A Historic Milestone: Hiring Our First Employee –
Although the organization was powered primarily by volunteers in its early years, it wasn’t entirely without paid help. Before 1975, a few specific roles—such as a support worker in the O/C program, a contracted bus driver, and a part‑time secretary—had been compensated. These positions, however, were limited in scope and did not represent an ongoing staffed structure.
In April 1975, the Board of what is now Inclusion Chilliwack Society reached an important turning point by hiring its first paid long-term employee, Brenda Gillette. Up until that time, the organization’s “supports and services” had been provided almost entirely by dedicated volunteers, with only a few contracted exceptions.
Brenda’s hiring marked the beginning of a new era—one where the organization could expand its capacity, strengthen its programs, and provide more consistent support to individuals and families. This step reflected the growing recognition of the need for professional, sustainable services within the community living movement.
What started as a grassroots effort powered by volunteer passion was evolving into a structured organization with the resources to make an even greater impact. Brenda Gillette’s role as the first employee remains a proud part of Inclusion Chilliwack Society’s history and a symbol of its commitment to progress and innovation. It proved to be a wise decision too, as Brenda went on to serve for 40 years as the organization’s first Executive Director.