Learning from Our Skills Community

An important perspective on what has been challenging and helpful during the pandemic

This piece was compiled and written by Rebecca Rubuliak, Senior Leader of Research and Social Innovation The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a great deal of uncertainty to our lives - but we have each experienced these challenges in different ways. We wanted to hear directly from our Skills community about their lived experience during the pandemic and what they needed most from Skills along the way. Three surveys were sent out to the people we serve, their families and Guardians, and our staff to understand their perspectives and hear their ideas on how we could better support their feeling of connectedness. The people we serve were also invited to participate in virtual learning conversations to share their ideas and highlight moments of connectedness during the pandemic. This section highlights some of what we heard and learned from our community.

Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.’

Brene Brown Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead (2013)

WHAT WE HEARD

The Challenge of Staying Connected

During the pandemic, staying connected has been more difficult than ever - but also more important than ever • COVID-19 and all the changes associated with it have made it challenging to grow connections and deepen a sense of belonging

People yearn for physical contact with family, friends, pets, support workers and neighbours • While digital tools help with staying connected to others, it is not as meaningful as in-person, face to face connection

The challenge of maintaining a ‘family feel’ amongst employees within a large organization like Skills has been made more difficult by COVID-19 • Employees generally reported feeling quite positive and that they belong and are part of the Skills family - while also recognizing the need to continue to get creative around ways to stay connected and support each other • Employees enjoyed staying connected through Zoom and emphasized how important monthly team meetings were especially during the pandemic

Supporting Mental Health & Well-Being

The people we serve reported being most proud when they were able to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing, along with their work and volunteer opportunities. COVID-19 disrupted many key pieces that contribute to a rich and full life. Even though the safeguards during COVID-19 protect people, it has led to further isolation, requiring a stronger focus on supporting mental health.

Despite these difficulties, people also shared pride in how they adapted as best they could, and how their actions kept them, their loved ones, and their community safe. It may not be a time for thriving but instead a time for perseverance.

Our Skills Society family of employees has navigated unprecedented pressures while helping to steward our community through this pandemic as safely as possible. Employees shared that they felt their mental health and wellbeing was well-supported through the sessions and supports offered by a wellness coach.

“Now more than ever, we need to have more, or as much as possible, compassion and understanding for one another”

Chris, Skills Society Leadership

LEARNINGS FROM THE LAST YEAR AS WE NAVIGATED THE PANDEMIC TOGETHER

Creativity & Collaboration are Key

One of the main themes from what we heard was the need to be creative in order to maintain physical and mental wellbeing, to build and nurture connections and community, and to support work and volunteer opportunities wherever possible.

People are finding safe and creative ways to connect with friends, family, neighbours and community virtually.

• Being creative and advocating has been key to opening opportunities safely during the pandemic

People have taken this time to learn new technology and exercise their creativity and curiosity

• Exploring creative ways to keep engaged and connected with others at home • It is very helpful when family members or support staff help research and come up with ideas people can engage with at home

“People are able to connect to different things through technology, and are learning and growing. They are connected to the broader community. I hope this continues post pandemic.”

Jan, Skills Society Leadership

Having access to outdoor spaces has played a significant role in supporting mental and physical wellbeing, and in-person connections

“Visit with friends and family in the backyard… participate in neighbour activities… growing garden and flowers in the backyard with neighbours/friends”

Someone we serve

Employees shared that having the opportunity to collaborate and creatively problem solve with co-workers and colleagues brings joy and meaning to their work “I like the values Skills encourages”

Skills Employee

One practice that helps build morale and provides comfort in uncertain times is to remember our purpose and the shared vision of our collective work. As Skills Society employees, it is clear we all derive meaning and satisfaction from supporting people with disabilities in living rich and inclusive lives.

“Strong sense of meaningful contributions”

Skills Employee

A FEW ACTIONS WE HAVE TRIED

Here are some of the ways we were able to support and respond to what our community shared:

Regular and On-going Communication

• Continue to communicate how important relational check-ins are between the people we serve, their families and Guardians, and our employees • Sharing feedback - what we’re hearing and learning - with our Skills Community

We know virtual connections are not a replacement for faceto-face connection, and we are all looking forward to being able to connect in person soon. But we hope that some of these virtual offerings have made it a little easier to navigate these tough times.

• CommuniTEA Infusion Project - Weekly virtual events that everyone Skills serves are welcome to join! These events are hosted by people we serve, community volunteers, or the project coordinator - anyone who has a skill or talent they would like to share with the Skills

Community! • 5th Annual Day of Giving - On December 11th, Skills

Society community members and staff gathered online to celebrate the holiday season and generously give back to our community through donations to the Edmonton

Food Bank. • Annual General Meeting - People we serve, their families and friends, and supporters of Skills came together online to check in and reflect on the year that’s gone by • Inclusive Art Program for Residents of Melcor - This program is offered through a collaboration with Nina

Haggerty Centre for the Arts and the YMCA Melcor

Welcome Village. Classes are taught virtually by an artist from the Nina. Just like before, residents of Melcor and neighbouring community members can get creative and connect with one another!

New Social Committee and MyCompass Employee Connection Corner

A committee was formed to respond to employees’ suggestions on how to stay connected and support morale and mental wellbeing during COVID-19. This new social committee has been creatively fostering moments of connection between employees, and sharing ways for our entire Skills community to safely stay engaged and connected!

EXPRESSING OUR GRATITUDE

Our sincerest gratitude to our Skills community over this past year as we navigated much uncertainty together. We know it has been challenging and we want to thank everyone for hanging in and doing your part to keep our communities and each other supported, safe, and connected. We will continue to listen in multiple ways to our Skills family, and are committed to building on these lessons as we work together to cultivate community, deepen belonging, and support the engaged citizenship of the amazing people we serve.

For the month of February, the team at Jewell Manor had the idea of filling the walls with love. People we serve and staff wrote and drew things that they love on mini-paper hearts that were then displayed throughout the building. The team shared that everyone enjoyed looking for their hearts and seeing what people value in their lives. This story is an example of connection through shared interests and values.