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Cresteramics still going strong after 47 years

Cresteramics is still a thriving community group
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Cresteramics. (File photo)

For many years, Cresteramics was recognized as a local social enterprise where our participants crafted and sold ceramics. While we take pride in our name, it no longer fully represents us. As logistics costs increased, we had to discontinue ceramics and diversify our products and services. You may have noticed our ‘Cresteramics - The Gift Store’ sign and display window among the other small businesses lining the street in downtown Creston. Perhaps you've shopped with us or met some of the 40+ local artists who showcase their work there. This is just one aspect of what we do under our mandate: Support + Respect + Inclusion = Equality. 

“I was drawn to Cresteramics because it is the happiest place in town," said Brenda Draper, president of Cresteramics Board of Directors. 

Cresteramics Society for the Handicapped originated as a residential and supportive program for individuals and families in 1951 when the Endicott Centre was established to help Kootenay residents born with physical and mental challenges.  

In addition to the store, our day programs have evolved and are mainly hosted at our Cresteramics building at 921 Railway Blvd. We offer opportunities in employment, volunteerism, lifelong learning, healthy living, life skills and art and culture. With funding through Community Living British Columbia (CLBC), we continually adapt to diversify programs, products and services to meet changing needs and remain relevant with current standards. Our board of directors come from diverse backgrounds, interests and skills. 

Donna McCready, the executive director of Cresteramics, has successfully guided the organization for over 25 years, transforming it into the thriving entity it is today.

"The most rewarding aspect of my job is including  participants, caregivers, funders, and community members in developing personalized programs with the staff for our participants," said McCready. "Being part of their journeys towards acceptance and inclusion in all areas of our community is incredibly fulfilling." 

This has resulted in participant visibility in our community while building their skills and abilities. Our success is due to collaboration with community partners, which we continue to cultivate guided by our board  helping us operate as a CARF Accredited Society. 

The range of services we offer to our community partners varies by location, including window washing, mail/courier services, plant watering, janitorial services, kitchen help, and laundry.

“Cresteramics is always available to help if there a specific gap in job duties that is difficult to fill, such as jobs that only take a few hours or a task that seems to fall between job descriptions," said Mimika Coleman, manager of Creston Hotel & Suites/Jimmy’s Pub. "Cresteramics assist their participants in getting to know the job by providing a job coach so that it doesn’t not take away too much time from managers to train new workers.”

Thanks to Bindoya, Brunch Club, Buffalo Trails, College of the Rockies, Creston Denturist, Creston Hotel & Suites, Creston Valley Advance, Creston Valley Insurance, Family Practice Clinic, Golden Flour Bakery, Kootenay Employment Services, Lower Kootenay Band, Mark's Work Wearhouse, Mawson's Sports, Modern Alchemy, Morris Flowers, Mulder's Jewelry, Orchard Dental, Sue's Clothesline, Summit Medical Clinic, TAPS, Vance Furniture, and Wild North Brewery. We couldn’t do what we do without you.  

“For the past 15+ years, Sue’s Clothelines has been proud to partner with Cresteramics," said Sue Thomas, Sue’s Clotheslines. "The work they perform is superior and their dancing while completing the work causes smiles from the people passing by. I encourage everyone to take a closer look at the programs offered or look at becoming a member on the Board.”

Cresteramics has recently expanded to provide services in Golden, B.C. where we are helping develop programming following our collaborative model. 

We are seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals who share our mission and want to make a difference. Whether your background is in business, finance, arts, or community development, we welcome your unique perspective! The time commitment is minimal, with monthly daytime meetings lasting only a few hours. Additional time may be required if you join a subcommittee. 

Contact Donna McCready at cceramic@telus.net or John Wilson cceramicassist@gmail.com with your interest.