Government Breaks Ground on New Group home in Biggar

Released on July 5, 2017

Biggar-Sask Valley MLA Randy Weekes behalf of Social Services Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor today joined community members, dignitaries and staff from Prairie Branches Enterprises to break ground on the site of a new group home in Biggar.

The group home will support five people experiencing disabilities whose needs have intensified, meaning their living situation needed to change.  The Government of Saskatchewan provided $250,000 in capital funding for this project.
 
“This is the start of a new beginning for the five people who will soon be moving into this new group home,” Weekes said.  “As the needs of our citizens change, it is important that the services we provide change, adjust and grow with them.  This new group home will ensure that these five people continue being important parts of our Biggar community while receiving the supports they need to live their best lives.”

Prairie Branches Enterprises is a community-based organization that supports individuals experiencing disabilities in the communities of Biggar, Wilkie and Unity.  Prairie Branches operates a total of seven group homes with 36 people receiving residential supports, 36 people accessing vocational supports and 18 people participating in supported independent living programming.

“This new group home is an important step forward in improving the quality of life for people experiencing disabilities in Biggar,” Prairie Branches Executive Director Eunice Washkowsky said.  “We are happy that the Government of Saskatchewan continues to see the value in Prairie Branches as we work together to better support people experiencing disabilities in the province.”

“I am proud of community-based organizations like Prairie Branches that do remarkable work supporting Saskatchewan people experiencing disabilities,” Weekes said.  “By making sure all people are included in our community, they are also supporting our government’s work with the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy.”

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:

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