The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $1 million in capital funding for a new day-program facility for people with intellectual disabilities in Weyburn. The project is being led by Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Corp., a community-based organization, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Services.
"Community-based organizations play a valuable role in supporting people with intellectual disabilities to be included in their communities," Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said on behalf of Social Services Minister June Draude. "This remarkable project is a testament to the vision and dedication of the volunteers and staff of Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop."
The Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop has a goal of contributing an additional $500,000 to the capital cost of the project through fundraising. The fundraising campaign was officially kicked off on May 7 with a "Vegas Night" event at McKenna Hall. The event featured silent and live auctions, appetizers, cocktails, live entertainment, and a poker tournament put on by the Kin Club.
The event raised approximately $10,000 for a new day-program building.
"Our new day-program facility will make such a positive difference in the lives of our clients, and we encourage corporations and individuals in Weyburn and across Saskatchewan to get behind this worthy initiative," Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop Executive Director Andria Brady said.
The $1 million in provincial funding is part of the four-year, $76.9 million commitment to eliminate the waitlist of 440 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities who require programs and services.
Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop's day program currently serves approximately 30 participants, with operational funding provided by the Ministry of Social Services of nearly $360,000 annually. Once completed, the new Weyburn day-program facility will serve nine new people from the waitlist, as well as current day-program participants and other future applicants.
First announced in October 2008, the $76.9 million waitlist initiative includes $27.8 million in funding for capital projects. It is the largest investment in Saskatchewan history to support people with intellectual disabilities. By the end of 2011-12, services for 373 people - or 85 percent of the waitlist - will be in place or in development with CBOs across Saskatchewan.
