A new group home has opened in Spiritwood for those with intellectual disabilities.
The initiative includes a three-space and a new 30-hour supported independent living program. It is a partnership between the ministry of Social Services and the community-based organization Prairie Community Endeavours, Inc.
Social Services provided capital funding of $150,000 for the project. In addition to capital funding, they will also provide more than $210,000 in annual funding to Prairie Community Endeavours for the operation of the new group home.
The capital funding is part of the government's commitment to addressing the waitlist of 440 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities who need specialized residential and day programs.
The official opening took place July 4 and was attended by Rosthern-Shellbrook MLA Scott Moe, on behalf of Social Services Minister June Draude.
Moe credited community-based organizations such as Prairie Community Endeavours for playing an important role in "helping people with intellectual disabilities to be included in their communities," he said.
"Our government is proud to support their efforts to meet the needs of people with intellectural disabilities in their community."
Prairie Community Endeavours chair Audrey Magnus expressed gratitude to the provincial government for making the project happen.
"The government's investment will provide us with the capacity and the staff to exzpand programming and support individuals from the Community Living waitlist," said Magnus.
