NEW GROUP HOME FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES OPENING IN HUMBOLDT

A new four-space group home for people with intellectual disabilities in Humboldt celebrated a ribbon-cutting today, and will open in a few weeks. The project was made possible by a partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan and Humboldt and District Community Services Inc. (HDCS), a community-based organization.

Through the Ministry of Social Services, the province contributed one-time capital funding of $300,000 to the project, and will also provide annualized funding of more than $350,000 to HDCS for the group home in 2010-11. This new investment by the province provides funding for 6.2 new staff positions at HDCS, including direct support workers.

"The province is pleased to have partnered with Humboldt and District Community Services on this important initiative on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities in Humboldt and area," Education Minister and Humboldt MLA Donna Harpauer said on behalf of Social Services Minister June Draude. "We applaud the ongoing efforts of the staff and volunteers of Humboldt and District Community Services in providing quality services that respond to the needs of people with intellectual disabilities in their community."

The funding is part of the province's four-year, $76.9 million commitment to eliminate the waitlist of 440 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities who require residential, day and specialized programs that meet their assessed needs.

"Humboldt and District Community Services provides a variety of supports to people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Humboldt and area, including employment programs, a respite registry, summer camps for children and youth, service co-ordination, and now a four-space residential group home," HDCS Chair Islay Ehlert said. "We are thrilled to have partnered with the province on this project as we work together to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities in our community receive the services they need."

The province-wide, $76.9 million waitlist initiative, announced in October 2008, is being phased in over four years and includes $27.8 million in funding for capital projects. The $76.9 million investment is the largest in Saskatchewan history to support people with intellectual disabilities.

To date, services for 308 individuals - or 70 per cent of the waitlist - have been initiated or are under development with community-based organizations across Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

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