Humboldt Sobeys celebrated their inclusive employment initiatives with a gathering at Sobeys on June 15. Pictured: Assistant store manager, Ryan Currie, owners Joanne and Dave Doepker. (Submitted photo/Becky Zimmer)

By Becky Zimmer

Sobeys celebration

Humboldt Sobeys bring home national award after longstanding inclusive employment practices

Jun 17, 2023 | 9:24 AM

Humboldt Sobeys had a chance to celebrate a national achievement yesterday.

The locally owned grocery store received the Canadian Association for Supported Employment’s 2023 Mark Wafer Award for Business Excellence award on June 7 during the second World Supported Employment Conference in Vancouver.

Dave and Joanne Doepker have been a strong proponent of inclusive employment for over 20 years, consciously hiring people with disabilities or people who need additional assistance in the workplace and offering them support and flexibility that fits their needs.

An initiative that first started with one or two people has now grown to seven or eight current employees and a total of 17 individuals in 20 years, going all the way back to when they owned the Humboldt IGA.

As an inclusive employer, Dave, Joanne, and their staff have worked closely with the Humboldt and District Community Services on finding this right fit for anyone who doesn’t fit a traditional work environment. It is far from charity, he said, but finding where people can contribute to their community and better their lives.

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“There’s people that are maybe looking for work, they want to fit in, they want to earn money, if they want to have a job, they want to make their own way. And if nobody gives them the opportunity to work, how are they going to do that?”

Running a grocery store, Dave said they have an advantage in having many different positions available that require different skills and abilities.

“One of the things we did the last time is we brought somebody in, we weren’t sure where they’d fit, and we had them work for one or two weeks in every department and we found the best fit for them.”

Niamh Menz, supported employment coordinator with HDCS proudly spoke about Dave and Joanne’s long standing work in the community. The relationship between the two organizations has just gotten strong over the years, with many stories and successes worth sharing.

“Diversity, equity, and inclusion were a part of Dave and JoAnn’s philosophy from day one. The store reflects our community. Dave and JoAnn are creating a legacy of inclusion and their impact on Humboldt and area is immeasurable.”

While they are not the only ones doing inclusive employment in Humboldt, Dave hopes even more local businesses start to see the value in inclusive employment. HDCS is always there to help and there are always people who want to work who just may need that little bit of extra support and understanding.

“When (businesses) hire somebody that through supported employment, they’re going to usually retain them longer, they’re more loyal. Lots of times, it’s no sacrifice to productivity, customer service or anything else.”

Dave and Joanne were nominated by HDCS and the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres for their dedication to this initiative. While Dave and Joanne were the ones recognized, Dave said that it really is a team effort with all his staff also doing their best to support fellow employees.

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becky.zimmer@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @bex_zim