TWO NEW PROGRAMS PLANNED FOR SWIFT CURRENT

People with intellectual disabilities will enjoy more independence and opportunities to participate in their community, thanks to two new programs in Swift Current.

"These initiatives demonstrate our government's commitment to work together with community-based organizations such as Southwest Homes Inc. to offer a better quality of life for people with disabilities," Premier Brad Wall said. "We welcome these programs to the network of quality supports available throughout Saskatchewan for people with disabilities."

The Ministry of Social Services will provide about $180,000 in annual funding to Southwest Homes to operate a new, eight-space community-based day program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The program will run out of one of Southwest Homes' existing locations in the city, and will begin serving participants on September 15. The vocational day program services provided will help people to obtain contract job placements in the community.

Additionally, an agreement has been reached today for the purchase of a 13-unit apartment building to allow Southwest Homes to offer supported living spaces. Funding in the form of a forgiveable loan of up to $847,000 to purchase and renovate the building has been approved by Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

Southwest Homes Inc. has offered residential supports to people with intellectual disabilities for nearly 35 years.

"This day program, combined with the new supported living spaces, greatly enhances services for the community," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "We are pleased to expand our partnership with Southwest Homes to deliver these new programs."

"We've tested the vocational day program on a smaller scale," Southwest Homes Executive Director Susie Eidem said. "Having a chance to work and try out a job makes an incredible difference in the quality of life of people with disabilities. Many businesses in the community are on board and excited about employing people with disabilities."

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For more information, contact:

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

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927