REGINA — The ribbon has been cut to officially open a new four-space home in Regina for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Officials with the Government of Saskatchewan and Creative Options Regina were on hand on Tuesday for the ribbon-cutting event at the home, located in the Eastview neighbourhood.
The province’s contribution is $1.2 million in capital funding for the home and yard, and $429,000 in operational funding for the current year.
“That’s exactly what we do with the other core facilities or homes as well, where we’ve provided capital funding to do the build as well as operational funding to ensure that the residents that are in the homes have great supports, have a place of their own,” said Terry Jenson, minister of social services. “And that’s work that we do, not just in Regina, we also do it in various areas around the province as well.”
The charitable organization Creative Options Regina is the operator of the home and will provide care and support for the residents.
The home is initially housing three individuals, but there is space for one more. There will be 24-hour support in the home, with two support workers there throughout the day, and one later into the evening and overnight to ensure safety.
“This home is more than just the bricks and the mortar and the walls and the roof. It’s a place of belonging and it’s a place to support people to reach their full potential in our community,” said Creative Options Regina CEO Michael Lavis.
“What’s magical about what we’re building together is we’re creating a community that’s diverse and more inclusive and welcoming throughout various neighbourhoods throughout Regina and across Saskatchewan. As you can see, we’re in the beautiful Eastview neighbourhood. And it’s a great opportunity for us to be able to connect with neighbours and create opportunities and forge relationships throughout our broader community here in the city.”
“It’s really important for people to have a place to call home that is familiar to them and where they can get to know their neighbours and be part of the community. It is what contributes to people being able to live a fulfilled and meaningful life. This is a representation of that,” said Tara Osipoff, vice-chair of the board of directors at Creative Options Regina.
Creative Options Regina has partnered with the Ministry of Social Services since its inception in 2009, initially working with adults with intellectual disabilities and later with children as well. The organization operates 34 homes in Regina providing 24-hour support, plus additional services for people living semi-independently.
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