Prairie Branches celebrates first year in new location in Wilkie

WILKIE — Evidenced in continued smiles by the residents who use it and the increased community engagement at the Wilkie Main Street location, Executive Director Eunice Washkowsky of Prairie Branches says the first year in the new location has been well received by all.

“Our new location gives us more visibility in the community which helps us reach our goal of inclusiveness for our residents and participants,” says Washkowsky

“Being part of the downtown business community helps us all feel more connected.”

The Prairie Branches Director affirms this has expanded their community connection as they can more easily take part in events, activities and outings from this location, and others can easily join in too.

“We have had more visitors and more employment and volunteer inquiries since the move.”

Some additions include patio furniture that was purchased earlier in 2023. They have also purchased a sunshade for the patio and currently waiting for it to arrive. As well, Washkowsky says, they are looking at options for some artwork on the patio side of the building.

The summer of 2023 is full of fun events.

 “We have several out-of-town trips booked,” says Washkowsky.

“Some will be attending a Saskatchewan Roughrider game, the Prairie Oasis Petting Zoo in Wilkie, camping trips, picnics, campfires, museums, golfing, biking, Saskatoon Exhibition, Fringe Festival, St. Walberg Blueberry Festival, powwows, swimming and so much more.”

Prairie Branches, Wilkie location, currently has 17 residents. Wilkie has close to 70 staff and approximately one-half of those work all or part of their shift in the day program.

The Wilkie Prairie Branches location on Main Street houses their head office which has seven full-time members of the 18-person leadership team. The building also houses the day program where there are three full-time staff members.

“We have good attendance when we host events. We look forward to hosting more later this year as we are not quite set up yet,” says Washkowsky.

“We will host more events once we are fully set up. We continue to receive donations and have plans for more fundraising initiatives in the future. Our bottle drives are always very well supported in Wilkie,”

The new location has had a positive impact on everyone, according to staff. The building was designed especially for their needs, both for office space and for programming. Their new sensory rooms are used each week and their patio has become a place everyone looks forward to enjoying each day. Staff and participants love that most places are walkable from their building.