Released on January 14, 2010
Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer today presented a Spirit Award for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Saskatoon branch (people with disabilities category), and to Oliver Place of Saskatoon (housing category).
"The province applauds the Saskatchewan Abilities Council for developing an impressive range of quality programs and services that respond to the needs of children and adults with disabilities," Harpauer said. "The Council is being recognized, in particular, for its supported employment services for people with disabilities - such as the Employment Plus Project in Saskatoon. We are equally appreciative of the efforts of the volunteers and staff of Oliver Place, which has been providing quality affordable rental housing to Saskatoon seniors on a not-for-profit basis since 1981. These two organizations are valuable partners of the Ministry of Social Services and they are most deserving of this recognition for their ongoing exemplary service to the people of Saskatoon."
The Spirit Award honours CBOs that deliver programs and services on behalf of the Ministry of Social Services or its agency, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. The award celebrates the contributions of these human-services CBOs to the well-being of Saskatchewan people. The CBOs that deliver these services are all non-profit organizations operated by volunteer boards which share the common goal of improving the lives of people and families in their communities.
CBOs that received funding within the past two years from the Ministry or the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation are eligible for the award. Funded CBOs include those that support children, youth and families who are facing challenges or are in crisis, those that provide services and supports for people with disabilities, as well as housing authorities that deliver housing programs and services for lower-income people and families.
Harpauer presented representatives of both the Saskatchewan Abilities Council (Saskatoon branch) and Oliver Place of Saskatoon with their Spirit Award, including a cheque for $1,000 each that will go toward the education or training of each organization's staff.
This year's other recipient of a Spirit Award for Community-Based Organizations is the Community Family Resource Centre Inc. of Lestock (children, youth and families category), which received its award in December.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca