Government Begins Construction on New Group Home in Saskatoon

Released on January 12, 2015

Today sod was turned for LutherCare Communities’ home at 1226 Temperance Street in Saskatoon, marking the first step toward creating an inclusive space that four individuals with intellectual disabilities can call home.

The Government of Saskatchewan contributed $250,000 toward the construction of the project.  LutherCare Communities contributed the cost of the land, an in-kind contribution totalling $195,000.

“Our government’s investment in this project means one individual from Saskatoon and three individuals from Valley View Centre in Moose Jaw will soon have a new home,” Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said.  “Community-based organizations like LutherCare Communities play a valuable role in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities so they can be included in the community.”

The 2,200 square foot (204 square metre) home, will provide care to these four individuals who have high medical needs.  The home will have a fully accessible main floor and will include a hydrotherapy tub and ceiling-based lifting mechanism throughout.

“We extend grateful appreciation to the Government of Saskatchewan for its support for this, our seventh group living home,” LutherCare Communities CEO Vivienne Hauck said.  “These homes have proven to be the most effective way of providing people with physical and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to live in a family-style, non-institutional environment, supported by caring staff members.”

The home will support one individual from Saskatoon and three individuals from Valley View Centre.  The residents will have the opportunity to engage in on-site day programming, including social skill building, recreational activities and therapeutic activity.

“I am delighted that LutherCare Communities is developing a new home which will meet resident needs socially, medically and therapeutically,” Valley View Centre Family Group Co-Chair June Avivi said.  “As we stated from the onset of the Transition Project, this unique process is a ‘made in Saskatchewan approach,’ which includes families, Saskatchewan Association For Community Living and government.”

“Today we celebrate another step forward for person-centered planning and community inclusion in Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Association For Community Living President Gloria Mahussier said.  “This new home will help change and empower the lives of those who live there.”
 
“The person-centred planning process allows government to work collaboratively with individuals who have intellectual disabilities and their families in order to find them a home in a community of their choice,” Harpauer said.  “Community-based service providers, like LutherCare, make up the other half of quality care; they ensure that individual needs are being met, and that this truly is a new place to call home.”

LutherCare Communities has been providing care, shelter and support since the opening of the original Lutheran Sunset Home in Saskatoon in 1955.  To learn more about LutherCare, visit their website at www.luthercare.com.

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For more information, contact:

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