At the heart of Gravelbourg, a beacon of community support and spirit emerged on June 11th, 1984, when Gravelbourg Bon Ami was incorporated as a non-profit organization. The generosity was spread by the Kinsmen on March 1st, 1986, with a substantial donation of $87,000 which paved the way for growth and impact. Fast forward to October 1st, 1986, a significant milestone was reached when the Day Program building (IPI) was purchased by the Agency. The Day Program opened for services on June 8th, 1987, as the program welcomed its first 9 participants to the Agency. A year later, Gravelbourg SARCAN opened its doors, and has been providing service to the Gravelbourg community ever since. The journey continued as Gravelbourg Bon Ami fundraised for a new Group Home, which opened on January 2nd, 1990.
Dennis Giofu was asked about his time at the agency (37 years) and when reminded of his time here, he said "Holy! That's long!"
As the journey of Gravelbourg Bon Ami, Inc unfolded, our community involvement and innovation weaves a story of resilience and adaptability. In September 1987, the Day Program embarked on a creative venture: Crafting plastic flowers, car streamers and car tops for Special Event Rentals. Simultaneously, the introduction of janitorial services marked a pivotal moment, beginning with the United Church and expanding to Trailtech in 1990, SaskEnergy in 1995, and Prairie Mechanical in 1995. The participants are still currently doing janitorial services at Prairie Mechanical (29 years!).
Garritt Hallborg and Dennis Giofu recall their time cleaning at the different locations throughout Gravelbourg, "I sweep and wash the floor. Dusted at church and vacuum". Says Giofu. Garritt shared "I mopped and swept at SaskEnergy and dusted the stairwell at church."
In 1992, a new chapter unfolded with the start of the newspaper recycling program. The evolution of recycling efforts changed in 1994, with an expansion to colored paper, cardboard, white office paper and computer paper. The Agency purchased a baler in February 1995 and a conveyor sorting table and elevator conveyor in October 1995. The Town of Assiniboia entrusted our Agency for their paper recycling needs from September 1996 to May 1997.
Dennis Giofu recalls the days of the Paper Recycling Program, "I helped fill the crate." Garritt Hallborg recalls his duties with the recycling program, "I put paper in the shredder and took staples out of paper."
Rosalie Connors, Day Program Supervisor, recalls the days of the Paper recycling and looks back fondly on those times. "The paper recycling program gave us a variety of jobs that could be done at various skill levels. When the blue bins were implemented in Gravelbourg, the paper recycling slowed down and eventually had to be phased out."
The inception of the Car Wash program was sparked by a request from the Gravelbourg RCMP. This program not only served the community, but also symbolized our agency's dedication to service. However, the winds of change blew in 2020, leading to the car wash closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and participants' evolving physical abilities.
On March 1st, 2000, IPI was approved by SARRC (Saskatchewan Association for Resource Recovery Corp) to own and operate an Eco Centre. The Eco Centre is a collection depot for used oil, oil filters and anti-freeze. The grand opening of the Eco Centre was held on June 11th, 2001. The Eco Centre continues to operate today and can be accessed by all community members.
IPI Day Program has a rich history filled with many different programming ventures and new innovations.
Connors describes the Day Program, "It's always a learning experience, every day. We continue to do cleaning contracts, cut rags, sort and store donations for garage sales, take used oil, filters and antifreeze at the Eco Centre, and of course, arts, crafts, games and outings."
The Group Home, constructed in the fall of 1989 opened on January 11th, 1990 and stands as a beacon of support and care. Support Workers at the Group Home diligently provide support, supervision and care. The expansion in 1994 to include a Supportive Living Program (SIL) exemplifies the dedication of fostering a nurturing environment for all residents.
Group Home Supervisor, Jackie Berg, describes working at the Group Home, "Every day is something different. It is the most enjoyable job I have ever had. You always look forward to going to work."
Currently, Gravelbourg Bon Ami is engaging the community of Gravelbourg through events and programs. In 2023, Gravelbourg Bon Ami started hosting an annual golf tournament at Thomson Lake. The Agency has also continued to host its well-known and loved Massive Garage Sales in March, August and November of each year, with the addition of a trade show in the November Garage Sale in 2023.
Rosalie Connors says what set's Gravelbourg Bon Ami apart is "We have a small client base, so we are able to provide one on one, individualized programming to our participants"
Gravelbourg Bon Ami, Inc. is helping participants explore career opportunities within the community. Over the past few years, several participants have become employed with businesses in town including Wheatland Pub & Eatery, the Town of Gravelbourg, and Southland Coop.
Jackie Berg shares one participant's experience working in the community, "It has completely brought them out of their shell. The sky is the limit. It is important to see other people in the community and build relationships with people outside of the Agency."
The Agency has evolved each day since its inception in 1984, supporting growth and development for participants. The Agency continues its commitment to improvement and community engagement and is dedicated to creating a supportive and thriving environment for all residents.
The world needs all types of minds - Temple Grandin
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