YORKTON - SaskAbilities is marking its 75th anniversary in the province this year, and locally festivities to mark the year started Friday with a pancake breakfast.
Locally SaskAbilities began in 1966,explained Aleks Hoeber, Regional Director with SaskAbilities.
Provincially SaskAbilities provides some 40 programs and Services – 16 of those in Yorkton, and they serve clients from pre-school-age to those in their 80s.
Hoeber told Yorkton This Week Friday that more than 1000 people with disabilities, or facing barriers to employment receive support and services in Yorkton and area.
Among the core programming is the facilities day programming, which has “transitioned over time” to stay responsive to community needs.
Other services such as Partners In Employment launched in 1997, and the recycling centre launched initially with the Kinsmen and now operated in a partnership with the City of Yorkton and Prairie Harvest.
“There are 11 departments,” said Hoeber, adding within each are various programs and services.
While Friday’s breakfast was the kick-off, there are a number of other activities, and events planned for the year ahead.
In April SaskAbilities will hold its annual general meeting.
On May 28 “a community barbecue will be held here in Yorkton,” said Hoeber, adding the day will be an opportunity “to sort of get to know us” a little more.
Camp Day is in July when people are invited to Camp Easter Seal at Manitou Springs to see the programming offered. The camp is supported locally by the annual Snowarama, noted Hoeber.
“It’s an incredible experience . . . life changing,” she said.
July 5 and 6, there will be a provincial conference ‘Shaping Inclusive Communities’.
A trade show is also being planned for the fall in Yorkton for those with disabilities, their families and support professionals to learn more about what services and supports are available in the province, said Hoeber.
Things sort of wind-up Dec. 2, with a birthday celebration – it is the day the incorporation papers for SaskAbilities were originally signed.
