Released on September 27, 2018
Today, Trade and Export Development Minister and Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison, on behalf of Social Services Minister Paul Merriman, joined community members, dignitaries and residents in Meadow Lake to celebrate the grand opening of the new Multiworks Vocational Training Corporation’s day program facility.Multiworks worked with a local developer and secured this new building for the participants to continue their existing day programming. Since 2002, Multiworks has been doing work for a local mill and recently decided to enhance this partnership with a commitment to increased production. They will now use the existing day program building as the production site, which will enable eight to 10 individuals with intellectual disabilities to receive full-time and part-time employment.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to helping people with disabilities lead fulfilled lives and contribute to the Saskatchewan economy,” Harrison said. “This facility provides the means to expand and improve Multiworks’ programming to support people now and into the future and I commend them for the great work they have been doing in the Meadow Lake area.”
Multiworks will receive more than $2 million in 2018-19, including $96,737 for the building lease costs of this project. Multiworks is a community based organization that has provided residential, vocational and recreational supports to people with intellectual disabilities in the Meadow Lake area since 1978.
“Multiworks has been working on this project for about eight years, utilizing best practices from across the province, community consultations, future needs forecasts, and exploring facility options,” Multiworks’ Executive Director Dave Thickett said. “We are delighted that, with the support of our partnerships, this dream has finally come true. We are proud to be able to help people with disabilities pursue their goals. This facility enables us to do many new things and provide better supports, both now and well into the future.”
This day program facility supports the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy by creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The strategy, which was released in June 2015, focuses on six priority areas including: transportation, respite, accessibility legislation, residential services, service co-ordination and navigation, and awareness/understanding of the rights of people with disabilities.
Saskatchewan residents and communities that have done work that aligns with the Disability Strategy are encouraged to share their accomplishments using the hashtag #SKDisability.
The Saskatchewan Disability Strategy Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/skdisability.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca