Several employees of SaskAbilities in Swift Current were recognized last week for hitting various milestones.

Roy Whitlock has been at it 30 years, Donald Hildebrandt and Vickie Hiebert for 25, while Caridad Gonzales, Dwight Larter, Renae Pitchko, and Kyle Froese have been employed for 10 years.

"SaskAbilities is really fortunate to have several employees that have served both the organization and the community for many years, and those that have served us the longest have really contributed so much to the community," said SaskAbilities Regional Director Kimi Duzan. "Looking, for example, the folks that have worked with SARCAN for a while, they've seen the growth and changes at SARCAN and still rise to the occasion to come to work and do a great job everyday."

SaskAbilities has about 70 employees covering a wide spectrum of abilities.

"The long-service awards reflects people of all abilities," Duzan said. "I think that's the other thing. Not that they're separate or different, but our hiring practices are inclusive; we promote that to the community, but we practise what we preach. So we have inclusive employment, so the long-service recipients reflect inclusive employment."

The group that was recognized comprises SARCAN employees, one that works at the sewing department, and one that works with Partners in Employment, which Duzan said helps job seekers "find their place in their community."

Duzan added the recognition "speaks to the employees that really align with SaskAbilities values and values of inclusion for people of all abilities, and they're all excited in their part of what they can do to make a difference in the community, and what they bring to the organization as a whole in terms of morale and an upbeat attitude and spirit that is very encouraging."