NEW GROUP HOME OFFICIALLY OPENS IN REGINA

A new four-space group home for people with intellectual disabilities officially opened today in Regina.

The project was made possible by a partnership between Clare Parker Homes Inc., a community-based organization (CBO), and the Ministry of Social Services, which provided capital funding of $250,000 to go toward the project.

"We applaud the ongoing vision and commitment of the board of directors and staff of Clare Parker Homes for completing this new group home on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Regina," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "Community-based organizations such as Clare Parker Homes play a valuable role in supporting people with intellectual disabilities to be included in their communities."

In addition to the capital funding, Social Services will also provide more than $306,000 in annualized funding to Clare Parker Homes for the operation of the new group home. In total, Clare Parker Homes will receive more than $1.1 million in operating funding from Social Services in 2011-12 for its various programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

"The financial support provided by the Government of Saskatchewan, through the Ministry of Social Services, was instrumental in making this project a reality," Clare Parker Homes Chair Cathy Currey said. "Our CBO now operates four group homes for people with intellectual disabilities in Regina. In total, we now serve 22 people with intellectual disabilities in our community."

The capital funding allocated to this project is part of the provincial government's four-year commitment to eliminate the waitlist of 440 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities who require programs and services by 2012-13.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8689
Email: andrew.dinsmore@gov.sk.ca