Government Invests More Than $1 Million to Those in Need in the Southeast

Released on April 17, 2015

Individuals in southeast Saskatchewan will continue to have access to free, confidential support services thanks to the Government of Saskatchewan’s renewed funding commitment of $1.01 million to Envision Counselling and Support Centre.

The renewed funding contract was announced today by Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles on behalf of Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer and Justice Minister Gordon Wyant.

“It’s organizations like Envision who handle the heavy lifting for government,” Eagles said.  “And that’s why it’s important that we take the time to highlight and celebrate the work of our many community based organizations across Saskatchewan at events like this.  Through their dedication to those in need in their communities, they are helping us to keep Saskatchewan strong.”

“The funding from these ministries is critical in supporting the work we do for our counselling, support and educational services across southeast Saskatchewan,” Envision Counselling and Support Centre Assistant Executive Director Lynda Rideout said.  “We want to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for helping us to continue to make a difference in the lives of those in need in the communities we serve.”

Some of the funding Government provides through the Ministry of Social Services is for Envision to provide a “Diversion” program.  The objective of this program is to provide in-home support and education to parents whose children are at risk of coming into care, an example of government working closely with community partners to keep children safe.

Social Services is providing more than $695,000 in annual contract funding to Envision for the Diversion program as well as Family Support and Intensive Direct Services.  These include services like the Family Intervention Program which provides flexible, family-focused supports and programming through individual, couple, family and group counselling.  It also provides intervention, supports, and skills to stabilize a family crisis.

This agency also receives more than $316,000 annually from the Ministry of Justice for Family Outreach Services and a program to assist children and youth who have witnessed interpersonal violence and abuse.

Supporting Southern Saskatchewan since 1994, Envision Counselling and Support Centre provides specialized services for victims of abuse and violence.  Envision now has more than 30 employees working out of its three offices in Estevan, Weyburn and Carlyle, and serves a population of more than 56,000 people.

More information can be found at www.envisioncounsellingcentre.com.

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For more information, contact:

Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-519-7835

Noel Busse
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8959
Email: noel.busse@gov.sk.ca