$750,000 FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN NORTH BATTLEFORD

Two new group homes for people with intellectual disabilities will be constructed in North Battleford as part of the provincial government's ongoing commitment to eliminate the province-wide waitlist of 440 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities who require programs and services.

The two new homes are being made possible by a partnership between Battlefords Residential Services Inc. (BRSI), a community-based organization (CBO), and the Ministry of Social Services, which is providing capital funding of $750,000 to go toward construction of the homes. The funding will also assist BRSI in the renovation of one of its existing group homes.

"We applaud the board of directors and staff of Battlefords Residential Services for spearheading the development of two new group homes for people with intellectual disabilities," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "Community-based organizations such as BRSI play a valuable role in supporting people with intellectual disabilities and help them to be included in their communities."

The two new homes will have five residential spaces each for people with intellectual disabilities. Both homes will also include a respite space, and one of the homes will include two supported independent living suites. One of the new homes will be specially designed for residents with limited mobility and high personal care needs.

"These two new homes, and the renovation of an existing home, will make a tremendous difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in our community," BRSI Chair Yvonne Nyholt said. "We are thrilled with the generous financial support provided to this important initiative by the Government of Saskatchewan."

BRSI currently operates five group homes, a supportive independent living program, and a day program for people with intellectual disabilities in North Battleford, serving more than 40 people. In addition to the capital funding, BRSI will receive more than $2.1 million in operational funding from the Ministry of Social Services in 2011-12.

The capital funding of $750,000 allocated to BRSI is part of the provincial government's four-year, $76.9 million commitment to eliminate the waitlist of 440 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities who require programs and services.

First announced in October 2008, the $76.9 million waitlist initiative includes $27.8 million in funding for capital projects. It is the largest investment in Saskatchewan history to support people with intellectual disabilities. By the end of 2011-12, services for 373 people - or 85 per cent of the waitlist - will be in place or in development with CBOs across Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca