Released on February 8, 2013
A new home for people with intellectual disabilities officially opened today in Melfort.
The residential development, designed to accommodate a four-space group home, a four-space enhanced supportive living program and four self-contained basement apartments, was built and will be operated by PLUS Industries Inc. through a funding partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan.
“This is an exciting day for the community of Melfort,” Social Services Minister June Draude said. “We are grateful to partners like PLUS Industries that are helping people with intellectual disabilities play an active role in their communities. This is another step in the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth commitment to make Saskatchewan the best place to live for people with disabilities.”
Ed Bourassa, Chair of the PLUS Industries’ Board of Directors spoke of the importance of this home for the adults who will live there and for the community at large. “Residents of this new home will be given the opportunity to live in a supported environment and work toward their goals of independence and meaningful participation in the life of our community,” he said. “We also acknowledge the support of all members of the Melfort community and know that they will continue to stand with us in our work of promoting Melfort as a caring and inclusive community.”
The project represents the first residential program operated by PLUS Industries. The agency was incorporated in 1973, and operates an activity centre and supportive living, leadership and employment programs.
The Government of Saskatchewan invested $400,000 in one-time capital funding for the group home project, an additional $481,000 in annual operational funding, and more than $40,000 on an annual basis to assist with mortgage payments. A Summit Action Fund grant of $137,900 was also provided by the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation to help develop four self-contained basement apartments within the home.
The funding for this initiative is part of the provincial government’s multi-year commitment to address the waitlist of 440 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities who need specialized, residential and day programs. The government is on track to complete the wait list initiative by the end of March.
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For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Email: linda.saliken@gov.sk.ca
Ed Bourassa
PLUS Industries Inc.
Melfort
Phone: 306-752-4587