MILE Services in Estevan is known for its vans, which allow people to get to their medical appointments, the grocery store and other essential services.
And while those vans are a big part of what they do in the community, they provide so much more to Estevan.
SMILE Services has been in operation since January 1977. In his annual report, Art Beselt, who has been the SMILE co-ordinator since 2003, said they also provide a mental health supportive living program; an adult alternative measures program; extrajudicial sanctions for youths; and counselling support and education, which includes a fine option program, a community service order program, a children’s fund, a drop in and an art class program.
All of these were made possible with funding from the City of Estevan, the Ministry of Justice, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and Community Safety and Well Being.
“We’ve done a bit of a survey with the people who go through the alternative measures program, and we do get some feedback from them, and for some of them, they say one of the best things that happened to them is to go through the alternative measures program,” Beselt said.
SMILE has two vans and they do provide out of town trips when necessary. Clients are always very appreciative of the work that SMILE provides.
“They’re very satisfied. Some of them certainly … if there was any defunding or funding restrictions, they would be ready to go to battle,” said Beselt.
COVID-19 did affect ridership last year. According to figures released at last month’s annual general meeting, there were 11,412 trips, down from 20,344 the previous year. All categories saw a decline in ridership.
In addition to the bookings that are phoned in, transportation is provided to students with special needs/disabilities at three schools, participants at Estevan Diversified Services, and clients at the Estevan Regional Nursing Home, St. Joseph Hospital’s Long-Term Care, the adult day program and Hillview Manor.
A seniors’ run is offered Monday to Saturday to nine seniors housing complexes in Estevan.
The referrals for adult measures are also down, but that’s a trend that is happening across the province.
“There have been some changes to the … Youth Justice Act that allow the police officer to do some mediation, but (it’s not known) whether that has caused some of the reductions in the cases that have been referred or not,” said Beselt.
With the exception of the transportation services through the SMILE van, these programs are free, allowing people access them. The mental health and alternative measures clients are referred by an outside agency, but they’re free for the individual if they’re completed.
David Hickie is the current board chair. In his report released at the annual meeting last month, he said the future is bright for the agency, and they will do their best as they continue to serve the community.
Leroy Schlamp is the vice-president, Shirley Thera is the secretary, Kirsten Walliser is the City of Estevan’s representative, Colleen Jensen is the representative for the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and Christine Ross is the representative for the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Barry Aspinall, Lynn Chipley, Lyle Dukart and Kevin Smith are also on the board.
Beselt said SMILE has seen a lot of changes over the years. They’ve had other programs over the years, but it continues to be an important resource for many in Estevan.
