CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON A NEW GROUP HOME IN REGINA

Construction on a new home for people with intellectual disabilities was kicked-off today in Regina with an official sod-turning ceremony.

The residence is being built and operated by Chip and Dale Homes Inc. through a funding partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan. Once completed, the home will provide living spaces for three adults. The Ministry of Social Services provided capital funding of $550,000 for the project.

"Our government is proud to support efforts to meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities in their community," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "Community-based organizations such as Chip and Dale Homes are playing an important role in helping people with intellectual disabilities to be included in their communities."

In addition to the capital funding, Social Services will also provide more than $440,000 in annual funding to Chip and Dale Homes for the operation of the new group home, located at 1805 North Balzer Road in Regina.

"We're grateful for the provincial government's support in making this project a reality," Chip and Dale Chair Shirley Skinner said. "The government's investment will enable us to support three individuals from the Community Living waitlist, by providing them with a safe, quality place to live in their community."

The funding allocated to this project is part of the provincial government's four-year commitment to address the waitlist of 440 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities who need specialized, residential and day programs. The government is on track to complete the wait list initiative by the end of March, 2013.

Chip and Dale has operated in Regina since 1980, and develops and manages residential services for adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.

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For more information, contact:

Pete Paczko
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: pete.paczko@gov.sk.ca