Work has officially begun at 1800 Ebel Road on the second phase of the Wor-Kin Shop building project.
"DSI Contracting began construction of the new Day Program Building in late June" said Andria Brady, Wor-Kin Shop executive director.
This new building will be approximately three times the size of the current facility and will accommodate the many things that are lacking. The building and all rooms will be fully accessible for anyone with physical limitations. There will be additional washrooms, an accessible shower, a Snoezelen room, several specialized program rooms as well as additional office space and training facilities, allowing much needed expansion into new program areas.
Currently there are 35 individuals in the Day Program along with another 7 transitioning from various schools in SE Sask. Once complete, the agency plans on expanding to serve many more individuals from this new facility. Many are already on the upcoming needs list and will require services within the next 1-3 years.
This is a very exciting time for the agency. As announced in June 2013, they have been able to successfully raise the $500,000 required by the Ministry of Social Services in order for this project to proceed. The project has been made possible due to a total of $1 million being committed by the Ministry of Social Services.
"Our Government is proud to invest in Wor-Kin Shop's project, which will provide additional spaces to serve the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "I commend the Wor-Kin Shop, the Kinsmen Foundation and the Weyburn community at large for working together to make today's announcement a reality. The launch of phase two is an exciting step forward to make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada for people with disabilities to live."
"Additionally, we are extremely pleased to announce at this time that we have received a gift of $200,000 from the Kinsmen Foundation," Brady added. "This gift will be recognized as a permanent legacy of the Foundation and one of their three main commitment areas of supporting groups who work directly with people with special needs in the province. The new building will be named in honour of the Kinsmen Foundation at a special grand opening ceremony in 2015."
"The Kinsmen Foundation has a long and proud history of helping people with special needs across the province. The new building in Weyburn will be a tremendous boost to this client group and will contribute to their health, wellness and quality of life," said Kinsmen Foundation Chair Lorraine Duxbury.
This gift is significant in that Wor-Kin began in 1971 with help from the Kinsmen, as reflected in the name of the organization, and now more than 40 years later they are helping once again. The two organizations will continue to have a strong partnership.
Follow along on the website at www.wor-kin.com or Facebook page to see pictures as the building takes shape and construction progresses. Also watch for grand opening dates later this Fall for our new Vocational Training Centre and SARCAN Recycling depot!
