Released on January 29, 2010
People with intellectual disabilities in Estevan and area now have greater access to residential programs and services, including a new three-space group home in that community.
The three-space group home was made possible by a one-time $175,000 capital grant from the province to Estevan Diversified Services to assist in the purchase and renovation of an existing house in Estevan. The province is also providing more than $430,000 in additional annual operating funding to Estevan Diversified Services for its various programs for people with intellectual disabilities. This has enabled Estevan Diversified Services to provide 100 additional hours per week of supported living services to its clients, as well as hire more staff, and brings the total annual operating funding provided to this CBO in the 2009-10 fiscal year to more than $1.5 million.
"The province is pleased to have partnered with Estevan Diversified Services on this important initiative on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities in Estevan and area," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "We applaud the accomplishments of Estevan Diversified Services in developing quality programs and services that respond to the needs of people with disabilities in their community."
"Community-based organizations play a vital role in supporting people with intellectual disabilities to be included in their communities," Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles said. "Estevan Diversified Services is one of more than 40 CBOs across Saskatchewan that have joined with government so far to help deliver on our commitment to eliminate the current waitlist for residential and other programs for people with intellectual disabilities."
"With the financial support of the province, we are pleased to provide more residential spaces for people with intellectual disabilities in our community," Estevan Diversified Services Executive Director Carol Cundall said. "As part of our mandate to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in Estevan and surrounding area, Estevan Diversified Services currently operates a day program, four group homes and a supported-living program."
The province-wide, $76.9 million waitlist initiative, announced by Harpauer in October 2008, is being phased in over four years and includes $27.8 million in funding for capital projects. The $76.9 million investment is the largest in Saskatchewan history to support people with intellectual disabilities.
By the end of this fiscal year, projects will be underway to serve 264 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities - 60 per cent of the waitlist. The government is on pace to eliminate the 440 waitlist by 2013.
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For more information, contact:
Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca