Meet Our Team Leaders: Shannon Mills

Posted on By Communications Team
PACE Team Leader, Shannon Mills
PACE Team Leader, Shannon Mills

The DDRC’s PACE program has been offering support to young adults making the transition from high school into the post secondary or working world since 1996. Team Leader Shannon Mills has shared a bit about herself and why she works here.

When did you start at the DDRC?

I started with the DDRC in October 1993.

What made you want to work here?

I was a student at Mount Royal University in the Rehabilitation program (now Disability Studies), and answered an ad to work in the group homes that the DDRC used to own.  I have been with the DDRC ever since in a variety of different roles, but I must say that the Team Leader role is so far my favorite!

What’s the best thing about being a Team Leader?

What I like best about it is the people that I get to see and work with on a daily basis. All of the management team, members of Career and Leisure Services teams, a variety of people from other departments, the PACE team Community Resource Workers, and of course the clients! Every day is a new and exciting day and I love the DDRC community as a whole.

Can you share a recent success story from the PACE team?

PACE has been growing rather fast, and we are currently supporting 48 clients. The team has been very welcoming and has embraced the growth with eagerness and excitement. We have many clients successfully pursuing their education and career goals, and to share a comment from a newer client when asked how things were: “PACE is just blowing my mind!” (In a good way.)

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I love to travel and have been lucky enough to do so! I have been to many places, but still on my list is Australia!

 

We’re Kind of a Big Deal

Posted on By Communications Team

At least, that’s what the people at the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon have told us.

Since the inception of the Charity Challenge in 2010, the Calgary Marathon committee has been shining the spotlight on local charities, allowing runners to turn their race into a fundraising event. Of the 70 charities who have taken advantage of this partnership in 2015, the marathon committee has chosen THREE organizations to promote as “featured charities.” Can you guess who they chose?

That’s right, they chose us! And as you can see, we’re pretty excited. And we’re hoping that this added exposure will help us to reach our team goals:

  • We want Team DDRC to be made up of over 50 walkers and runners
  • We want to raise at least $17,000
  • We want to increase participation from clients, employees, and community members
  • We want to raise awareness of the DDRC and disabilities sector

This is where you come in. If you’re a walker, a runner, or or would like to become one, consider signing up for one of the many race options, and create a fundraising profile with Team DDRC! Fundraising is completely optional, and registering with a charity gets you a discounted fee. Race day is Sunday, May 31.

If running or walking isn’t your thing, you can support team DDRC with a financial donation. No contribution is too big or too small!

If you’ve got spirit (yes you do), come join our cheering squad at the Stampede grounds! No experience is necessary, just bring a big smile and a positive attitude!

We’ll continue to share information on the event as it draws nearer, but you can always contact the DDRC Fundraising Committee at (403) 240-3111 with questions.

For photos from last year’s event, click here.

2015: The Year You Decide

Posted on By Communications Team

In 2014, we introduced you to our Team Leaders, shared client stories, kept you up-to-date on agency events and volunteering opportunities, included you in the re-launch of our Integrated Living Services program and new everyone belongs™ logo. We shared albums, videos, and invited you behind the scenes of monthly activities at the DDRC. Now, we want to know: What do you want to see in 2015?

Whether it’s more photos, videos, or client stories, we want to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like us to discuss, a program you’d like to learn more about, or something brand new you’d like us to try, please share your ideas! You can e-mail your suggestions to [email protected] with the subject line “DDRC Enewsletter,” or leave a comment in the box below.

But before me move on, let’s take one last look at the highlights of 2014:

Happy New Year!