Many people express a desire to collaborate, but over the last five years, we have found that, in many cases, this is more for their own benefit rather than for the clients they serve. However, we have also had some incredible collaborations with organizations such as Ember Productions, Possibilities Recovery Center, Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce, Nourish, Nova Physic, Legacy Fitness, Evolve Counselling, The Early Years Center, and Panko Law to name a few. These partnerships have been truly meaningful, focused on mutual support and community well-being.

Lately, we have observed instances where businesses claiming to collaborate have instead poached social workers from our team, failed to communicate effectively, and been largely unavailable for genuine partnership efforts. With that being said, when considering collaboration or using someone’s services, it is essential to examine whether they genuinely follow their mission and values. Many organizations advertise strong values but do not actually uphold them in practice.

At CCS, we frequently revisit our core values to ensure they remain at the forefront of our work. We do not believe in poaching workers or ideas; rather, we are committed to collaborating in ways that genuinely benefit our community.

Our Core Values at CCS:

• Safe Space: Every individual has the right to a safe, non-judgmental environment to share their story.

• Equality and Compassion: We treat all individuals with empathy, dignity, and respect.

• Support for Rural Communities: Dedicated to providing resources and support to rural and underserved areas.

• Client-Centered Approach: Meeting clients where they are, focusing on their unique needs and journey.

• Community Collaboration: Actively engaging in meaningful partnerships to strengthen and give back to our communities.

• Continuous Learning: Committed to ongoing education, professional growth, and evidence-based practices.

• Supervision and Accountability: Regular reflection with external professionals to ensure integrity and excellence in practice.

These values are the foundation of everything we do. We take great pride in creating safe spaces, maintaining a client-centered approach, fostering community collaboration for the benefit of clients rather than ourselves, and ensuring continuous learning for our therapists.

When looking into supporting businesses, take the time to examine their mission and values. Ask them how they are fulfilling their stated commitments. True collaboration should be built on trust, shared goals, and a dedication to the well-being of those we serve.