YORKTON - Located as it is on the north edge of the city it is easy to forget just how fortunate we are as a community to have SaskAbilities here.
And yet SaskAbilities has been around for decades. Provincially the organization is marking its 75th anniversary, and has been in Yorkton since 1966.
Locally the festivities to mark the year started Friday with a pancake breakfast.
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.
Again locally, more than 1000 people with disabilities, or facing barriers to employment receive support and services in Yorkton and area.
That is important to remember, because the organization’s efforts are focused on those who most need a hand up to allow them to fully be part of our community. That is so important because a caring society and community is for everyone, not just a select few. It is a lesson we must never lose site of here in Canada.
Among the core programming is the facilities day programming, which has “transitioned over time” to stay responsive to community needs.
Last month the city announced the recipients of the 2024 Civic Recognition Awards, and the day program was the recipient, an indication of its importance. Recognized in the group category is SaskAbilities’ Day Program for their continued efforts and support for the betterment of the community.
The Day Program supports 58 individuals and has made significant contributions through various community volunteer activities. These efforts include park clean-up in the spring, assisting at the Bentley, cleaning the community fridge, delivering meals on wheels, helping out at Serendipity, participating in random acts of kindness such as raking leaves and shovelling for those unable to complete these tasks and delivering flyers for organizations and events.
Other services provided through SaskAbilities are the 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.
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, and in 2023 the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, together with SaskAbilities hosted a luncheon to discuss and celebrate people who have a disability and contribute to businesses and their communities, helping them to be successful and competitive.
At the time, Krista Knutson, with SaskAbilities - Yorkton Region, told those attending the luncheon there are programs designed to break down the barriers to employment which ultimately helps clients achieve their goals in the workplace.
In the process the employer is helped too by making often small changes to help create a valued employee.
The support can include a wage subsidy, and a job coach who helps the client and employer transition to make the job placement successful.
It is another example of just how critical SaskAbilities is to making Yorkton an accepting and inclusive community something we should be extremely proud of.
Overall there are 11 departments. 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 Aleks Hoeber, Regional Director with SaskAbilities, 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 小蓝视频 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.
