Released on August 17, 2017
Today, Regina University MLA Tina Beaudry-Mellor, on behalf of Acting Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer helped officially open two new group homes in Moose Jaw. The homes are located on Iroquois Street and River Street and are operated by Christian Horizons. Each home will support four people experiencing disabilities who are former residents of Valley View Centre.
“Today is an exciting day for the eight people living in these new group homes and our entire Moose Jaw community,” Beaudry-Mellor said. “Investments like these support the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy by improving the lives of people experiencing disabilities and helping our province become a more inclusive place.”
Christian Horizons is a community-based organization that has been delivering supports and services for people experiencing intellectual disabilities since 1974. It provides group living supports for 79 people, day programming for 80 people, and person-centred enhanced supports for six people. Christian Horizons received more than $8 million from the Government of Saskatchewan in 2017-18, including more than $400,000 for the new home on River Street and more than $400,000 for the home on Iroquois Street.
“It is important to Christian Horizons that all people have the supports and services they need to reach their full potential,” Christian Horizons Executive Director of Saskatchewan Services Ann Gyurmanczi said. “We are proud to once again partner with the Government of Saskatchewan to help people with exceptional needs achieve full citizenship in their community.”
The Saskatchewan Disability Strategy was released by the Citizen Consultation Team in June 2015. Government accepted the Strategy and is focused on the foundational work of six priority areas including: transportation, respite, accessibility legislation, residential services, service co-ordination and navigation, and awareness/understanding of the rights of people experiencing disabilities.
Saskatchewan residents and communities that have done work that aligns with the Disability Strategy are encouraged to share their accomplishments using the hashtag #SKDisability. The Saskatchewan Disability Strategy Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/skdisability.
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For more information, contact:
Kate Abel
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: kate.abel@gov.sk.ca