Patty Sproule, the executive director of Synergy Youth and Community Development Society (Synergy) and a former Rocky View Schools trustee, has announced she will retire on June 30.
After an extensive 45-year career dedicated to helping children, youth, families, and the overall community in Chestermere and southeast Rocky View County, Sproule said her decision to step down this year has brought mixed emotions.
But, as should be the case in such situations, Sproule said the decision ultimately came down to putting her family first.
“My first grandchild was born two weeks ago, so I’ll be spending lots of time with her and the rest of my family,” she said. “Come fall, I hope to do a lot of volunteer work in different areas that I haven’t been able because I’ve been too busy.”
News of Sproule's retirement has stirred a wave of gratitude and admiration throughout the southeast Rocky View County community. Although her departure will leave a void, members of Synergy – a youth-focused community services agency based in Chestermere – say her impact will continue to shape the lives of those she touched.
“While her experience, expertise and dedication will be sadly missed, no one deserves retirement more than Patty,” read a May 31 press release from Synergy. “Over the past 45 years, Patty has selflessly given her time, blood, sweat and tears to serve children, youth, their families, and the community.”
A few highlights of Sproule's work over the past 16 years in Chestermere and southeast Rocky View County include founding or co-founding the Christmas With Dignity Program (now called Gifts of Kindness), Synergy's YELL Youth Council (now called SERVE), the SHOUT program, Community Block Parties, Everyday Angels, Seniors Lunch and Learns, CHEMA (Chestermere Emergency Management Agency), the Chestermere Regional Community Development Foundation, the Chestermere Community Health Care Centre, the Chestermere Bike Park, the Chestermere Gives Back and Langdon Legacies initiatives, a Youth Internship Program, the Langdon Summer Drop In Program, the SE Rocky View Resource and Referral Program, as well as other coalitions, collaboratives and collectives.
Sproule also sat on the Chestermere Policing Committee for several years, and she co-founded the Chestermere Crime Reduction Program and Project Rewrite (an innovative Restorative Justice Program).
According to Synergy's same press release, Sproule's hard work has not gone unnoticed throughout the last four decades, as she has been the recipient of several prestigious awards.
Some of those accolades include ‘The Alberta Parks and Recreation Award for Excellence’ in youth development, and the AUMA (Above and Beyond Municipal Sustainability Award). In addition, the IPAC/Deloitte Public Sector Leadership Innovation Award for her ability to think outside the box and create positive change.
In addition to her role with Synergy, Sproule also served as the Ward 2 trustee for Rocky View Schools from 2017 to 2021, as the board’s representative for public schools in Indus and Langdon.
“There are lots of other things that need to be done in the community, for youth and families and I couldn’t turn my back on that,” Sproule said. “If I could do something about it, I wanted to try.”
While Sproule has won many awards and has accomplished a lot in the community, she said ultimately she was most proud of helping others reach their full potential.
“I’ve been able to help folks make a difference in their lives, I’m really proud of being there for them and walking along with them,” Sproule said. “Secondly, I’m proud of the fact that I’ve mentored many young leaders to be very proficient community, youth and family workers.”
As Sproule embarks on the next chapter of her life, her legacy will continue to flourish. Sproule suggests that having a supportive team is crucial for community workers who aspire to positively impact their communities.
“They need to be able to collaborate with others because you cannot do it alone,” she said. “You can’t possibly have all the strengths that are required to accomplish any one initiative.
“You have to be able to go the extra mile.”
As mentioned in Synergy’s press release, a retirement celebration is planned for June 30 at the non-profit's headquarters at 101, 340 Merganser Drive W in Chestermere. The farewell event will be an opportunity for the community to come together, express their gratitude, and bid farewell to a leader who has dedicated her life to making a positive impact.
For more information, Synergy can be reached at 403-212-0242 (ext. 1) or by emailing [email protected]. For more information on Synergy’s programs, visit yoursynergy.ca
