Culture of Excellence

SaskAbilities is proud to announce that we have been named a finalist for the prestigious NSBA Business Builder Award 2025 in the Culture of Excellence category. This recognition celebrates organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in fostering positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environments, and we are honored to be considered among such an outstanding group of businesses.

 

As we mark our 75th anniversary in 2025, this achievement is a testament to the ongoing dedication of our incredible team and the values that have guided SaskAbilities since its founding in 1950. What began as a grassroots movement driven by parents seeking better services for their children with cerebral palsy has grown into a province-wide organization that supports over 50,000 children, youth, and adults experiencing disabilities each year.

 

The Culture of Excellence Award is awarded to organizations that prioritize teamwork, collaboration, and inclusivity. At SaskAbilities, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual is empowered to succeed. Our staff is at the heart of our mission, and we are proud to offer programs and services that support diversity, employee well-being, and community involvement. Our work is rooted in shared values that promote mutual respect, honesty, and compassion, and we strive to maintain a workplace culture that reflects these ideals every day.

 

In Saskatoon alone, SaskAbilities operates across six locations, employing over 195 staff members who are passionate about creating a more inclusive community. We place great value on diverse hiring practices, including but not limited to hiring individuals experiencing disability, new Canadians, people from Indigenous communities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We also take pride in our Partners in Employment program, which supports thousands of individuals experiencing barriers to employment as they find and maintain work in the community.

 

In addition to our focus on diversity and inclusion, we place significant emphasis on employee satisfaction and well-being. Our employee retention rate of 8.22% in 2024 demonstrates our commitment to fostering a supportive workplace where staff feel valued and respected. Through initiatives like professional development opportunities, mental health support programs, and an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), we are dedicated to helping our team members thrive both personally and professionally.

 

“Being named a finalist for the NSBA Business Builder Award is a proud moment for SaskAbilities,” said Emily Hurd, Director of Saskatoon Branch at SaskAbilities. “This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our staff and the culture of teamwork, collaboration, and inclusion that we work hard to nurture. As we celebrate 75 years of service, we are reminded that our greatest strength lies in the people who work alongside us to create meaningful change in our community.”

 

At SaskAbilities, we continuously strive to create a healthy and supportive workplace. In 2024, we celebrated 58 employees with a combined 660 years of service, recognizing their long-standing commitment to our mission and vision. We also regularly host staff consultations and team-building sessions to ensure we are meeting the needs of our workforce and continuing to improve our organizational culture.

 

This recognition would not be possible without the ongoing support of our donors, partners, and the wider Saskatoon community. Together, we are building a future where people of all abilities can live, work, and thrive in an inclusive and supportive environment.

 

As we continue to grow and expand our reach across the province, we look forward to celebrating our 75th year with a renewed commitment to excellence in everything we do. We are honored to be part of the NSBA community and grateful for this opportunity to share our story.

 

Stay tuned for updates as we continue our journey toward building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

 

To learn more about the NSBA Business Builder Awards, or to purchase tickets to attend, you can visit their website at https://nsbasask.com/signature-event/business-builder-awards/