PRINCE ALBERT — The grand opening of Peggy's Compass Home, a new mental health group home for youth in Prince Albert, was celebrated Wednesday.
The government of Saskatchewan is providing $800,000 in annual operating funding for the five-space home that will support youth ages 12-18 who are experiencing mental health and addictions challenges.
"This new group home will provide a safe, stable environment for young people to heal, grow, and access the mental health and addictions services they need,” Social Services Minister Terry Jenson said.
Peggy's Compass in Prince Albert is the third home to open following EGADZ's Garden of Hope in Saskatoon and Joe and Irene's Home operated by Eagle Heart Centre in Regina. Each home is jointly funded by the ministries of social services and health, with each ministry contributing $400,000 annually toward operational costs.
Referrals for youth with chronic mental health and/or addictions issues to this facility will be made through a partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Ministry of Social Services.
The local Youth Advisory Team collaborated with Prince Albert Outreach to develop programming for the group home using a youth-centred approach. Youth will have input into the programming, their goals and case plans and day-to-day programming. A multidisciplinary team will offer 24/7 mental health, addictions and cultural services.
"Today marks the beginning of a safe, supportive home for youth - Peggy's Compass Home," PA Outreach Program Executive Director Bill Chow said.
"It honours our founder Peggy Rubin's legacy of tireless dedication to guiding young people toward opportunity and hope. By investing in youth today, we are helping to build a stronger, brighter future for our community."
The Ministry of Social Services partners with Prince Albert Outreach to provide various youth and family support initiatives including cultural services, outreach, court advocacy, a drop-in centre and additional youth-focused support services.
For more information about Prince Albert Outreach, visit: www.princealbertoutreach.com.
