Person of the Year Award – 2 Awards

Nicole Wasylchew from Grande Prairie

Nicole is a very independent young lady who has overcome many fears in order to explore new opportunities. Nicole’s two greatest fears used to be hospitals and people in uniform. She has worked extremely hard and today volunteers at the QE11 Hospital working with children on the Pediatrics Ward, where she works with people in uniform every day!!! Nicole is a wonderful role model to all of her peers, is always eager to learn, and looks for active ways to increase her independence. Over the years, Nicole has made many connections in Grande Prairie; she makes her way around the city using the public transit system, attends the Lions Learning Center, Community Connections Learning and Leisure and has many other agency involvements. Nicole is a true inspiration and has successfully proven that by setting personal goals and being determined anyone can overcome a challenge and turn it into a victory!!

Suzie Janzen from High Level

Suzie has made great progress in several important areas of her life over the past two years. She has overcome barriers in the areas of speech, learning patience and social skills. Suzie is now able to ask for what she needs using words and shows patience while waiting for a response from others. Suzie’s speech has improved greatly and as a result, she has started to become more social in her community. She interacts more often with staff and other clients as well as with businesses in her community. Suzie is an active employee of Meals on Wheels in High Level. She works at the job 4 days per week, two of which are paid and two of which are volunteer. Suzie has been faithful to this job for 9 years and if there is a day where Suzie can’t make it, her clients are wondering where she is and when she will be back, they really look forward to her visit!!! Suzie has positively influenced the view community members have of adults with developmental disabilities, encouraging others to work with her and or others who may need help. Congratulations Suzie!!!

Individual Leadership Award – 2 Awards

Shannon Thiessen from Grande Prairie

Shannon moved to Grande Prairie two years ago and has already become a well-known personality in our community. Shannon was a strong self-advocate in Peace River and is quickly becoming one here as well. Shannon is a talented singer and keyboard player, often sharing her talent with friends and family as well as local community events. Shannon is an active member of the Grande Prairie community. Shannon’s involvement in the ASLS social club has allowed her to inspire others with her great ideas, help with problem solving and provide encouraging words of advice. Shannon recently spoke on the closing day of the AACL spring conference in Edmonton, inspiring others to be strong advocates for themselves and those around them.

Amanda Harpell from Grande Prairie

Amanda has flourished over the past few years. She has grown from a very shy, sometimes fearful young woman to someone who is self confident and very involved in her community. Her accomplishments this year include becoming involved in R Work Group, the Lions Learning Centre, learning to take the transit bus independently and securing part time employment at the Goodwill Store in Grande Prairie. Amanda has expanded her social circle, spending more time with family and friends at planned events or just having a barbeque and chatting with the neighbors. Amanda is a great person who displays huge courage, and has a wonderful outlook on life.

Employer of the Year award – 2 Awards

No Frills in Peace River

No Frills has created many opportunities for people with developmental disabilities within their organization. By accommodating everyone’s needs and allowing everyone to participate in special projects around the store, No Frills has created a relaxed and very welcoming work place. No Frills are supportive, caring and understanding and provide work opportunities not only in the department the individual was hired for, but in any area of the store that requires an extra hand. No Frills is also very involved in the community of Peace River. They have donated to many organizations, school events and sports programs as well as the Salvation Army. Staff from No Frills have attended town hall meetings, advocating that the town transit continue to allow another mode of transportation for those who cannot drive. Colin and Alison are accepting this award on behalf of No Frills.

Westgate Boston Pizza in Grande Prairie

Boston Pizza adds so much to the community by providing employment opportunities for people developmental disabilities. They work with Community Service Options through Signature Support Services to ensure the jobs are a good match for the individuals. One individual has been employed as a dishwasher in their restaurant since June of 2007 and just recently, they have hired another individual to wash dishes and portion out pasta. They provide work that gives people a chance to learn new things, set goals, and celebrate their success. Individuals receive a competitive wage as well as a generous tip out and free lunches. The staff at Boston Pizza really look forward to the days that these individuals work and have become a great support system in their lives, creating natural supports and increasing independence. Boston Pizza includes these individuals as part of their team, inviting them to all staff parties and annual events ensuring they know they are a valued member of the team. Boston Pizza is not only a supporter of these individuals, but also of the agency they are served by, providing gifts and awards for their annual parties and free tickets to local sporting events. Boston Pizza has shared their opportunity for employment with these individuals and in turn has learned so much about people with developmental disabilities, changing their view since getting to know their co-workers. Thank you for your support Boston Pizza!!

