Linda Weatherly – Recreation & Volunteers – Staff Prayer Oct
Leonard Klassen brought us some thoughts on Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” and we prayed for Linda Weatherly.
Purple Light Nights: Bringing Awareness to Intimate Partner Violence
We often think of October as the month that hosts Thanksgiving and Halloween. It is that time of year when the leaves change colour, the nights get cooler, and the days get shorter. You may not know that October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Intimate Partner Violence, also called Domestic Violence, is a serious topic and we want to help support the victims of intimate partner violence and family abuse. This year Menno Place is participating in the Purple Light Nights Campaign. If you’ve been on campus in the evening this month you may have noticed the decorative lights on all of our buildings have been purple. This is a symbol that demonstrates we do not tolerate any form of domestic abuse. Women, men, and children can suffer from domestic abuse. We shine a purple light to ensure people have a safe place to go if they need help, and to show our community that we will never forget those who have suffered or even lost their lives at the hands of violent partners.
If you are a victim of intimate partner/domestic abuse, we encourage you to seek help. There are supports available to you through these channels:
- Those in immediate danger should call 9-1-1
- Those seeking help in the form of therapy, strategies, and safety, can call the Employee Family Assistance Program at 1-800-667-0993 or visit Mennoplacestaff.com/mentalhealth
- Women seeking shelter can contact the Ann Davis Transition Society (Chilliwack) at 604-792-2760 or SARA for Women (Abbotsford) at 604-852-6008 (24-hour access)
- Those who are seeking Mennonite support can call 604-850-6639 or toll free at 1-888-622-6337
- Gentlemen who wish to improve their relationships and be part of a Men’s Support Group may wish to explore the MCC Home Improvement Program by emailing endabuse@mccbc.ca or call 604-850-6639
Please remember that you can also speak to one of our own Chaplains who can provide spiritual support.
There is no place for intimate partner/domestic abuse in our communities. Please be kind to those around you as you don’t know what others are experiencing. If someone confides you and tells you that they are being abused, please encourage them to get help, listen without judgment, and build their confidence.
Please come see the People & Culture department for additional information.
MEMO – $3 Charge for Badge Reels
To: All Menno Place Employees
From: Jessy Manhas
Date: October 24, 2024
Re: $3 Charge for Badge Reels
Dear Team,
Starting November 1, 2024, Menno Place will introduce a $3 charge for the replacement of retractable reels. This decision aims to manage replacement costs effectively while ensuring these items remain available. The charge will be processed as a payroll deduction, similar to the ID badge and name tag replacements.
You can visit the People & Culture offices for a replacement.
Regards,
Jessy Manhas
Welcome Gabriela (Gaby) Loewen – Payroll Coordinator!
Please join me in welcoming our newest team member: Gabriela Loewen – Payroll Coordinator!
Cyber Month week 4: The most proactive generation
Staying a step ahead of cyber criminals is one of the best ways to embody the spirit of Generation Cyber Safe. Let’s look to Gen X for guidance on this one: they know it’s one of the easiest ways you can avoid online threats, especially in professional settings where the stakes are high. In fact, 59% of Gen X business owners say their company files are backed up regularly.
Let’s dive into how you can follow in their footsteps and be proactive about online threats as part of Generation Cyber Safe.
Schedule and automate backups
In the event of a cyber attack like ransomware , backups are your first line of defence against losing data. Set up automatic backups on your personal and business devices to ensure that your data is always saved somewhere safe. Schedule these backups to run regularly to maintain updated copies of your critical information.
It’s equally important to test your back ups regularly to make sure they can be restored without issues. Make it a habit to verify that your backups are working correctly and that you can recover your data when needed.
Store data safely
Whether you use cloud storage , external hard drives or a hybrid approach, finding one or more ways to store data that works for you is an important part of protecting your information. Cloud storage offers easy accessibility, while physical storage provides a secure offline backup. Consider your needs and choose the best combination to keep your data protected.
Make your business more cyber safe
Informing yourself and your team about cyber security threats and best practices is essential. Regular training sessions can help everyone recognize and respond to cyber threats like phishing and ransomware. Make use of resources such as online courses, workshops and webinars to stay informed about the latest cyber security trends and techniques.
Having an incident response plan is important for any small or medium business. Make sure your incident response plan includes the processes and procedures to follow to detect, respond and recover from a cyber incident . Regularly update and test your response plan to make sure it works for you.
Remember that remote or hybrid work introduces additional cyber security challenges. Ensure employees use secure Wi-Fi connections, a virtual private network (VPN) and follow company your cyber security plan when working remotely. Provide them with the necessary tools and training to maintain a secure work environment regardless of their location.
Conclusion
Being proactive in your cyber security practices is all about awareness and being prepared to respond effectively. By securing your backups and maintaining good cyber security, you can protect yourself and your business as a member of Generation Cyber Safe!
Retirement Announcement – Marie Ponting
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of our friend and colleague, Marie Ponting, after 20 incredible years of dedicated service to Menno Place. While we will miss her, we are excited for her as she embarks on this new chapter of her life.
Marie has poured her the heart and soul into her work and is known not only for her exceptional professionalism but also for her warmth and welcoming smile. Whether answering questions or guiding us through complex payroll processes, Marie has always approached her work with joy and competence.
Over the years, Marie has held several positions: Payroll Coordinator for Menno Place, Accounts Payable for Menno Place, and Accounting Coordinator at Menno Hospital.
Please join us in acknowledging Marie’s remarkable career and wishing her all the best in her retirement. Feel free to reach out to Marie with an email or a call to congratulate her. Marie’s last day at work will be Friday, November 8th.
Thank you, Marie, for your unwavering dedication and the joy you have brought to our lives. We wish you endless happiness and new adventures in this exciting new chapter!
You can see some of Marie’s on campus adventures here:
