PORCUPINE OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM OF PORCUPINE PLAIN RECEIVES ADDITIONAL FUNDING

Social Services Minister Harry Van Mulligen today announced that

Porcupine Opportunities Program of Porcupine Plain has received $6,930

in additional annual funding. This will enable the agency to provide

additional support to intellectually-disabled people in the community

and help achieve the goal of ensuring individuals are able to

participate as fully as possible in society.



"We are continuing to invest in quality services for individuals with

intellectual challenges," Van Mulligen said. "Community-based

organizations are our partners in helping ensure people with

intellectual disabilities achieve a better quality of life in the

community."



Porcupine Opportunities Program Incorporated operates group homes, a

sheltered workshop, a long-term employment initiative, and apartment

and independent living support programs for residents in Porcupine

Plain and area.



In 1999/2000, Social Services is providing more than $39 million to

community-based organizations that operate programs and services for

intellectually-disabled individuals, an increase of 8.9 per cent over

last year. Community-based organizations deliver a wide range of

early childhood intervention, vocational, respite, residential and

other community-based services for people with intellectual

disabilities in Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:



Kimberly Wihnan

Social Services

Regina Phone: (306)787-8689