Community Inclusion Award - 2 Awards

Tim Horton’s, downtown Grande Prairie

Tim Horton’s has made many efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. Tim Horton’s employs two individuals with developmental disabilities; one individual has been employed there for almost 13 years. They have shown continuous support in helping this individual grow and succeed and are sure to include her in activities outside of work such as Christmas parties, staff appreciation events and non-work related get-togethers, such as baby showers. Not only does Tim Horton’s provide employment opportunities, but they also support many individuals with developmental disabilities in the community by having a safe, fair and inclusive place to enjoy their coffee and meet up with friends. They do not tolerate ignorance or abuse towards people with developmental disabilities and have asked some of their costumers to leave if they are not treating the individuals with dignity and respect. The staff are great advocates of people with developmental disabilities and as a result, many new friendships have been formed between these individuals and the regular coffee crowd. Thank you Tim Horton’s for providing such a warm and welcoming environment to everyone!!!!

Cornelius and Evangeline Thiessen of Grande Prairie

Cornelius and Evangeline are individuals who are dedicated and involved with people with disabilities in our Community. The Thiessens have been involved with Joy Chapel and Joy Camp in Grande Prairie for the past 13 years. Joy Chapel is a weekly event providing individuals with a full course meal (for a minimal charge) followed by a chapel service with singing, prayer and a sermon. Joy Chapel involves those who attend by celebrating birthdays, praying for those who are sick and having participants actively involved in the service. This evening provides everyone who attends with laughter and positive messages of friendship. It encourages individuals with developmental disabilities to get out of the house and meet new people. Because of Joy Chapel, many natural supports and friendships have been created. It also allows service providers, agency staff and volunteers the opportunity to network with each other and learn about the services that are available in our community. Thank you to Cornelius and Evangeline for all of the hard work and commitment you provide to Joy Chapel and to all individuals with developmental disabilities!!

Community Disability Service Sector Leadership Award - 2 Awards

Joy Lussier, employed with Signature Support Services

Joy is a very strong advocate for the people she works with, regardless of who they are. She is a very personable, compassionate and caring individual who has many years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. She works as a job coach with Community Services Options (CSO), a division of Signature Support Services. Joy goes above and beyond in her role of job coach with CSO, looking at each individual’s life as a whole. Some of the issues that Joy has been a part of addressing over the past year include individual health issues, transportation issues or issues of community isolation. She advocates for the well being of all of her clients and ensures that all stakeholders involved in the individuals lives are working together to promote change for the better. Her passion and belief in the people she works with is amazing. Joy is a wonderful asset to the field and the individuals she works with are fortunate to have someone so dedicated to them.

Linda and Jesse Boyd

individual with a developmental disability named Sonny. This was an answer to the family’s prayers, as it allowed a smooth transition between school to living life as an adult. The Boyd’s have provided a safe, warm and caring home for Sonny, who sincerely value and love him for who he is. The Boyd’s have introduced Sonny to many new people within their huge circle of family and friends. They have provided many recreational opportunities as well, including golf and hockey games, always being the loudest cheerleaders at the games. The Boyd’s have truly impacted Sonny’s life and helped him to become the joy filled person that he is today. Linda and Jesse Boyd are applauded for living PDD’s vision statement, which honours and respects the dignity and equal worth of people with developmental disabilities. Congratulations and thank you to Linda and Jesse Boyd!

Family Leadership Award – 1 Award

Elizabeth Fraser

many areas of her daughter and granddaughters’ lives. This past year Elizabeth advocated for her granddaughter, Kayla, to be able to attend the Grande Prairie Regional College with assistance from the Inclusive Post Secondary Education Program. As a result, Kayla is attending GPRC Early Learning and Childcare Program and is on her way to doing what she loves, working with children. Without the encouragement and support of her Grandmother, Kayla would not be where she is today. Thank you Elizabeth for all of your hard work!!