CHESHIRE HOMES OPENS NEW GROUP HOME IN REGINA

Released on June 25, 2003

Cheshire Homes has opened a new group home located in northwest Regina to provide an accessible home for four individuals with disabilities. The province contributed $44,000 toward capital costs for the new home and is providing an annual operating budget of $178,000.

"The Saskatchewan Government appreciates the work that Cheshire Homes of Regina does to provide responsive and quality residential services to individuals with disabilities," Community Resources and Employment Minister Glenn Hagel said while attending the official opening. "Cheshire Homes and the province are working together toward a wide open future with quality and accessible housing for people with disabilities."

"Cheshire homes is grateful for the funding we received from the provincial government, the Kinsmen Foundation, and other donors that helped us make the dream of living in an accessible home a reality for people with disabilities," President of the Cheshire Homes Board of Directors, Rick Wychreschuk said.

Cheshire Homes is a community-based organization that seeks to provide housing that is a place of shelter physically and of encouragement spiritually where residents can acquire a sense of belonging and ownership by contributing in any way within their capabilities. Cheshire Homes is a place for residents to gain confidence and develop interests, a place of hopeful endeavours and not passive interests. The organization opened its first home in Regina in 1981, a second in 1987, and with the new home opening will serve the needs of 20 individuals.

The province will spend $27 million this year to support up to 796 individuals with disabilities living in more than 140 group homes throughout the province.

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For More Information, Contact:

Herman Hulshof Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0916

Rick Wychreschuk President, Cheshire Homes Board of Directors Regina Phone: (306)780-5447