Why SARRCon is a Smart Investment in team and Professional Development

Jan 21
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minute read

Professional development in recovery, mental health, and community services is no longer optional,it is essential. Teams are navigating increasing complexity, higher emotional demand, and growing expectations from the communities they serve. The Southern Alberta Regional Recovery Conference (SARRCon) exists to meet that reality head-on.

Hosted by Our Collective Journey, SARRCon is designed as a high-impact professional development experience for individuals, teams, and organizations working in addiction, mental health, education, social services, and community support across Southern Alberta.

Professional Development That Actually Delivers Value

Too often, professional development feels disconnected from real-world practice. SARRCon is intentionally different.

Attendees earn 12 CACCF-approved Continuing Education hours in just two days, eliminating the need to piece together multiple trainings over time. But SARRCon goes beyond credentialing. It offers learning that strengthens how people show up in their roles emotionally, professionally, and systemically.

For individuals, this means practical tools and renewed clarity.
For teams, it means shared language, aligned approaches, and stronger collaboration.
For organizations, it means investing in staff sustainability, leadership capacity, and retention.

Built for Teams, Not Just Individuals

SARRCon is particularly valuable as a team development opportunity. When staff learn together, they return to work with a shared framework and stronger connection to one another.

Organizations that send teams to SARRCon benefit from:

  • Consistent language around recovery, resilience, and support
  • Improved cross-role understanding between leadership, frontline staff, and support services
  • Stronger collaboration across departments and partner organizations
  • Reduced burnout through tools that support emotional regulation and sustainability

This makes SARRCon an efficient and cost-effective way to train multiple staff members at once while strengthening organizational culture.

Leadership, Resilience, and Sustainability

SARRCon 2026 features a keynote experience intentionally chosen to support leadership and long-term effectiveness in high-stress roles.

Dr. Jody Carrington brings a powerful focus on connection, belonging, and nervous system regulation which are critical elements for both staff wellbeing and effective leadership. Her work resonates deeply with professionals who support others while managing their own emotional load.

Jill Drader leads a two-hour immersive workshop grounded in Knowings: Where Logic and Intuition Meet. This deep-dive experience replaces traditional breakout sessions and allows participants to develop self-awareness, intuition, and clarity; skills that directly support decision-making, leadership presence, and resilience.

Together, these sessions equip attendees with tools they can bring back to their teams immediately.

Strengthening Cross-Sector Collaboration

Recovery does not happen in silos. SARRCon brings together professionals from education, health, social services, peer support, and community organizations to strengthen collaboration across systems.

For teams, this means:

  • Better understanding of partner roles and services
  • Stronger referral pathways
  • Increased confidence navigating complex systems
  • More coordinated support for individuals and families

This cross-sector learning is especially valuable for organizations serving youth, families, and individuals with overlapping mental health, addiction, and social needs.

A Strategic Use of Professional Development Resources

With budgets tight and demands high, organizations must be intentional about where they invest professional development dollars. SARRCon offers strong return on investment by combining:

  • Credentialing (12 CACCF hours)
  • Leadership development
  • Team alignment
  • Regional networking
  • Practical, applicable tools

Instead of sending staff to multiple disconnected trainings, SARRCon consolidates learning into one meaningful experience that benefits both the individual and the organization.

More Than a Conference

SARRCon is not just about information, it’s about strengthening the people and systems that support recovery in Southern Alberta.

For professionals, it offers growth, clarity, and connection.
For teams, it builds shared understanding and resilience.
For organizations, it supports sustainable leadership and effective service delivery.

As the demands on recovery-focused professionals continue to grow, investing in meaningful, aligned professional development has never been more important. SARRCon provides that opportunity intentionally, collaboratively, and with lasting impact.

SARRCon 2026 takes place March 19–20 in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

To learn more about registration, team attendance, or vendor opportunities, reach out to us at info@ourcollectivejourney.ca or head over to our Eventbrite Page to buy now.

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