Battlefords Residential Services Inc. (BRSI) held their annual Christmas and awards function Nov. 27 in conjunction with Battlefords Community Players supper theatre at the Western Development Museum.
Long service by a number of employees was recognized during the evening.
Recognized for 25 years service were employees June Newsham, Marie Schneider and Deborah Bartlett and board member Yvonne Nyholt. Linda Harley earned a 15-year award, and 10-year awards went to Debbie Heit and Hnatasha Danyluk. Five-year awards went to board members Pat Zaychkowsky, Shelly Leite and Lillian Pooyak.
Bartlett, Schneider and Newsham were employed with Battlefords Residence Committee prior its amalgamation with Battlefords Developmental Centre and Residence Association on March 20, 1986. Nyholt was on the board of directors of the Battlefords Developmental Centre and Residence Association at the time of the amalgamation. The new organization, Battlefords Residential Services Inc. (BRSI) is a non-profit organization providing residential services and supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
In presenting Yvonne Nyholt with her award, Bartlett advised that Nyholt is currently the chairperson of BRSI. In addition, she sits on the Program Committee, A & D Committee, HR Committee, Negotiating Committee and the BRSI/ BCIA Committee. Nyholt has also served on the SARC (Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres) Board of Directors as the North Region Associate Member Representative for several terms. Nyholt has proven herself to be a determined, dedicated board member, working tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Nyholt presented the other three 25-year service awards indicating Deborah Bartlett, executive director, has been a tower of strength, dedication and a wealth of knowledge over the years.
She said June Newsham, manager of Laurentian House, has created a loving home for the individuals for whom she cares. Newsham believes in the little things that make people happy and content, she said.
Marie Schneider, co-ordinator of program services, is a hard working, caring person who will continue to seek and investigate every possible avenue to setup individual programs so that every client can have the best possible life, Nyholt said.
Nyholt concluded by expressing thanks and appreciation, on behalf of the board of directors, to all BRSI staff members, for their hard work and dedication.
