NEW GROUP HOME FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES CELEBRATED IN ROSTHERN

Valley Action Abilities Inc. of Rosthern, a community-based organization (CBO), celebrated its grand re-opening today, following completion of a new five-space group home for people with intellectual disabilities, as well as the completion of major renovations to the CBO's adult day program and vocational centre.

The Ministry of Social Services provided capital funding of nearly $909,000 for these two projects - more than $600,000 for the day program renovations and nearly $300,000 for the new group home.

"We applaud the tremendous vision and commitment of the board of directors and staff of Valley Action Abilities for completing these projects on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Rosthern and area," Rosthern-Shellbrook MLA Denis Allchurch said on behalf of Social Services Minister June Draude. "Community-based organizations such as Valley Action Abilities play a valuable role in supporting people with intellectual disabilities to be included in their communities."

Social Services has also committed to provide more than $1 million in the 2011-12 fiscal year to Valley Action Abilities for the operation of the new five-space group home and an existing seven-space group home for people with intellectual disabilities in Rosthern, as well as for the operation of the day program and vocational centre.

"We are proud that we can now offer expanded residential services to people with intellectual disabilities in Rosthern and area, as well as a greater capacity for daily programming," Valley Action Abilities Executive Director Cameron Nicolle said. "We are thrilled with the generous financial support provided to these projects by the Government of Saskatchewan in the form of significant capital and annual operating funding through the Ministry of Social Services."

The nearly $909,000 in capital funding allocated to these projects 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. The new group home in Rosthern will serve four people from the waitlist.

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.

Valley Action Abilities supports people with intellectual disabilities, people with physical disabilities, and people with mental health concerns and their families in the communities of Rosthern, Duck Lake, Hague, Carlton and Beardy's Reserve.

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For more information, contact:

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