Released on December 2, 2016
Today, Social Services Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor and Education Minister Don Morgan attended a grand opening ceremony for a new group home in Saskatoon.Operated by L’Arche Saskatoon Inc., the group home supports four individuals experiencing intellectual disabilities. Two of the four individuals living in the home are former residents of Valley View Centre in Moose Jaw.
“I am pleased that another group home is opening in Saskatoon that supports the inclusion of individuals experiencing disabilities in the community,” Beaudry-Mellor said. “Our government understands the value of community-based supports, and we are proud of our investments in organizations like L’Arche that provide high-quality programming and support our vision of making Saskatchewan a more accessible, inclusive and welcoming province.”
The Government of Saskatchewan provided more than $560,000 toward the mortgage of this group home, as well as more than $420,000 in annualized operational funding. L’Arche Saskatoon receives approximately $940,000 from the Government of Saskatchewan annually to support its programs.
L’Arche Saskatoon is part of the L’Arche International Federation which works to create homes, programs and support networks for individuals experiencing disabilities. In addition to the new group home, L’Arche Saskatoon operates another group home for four individuals and a day program that supports six individuals. Live-in assistants provide the supports needed by the individuals living in the homes.
“We are very grateful for the support from the Government of Saskatchewan and for the ongoing faithfulness and generosity of our donors and friends,” L’Arche Saskatoon Executive Director Wyndham Thiessen said. “Opening our new home allows us to continue growing in our mission to enable people experiencing intellectual disabilities to find a place of belonging and to share their gifts with others—both in their home and also in the wider community.”
The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to individuals experiencing disability so they can fully enjoy their rights and freedoms and participate in their communities.
In June 2015, a comprehensive Disability Strategy was released which includes six priority areas: transportation, respite, accessibility legislation, residential services, service co-ordination and navigation, and awareness/understanding of the rights of people experiencing disabilities.
Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $3 billion to support those living with disabilities.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca