Released on July 30, 2018
Today, MLA for Biggar-Sask Valley Randy Weekes, on behalf of Premier Scott Moe, and Social Services Minister Paul Merriman, joined community members, dignitaries and group home residents in Biggar to celebrate the grand opening of Prairie Branches Enterprises’ new replacement group home.
The group home will be home to five people with intellectual disabilities. The provincial government contributed more than $1 million to this build.
“Prairie Branches Enterprises continues to do remarkable work supporting people with intellectual disabilities in Saskatchewan,” Weekes said. “The Government of Saskatchewan appreciates the supports community-based organizations provide to create more inclusive communities.”
Prairie Branches receives more than $3 million annually from the Ministry of Social Services as of the 2018-19 year. They currently support 35 people in group homes, seven in supported living, and 29 vocationally in the communities of Wilkie, Biggar and Unity.
“This project has been a long-time dream for this agency in Biggar. We are very excited to be able to continue to support these wonderful people in this new accessible home,” Executive Director of Prairie Branches Enterprises Eunice Washkowsky said. “Their quality of life will be greatly enhanced by this new home, which is the most important thing that we can provide to these individuals. It is a beautiful addition to our agency and will be truly life changing.”
This group home supports the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy by creating residential services for people with disabilities. The strategy, which was released in June 2015, focuses on 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 who 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:
Trish Alcorn
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0916
Email: trish.alcorn@gov.sk.ca