ENHANCED QUALITY OF LIFE FOR DISABILITY COMMUNITY IN NIPAWIN

Released on October 25, 2004

Quality of life for Nipawin people with disabilities is being enhanced with the building of a new fully accessible group home for six residents. The new home replaces a former group home to better meet the needs of people with disabilities in the community.

Community Resources and Employment provided Nipawin and District Services to the Handicapped Inc. (Nipawin Handiworks) with a total of $60,000 of one-time funding to assist in the building of the group home. Nipawin Handiworks received additional funds from the Kinsmen Foundation, from local community fundraising and from the sale of its Centre Street Group Home, which operated for 15 years.

"Quality housing is consistent with government's vision that all Saskatchewan people have opportunity, independence and inclusion in their community," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said while attending a grand opening celebration. "It's always rewarding to see the success that results from partnerships like this between the province and dedicated community-based organizations such as Nipawin Handiworks and by focusing on the real needs of individuals."

Crofford noted that October is Community Living Month in Saskatchewan, an opportunity to promote the importance and benefits of involving people with intellectual disabilities in all aspects of community life.

"We are thankful for the support we've received from Community Resources and Employment," Nipawin Handiworks Managing Director Hugh Macdonald said. "It is rewarding when we can improve services to our clients who have complex needs and require a greater level of care."

Nipawin Handiworks operates two group homes, a Supported Living Program and a workshop/activity centre.

Since the release of the Saskatchewan Council on Disability Action Plan in June 2001, the Saskatchewan government has invested over $17 million in new funding to support people with disabilities. This fiscal year, over $2 million has been earmarked to increase capacity within communities to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Miller Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0531

Hugh Macdonald Nipawin Handiworks Nipawin Phone: (306)862-2270