Engagement Days at CVNQuinte: Where Ideas Become Action

At CVNQuinte, some of the most powerful changes don’t begin in boardrooms or through top-down directives. Instead, they often start at a table surrounded by support workers, sharing a meal, and reflecting together. This is the spirit of Engagement Days—a unique and defining feature of CVNQuinte that sets the organization apart in the field of developmental services.

“Engagement Days are not like any staff meeting I’ve ever had,” says Debbie Brooks, a Direct Support Worker. “It’s not a staff party and it’s not a staff meeting,” she explains. “It’s kind of both in one. It’s serious, but there’s also laughter and real insight.”

What Are Engagement Days at CVNQuinte?

Held a few times a year in small groups, Engagement Days are informal yet purposeful gatherings where support staff meet with Executive Director Terri Korkush. These sessions last about three hours and often take place in familiar, accessible locations like the office boardroom or a local library. Staff are treated to a meal, leave with small gifts, training, and most importantly, are invited to speak candidly about their experiences, ideas, and needs.

“We talk about what we’d like to see different with the agency,” Debbie explains. “Terri updates us on changes that are coming or have already happened, and she asks for our input. It’s very clear that she listens.”

Why It Matters to Employees

For Samantha (Sam) Thrasher, a CVNQuinte Community Support Worker, the impact of Engagement Days is deeply personal. “The first two or three years, I’d write down something I thought needed changing,” she says. “And Terri changed it. By the fourth Engagement Day, I was actually a little stressed out because I had nothing left to suggest—she’d already addressed everything!”

That kind of responsiveness isn’t just refreshing—it’s empowering. “It’s a nice problem to have,” Sam laughs, “It means your voice actually matters. That’s rare in our industry.”

The format itself encourages inclusion and collaboration. “It gives you a chance to meet coworkers you might never see otherwise,” says Debbie. “I work exclusively at one location, and I don’t often meet other support workers. These sessions build real connections.”

A Culture of Listening and Change

While many organizations might promote “open door policies,” CVNQuinte’s Engagement Days offer a tangible example of leadership being accessible and responsive. “Every time someone has come up with something that could be changed or improved,” says Debbie, “Terri has taken it seriously and implemented it—when possible.”

For example, Sam remembers pushing for more tech-based solutions early on. “We moved from writing everything by hand to a completely digital system. That change made our lives easier but it positioned us well when COVID hit. We were already ready to go.”
Another example involved improving how new employees are introduced to the people they’ll support. “We asked for more thorough introductions,” Sam says, “and now they’re more detailed and thoughtful, which makes everyone more comfortable.”

Benefits That Extend Beyond Employees

While the focus of Engagement Days is on listening to and supporting the workforce, the people ultimately benefiting are those served by CVNQuinte.

“When staff feel heard and respected, we show up better,” Sam explains. “I don’t walk into the home of someone I’m supporting while dragging the weight of the job. I’m already in a good place. That means I can give 100% to the people I support.”

Debbie echoes the sentiment. “The people we support pick up on our energy. If we’re feeling low, it affects them too. Engagement Days bring more positive energy to our work. And that’s good for everyone.”

Something Special in the Developmental Services Sector

Both Debbie and Sam have worked in other agencies, and both say CVNQuinte is doing something rare. “In other places, you might see a vision statement on the wall,” says Debbie, “but here, we actually get into the ‘nitty-gritty’ with management. That’s different.”

Sam agrees. “Other organizations have house meetings, but they’re usually focused on day-to-day operations. Engagement Days are big-picture. They’re about growth—both personal and organizational.”

As Debbie puts it, “It’s a practice that brings us together, builds trust, and makes the work better.”
 

Meet Debbie and Sam to learn more about Engagement Days in this special CVNQuinte micro-documentary: