Released on September 6, 2017
Melville-Saltcoats MLA Warren Kaeding, on behalf of Social Services Minister Paul Merriman, today announced $238,000 in new capital funding to Deer Park Villa Inc., a community-based organization in Ituna that supports people experiencing disabilities.“We are proud to provide this funding to Deer Park Villa so they can continue supporting the inclusion of their program participants and help them reach their goals,” Kaeding said. “Community-based organizations are important partners of ours as we implement the recommendations of the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy and work together to make Saskatchewan a more inclusive place for people experiencing disabilities. We envision a province that is accessible, welcoming and responsive to those experiencing disabilities, and with partners like Deer Park Villa, I know we will achieve that vision.”
Deer Park Villa opened their first group home in 1990. Today, they operate three residential group homes, a day program and a supported living program. They support approximately 20 people experiencing disabilities in Ituna.
This new capital funding will go toward upgrades to washrooms making them fully accessible, installing new windows and doors, upgrading the kitchen and program areas, as well, further upgrades to lighting and electrical. A personal care room will also be developed and will feature a century tub for participants who are supported through the supported living program or who have mobility issues.
“Ituna benefits from having our program participants included in our community and sharing their talents, skills and personalities with us,” Deer Park Villa CEO Chrystal Boyarski said. “This new funding from the Government of Saskatchewan will help us improve our building and expand our programming so we can continue supporting the inclusion of people experiencing disabilities and help them realize their hopes and dreams for the future.”
The Saskatchewan Disability Strategy was released by the Citizen Consultation Team in June 2015. Government accepted the Strategy and is focused on the foundational work of six priority areas including: transportation, respite, accessibility legislation, residential services, service co-ordination and navigation, and awareness/understanding of the rights of people experiencing disabilities.
Saskatchewan residents and communities that have done work which aligns with the Disability Strategy are encouraged to share their accomplishments using the hashtag #SKDisability.
The Saskatchewan Disability Strategy Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/skdisability.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca