and memories.
In September, we came together to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Staff and clients wore orange shirts to show solidarity and support for Indigenous communities and to reflect on the importance of truth, healing, and awareness. Also, during this month, the Employee Relations Committee (ERC) hosted its first-ever fundraising lunch, serving noodles, coffee, and desserts. The event was a success, with proceeds going toward our social fund. We truly appreciate the ERC’s initiative and the teamwork that made this event possible, and of course, the food was delicious!
Throughout the year, we have also been making the most of free community programs offered through the City of Calgary’s Community Hubs and local libraries. These activities provide great opportunities for learning, social engagement, and connection within our community.
Looking ahead, the Day Program is continuing to evolve. We’re excited to announce that new and refreshed activities will be introduced starting January 2026, bringing even more engaging and meaningful experiences for clients and staff alike. Our group activities continue to thrive, showcasing the teamwork, creativity, and shared joy between staff and the individuals we support.
As always, please remember to check ShareVision regularly to stay updated on news, events, and information about the individuals we serve.
We encourage everyone to keep sharing your ideas and initiatives as we continue this journey together. Let’s move forward as one united by our vision and mission and inspired by the incredible progress we’ve made as a community. Lastly, we are getting into cold months once again; here are some reminders for the season.
Cold Weather Reminder – Dress for the Season! ❄️
As we move closer to winter, the temperatures are dropping. It’s important to dress warmly to stay safe and comfortable while participating in community activities.
Why it matters:
- Staying warm helps prevent cold-related illnesses like frostbite and hypothermia.
- Proper clothing keeps you comfortable so you can enjoy your day without feeling chilled or distracted.
- Being prepared means you can focus on your activities and stay active, even in colder weather.
✅ Cold Weather Checklist:
- 🧢 Toque or warm hat – to keep your head and ears warm
- 🧤 Gloves or mittens – to protect your hands from the cold
- 🧥 Warm jacket or coat – preferably insulated and windproof
- 👕 Extra layers – like sweaters or thermal shirts
- 🧦 Warm socks – to keep your feet cozy
- 👢 Waterproof boots – to keep your feet dry and warm
Let’s all take care of ourselves and each other by dressing for the weather. Stay warm and enjoy your time in the community!
Community Access Team
Client of the Month
APRIL 2025, IBRAHIM A.
MAY 2025, CODY W.
JUNE 2025, PUNEET G.
JULY 2025, KEITH T.
August, 2025, Brady M.
Congratulations to our Client of the Month !!!
Employee of the Month
March 2025, Rajlaksmi N.
April 2025, Josef D.
May 2025, Shirley M.
June 2025, Oluwafemi A.
July 2025, Charna D.
August 2025, Ashley E.
September 2025, Derrick K.
Eric Herzog – “Eric the Red”
Eric Herzog, fondly known as Eric the Red, joined RFCSL in 2022. From the moment he arrived, he made a lasting impression. Though non-speaking, Eric communicates powerfully through his letter board and keyboard, using the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) to express his thoughts, ideas, and emotions. His ability to share his inner world through written words continues to inspire everyone around him.
Eric’s creativity shines in his poetry—many of his works have been published, reflecting his insight, sensitivity, and resilience. One of his most meaningful poems captures his personal journey of moving out and transitioning into a brand-new home. In this piece, Eric opens about the excitement, challenges, and independence that come with such a major life change, offering readers a glimpse into his growth and courage as he embraces a new chapter in his life.
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 for helping us keep our community informed and engaged!
