By West Central Abilities INC, April 21, 2016
West Central Abilities Inc.
(Formerly West Central Industries Inc.)
Who are we? We are a community based organization serving the community through services designed for people with disabilities and their families.We are a registered charity with a volunteer Board of Directors. We receive the majority of our funding from The Government of Saskatchewan, but we are an independent agency responsible for our own finances and operations.
Our Mission: To serve and create opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to live a rich life full of quality and enjoyment.
Our Vision: Empowering individuals to make choices, experience fulfillment and enjoy full citizenship.
Where are we? We are a part of the community.There are three group homes in Kindersley, a day program, and a supported independent living program. Our Activity Centre is located in the industrial area of town.
What do we do? We provide residential and day supports through programs that are person-centred. We teach life skills, provide recreational opportunities, provide physical and mental therapies,assist with personal care,ensure medical needs are attended to, ensure financial supports are adequate and advocate on behalf of the disability community. We coach vocational interests and provide supports to individuals in gaining meaningful work and employment opportunities.
Why does this matter to everyone? Persons with disabilities are people first and are contributing members of the community. They are our children, grandchildren, family, neighbours and friends. Any person at any time can experience a disability, either personally, within their family or their circle of friends, and face the challenges and barriers that a disability brings. Individuals and families are in need of individualized and local services now so their loved ones can remain close by.
What do we want? We want a Person-Centered Culture. For the individual this means:
I feel a sense of belonging with those around me; having a close circle of friends; feeling companionship. I feel valued by those in my life.
My voice is heard and my choices are respected.
I am accepted and experience comfort in knowing that I have the ability to engage in meaningful activities without barriers;to participate fully in community life.
I know there is someone to advocate and support me and my support team will help me achieve my goals.
I have choice and control over my life.
I am afforded the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of life experiences and learning opportunities.
I want to be with others; not being afraid of people; not being afraid to go outside; feeling relaxed in interactions with others. I feel like people in my life need me as much as I need them.
I am recognized as a person and feel a sense of pride; I am comfortable to express personal gifts and talents.
How can you help? We need community support to move forward with our future plans. We are in need of a suitable new location that is safe for our day program facility. Ideally this location will be in the heart of the community to promote and be consistent with the goal of inclusion. We believed we had found the perfect location and are truly grateful to the Town Council for their efforts to help us obtain the site.
It us with great sadness, disappointment and heavy hearts that the Board of Directors of West Central Abilities has decided to withdraw the request to lease the property known as Kinsmen Park from the Town of Kindersley for the purpose of building a new facility for individuals with disabilities in Kindersley and area. In order for WCA to be successful in helping individuals achieve the above stated objectives, good will with the citizens is absolutely essential. We will respect the opposition shown by citizens for building on this site.
It has become clear that there is some education and public awareness work to do. We will continue to search for a suitable property. You can help by attending our public consultation session on april 29, 2016 at 7:00 p.m., at the Elks Hall. You can help by keeping an open mind and offering your own skills and abilities to help us grow.
The work matters.The people matter.