The rooms are large and bright, the staff and participants are enjoying the new space and the grand opening was a chance to show everything off to the community and guests from afar.
More than 80 people flocked to the Maidstone Group Home Society's NewDay Centre Sept. 17 to celebrate the newly renovated facility on Maidstone's Main Street.
Friends from Meadow Lake, North Battleford and even Elvis and his Bodyguards from Moose Jaw were on hand to take part in the event.
The centre provides day programming for the 12 residents of the Maidstone Group Home Society's two homes and has room to spare. The 4,000 square foot building includes offices, a board room, a kitchen, a quiet room, staff and client bathrooms, a ball area, a snoozelyn room and a large open area with lots of windows painted in cheery colours.
The snoozelyn room was specially designed so electrical outlets are controlled by separate switches. The room offers people an opportunity for different sensory experiences with lights, sounds, aromatherapy and touch.
A large covered deck and concrete pad were added to the rear of the building.
The ceremony included a ribbon cutting, speeches, entertainment, tours and refreshments.
Celia Brendle, executive director of the society expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the project including those involved in the funding, construction, planning and day to day operations.
"Without all of you our clients wouldn't be enjoying the beautiful building we have now," said Brendle.
She invited Bev Trahan, the program co-ordinator to cut the ribbon.
"For those who don't know, Bev initially designed this building and worked very hard to incorporate all the little extras to make our clients' lives better," said Brendle.
Arlee Lungair, chairperson of the board of directors, has served the board through two renovations of the NewDay Centre and the construction of the second group home. It was more than she had expected but she was pleased with the outcome of all the hard work. She thanked the clients for keeping the board focused on what was important to them, the board for their work and support, and the executive director for a job well done.
She thanked the community and volunteers "who are always there with their arms around us. You are our safety net. Without community support and volunteers so many programs wouldn't be possible and many of the extras wouldn't magically appear."
Lumgair also recognized the staff. "Never think that your board of directors and executive director underestimate your value to our clients and our organization. We can build the most beautiful buildings, develop top of the line programs for each client but without committed, dedicated and positive staff we would not be able to improve and constantly strive to improve the quality of life for our clients."
MLA Michael Chisholm brought greetings from the province.
"Through the Ministry of Social Services, the province provides the Maidstone Group Society with total annual funding of more than $620,000 for all of its day to day and residential programs which support twelve people with intellectual and physical disabilities in our community. In addition the province is pleased to have contributed funding of $400,000 toward this new activity centre," he said.
He explained the project is part of province-wide initiative.
"In October 2008 our government announced a $76.9 million commitment to eliminate, within four years, the 440 person waitlist for residential, day and specialized programs for people with intellectual disabilities in Saskatchewan," said Chisholm.
"As a result, I'm pleased to report that, to date, services for 308, or 70 per cent of the waitlist, have been initiated or are under development with community based organizations across Saskatchewan. Our government is currently on pace to eliminate the 440 person waitlist by 2013," he said.
Words were followed by the entertainment, a highlight for many who clapped, danced and sang along to Elvis, his Bodyguards and musical guests.
The building, the environment created and the people made the event a celebration and the future look bright for all who enjoy the NewDay Centre.
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