IMPROVED SUPPORTS BENEFIT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN SWIFT CURRENT

People with intellectual disabilities in Swift Current are living more independently and enjoying improved services, thanks to a new, supported, independent-living home and enhancements to an existing group home. Community Resources is providing $181,930 in new funding annually for these residential supports.

Southwest Homes Inc. will continue to operate the group home in addition to operating the new independent living program.

"Every individual in this province deserves the opportunity to be as independent as possible and included in his or her community," Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger said at the official opening of the new program in Swift Current. "I am a firm believer in the principles of independence and inclusion, especially for people with disabilities. It is exciting for the province to work with an agency like Southwest Homes and to play a part in helping improve quality of life for people with disabilities."

"The Board of Southwest Homes welcomes the additional funding for this new project," Southwest Homes board chair Terry Wharton said. "This new, four-space independent group living program has been a positive change for the residents and their families. We will continue to work with the provincial government to find creative solutions to meet the continuing needs of individuals and families in our community affected by disabilities."

The new group living program will enable four people with intellectual disabilities to live independently with some supports. The enhancement to the existing group home is a change to a "shift model" of staffing. This model increases continuity of care and safety, enabling the agency to support five people with high care and support needs while allowing them to live in the home and remain in their community. It also provides up to two respite spaces for families with intellectual disabilities, a brand new service for Swift Current.

Southwest Homes Inc. has been providing residential supports to people with intellectual disabilities for more than 30 years. Southwest Homes currently serves about 30 people in the Swift Current area.

Since release of the Disability Action Plan in June 2001, the Saskatchewan government has invested more than $37 million, including $12 million this year, in new funding to support people with disabilities.

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For More Information, Contact:

Lindy McIntyre Community Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-0916

Susie Eidem Southwest Homes Inc. Swift Current Phone: (306) 773-7765