$76.9 MILLION COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CONTINUES IN SASKATOON

The government's $76.9 million commitment to eliminate the waitlist for specialized, residential and day-program services for people with intellectual disabilities continued its rollout today with the sod-turning for a new six-space group home in Saskatoon.

The province is providing annual operating funding of more than $344,000 for the new home, as well as one-time capital funding of up to $250,000.

The new home will be operated by Cheshire Homes of Saskatoon, a community-based organization (CBO) established in 1970 with the mission to provide accessible, comfortable homes and personal support services for young adults with disabilities.

"Support for people with disabilities is a priority of our government as we strive to ensure that everyone in Saskatchewan benefits from the economic, social and cultural life of their communities to the fullest extent possible," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "Cheshire Homes' ongoing commitment to help people with disabilities in Saskatoon exemplifies how CBOs are an integral part of Saskatchewan's human-service delivery system."

"With the significant financial support of the province, Cheshire Homes is pleased to be able to expand our residential services to six more young adults with disabilities in the Saskatoon area," Cheshire Homes Executive Director Ernest Boyko said. "Cheshire Homes already provides residential services to 26 young adults with disabilities in our three existing group homes, enabling those people to live with enhanced independence."

Following the completion of this fourth group home, the province will provide total operating funding of more than $1.65 million annually to Cheshire Homes.

The province-wide $76.9 million waitlist initiative, announced by Harpauer in September 2008, is being phased in over four years and includes $27.8 million in funding for capital projects. In addition, approved private-service home providers will be provided with enhanced supports, and day programming standards are being updated to ensure that the appropriate level of support is provided to people with intellectual disabilities.

The $76.9 million investment is the largest in Saskatchewan history to support people with intellectual disabilities.

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For more information, contact:

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