WEYBURN – Inclusion Weyburn, the local branch of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living, has continued its mission to build and inspire an inclusive community in Weyburn and surrounding area. The organization supports individuals with diverse needs and abilities, offering a range of programs, events, and advocacy efforts throughout the year.
With its updated mission statement now written in plain language—“to build and inspire an inclusive Weyburn and area by empowering and valuing people with diverse needs and abilities”—Inclusion Weyburn has seen continued growth and impact in 2024.
Growing summer camps
The organization’s largest program, inclusive summer camps, saw 39 youth aged 3 to 21 participate in 2024, with registrations increasing yearly. Partnerships with the Weyburn Leisure Centre, Weyburn Credit Union Spark Centre, and Family Place made camps possible for younger children, while teens enjoyed activities through InWEY.
New programs for teens
In the fall of 2024, a new initiative called Dodgers Teen Group was launched. Meeting twice a month, the group is led by Sarah Sweet and Maura Tytlandsvik and focuses on life skills and social engagement.
Another teen-focused program, Empower Ability, is by Joanne Smith of the Weyburn Public Library. This bi-monthly group provides teens with additional support and programming in a safe, welcoming environment.
Community events and celebrations
Family swims were a hit throughout the year, although temporarily paused in the fall due to the closure of the local pool. By January, Inclusion Weyburn secured monthly pool rentals at the Ramada Hotel.
In February, to mark Inclusive Education Month, Inclusion Weyburn hosted a Valentine’s Dance. Grade 6 students from Legacy Park School, known as the Legacy Leaders, helped plan, run, and clean up the event.
October brought Pumpkin Lane, a Halloween celebration, and December featured Sensory-Friendly Santa, which included appointments and 12 drop-in visits for a calm and welcoming Santa experience.
Recognizing local champions
The Spirit of Inclusion Awards celebrated six individuals, groups, and businesses for their outstanding support of inclusion in Weyburn: Shannon Seitz; Weyburn Travelodge; Weyburn Communithon; Zion Lutheran Church; Weyburn’s Barber Motors; and Weyburn Young Fellows.
Advocacy and outreach
Inclusion Weyburn continues to collaborate with Inclusion Saskatchewan (INSK) to advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities. When concerns about workplace communication surfaced locally, INSK’s Jenelle Fortier facilitated a meeting with a union to share best practices for supporting employees with intellectual disabilities.
“We are now in the planning stages to set up a meeting with the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce,” said Jackie Wilson from Inclusion Weyburn the group’s annual report released in April. “It’s important that these types of issues are dealt with in a knowledgeable, supportive way.”
In December, a presentation was made to the Superannuated Teachers of Weyburn, where four local parents shared their experiences raising youth with intellectual disabilities. Their stories—two shared in person and two virtually—were met with support and appreciation.
Supporting the cause
Fundraising remains crucial to Inclusion Weyburn. The organization benefits from yellow donation bins provided by Community Living, and the Travelodge Golf Tournament proved to be a successful fundraising opportunity. Grants and donations continue to be vital to the group’s ongoing work.
Inclusion Weyburn also took part in a “friendraiser” hosted by the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Saskatchewan Community Foundation, where they connected with potential donors and supporters.
To learn more, visit their website at sites.google.com/view/inclusionweyburn or contact them via email at [email protected]. You can also connect with them on WhatsApp.
