West Central Abilities celebrates the Grand Opening of a New Day Program
The West Central Abilities (WCA) community came together in celebration on Tuesday morning, September 3 as the ribbon was cut on their newly completed Day Program building. Family, friends, and community members gathered to mark this significant milestone, which will now serve as a vital resource for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for reaching this remarkable milestone, especially considering the various challenges we faced, including a shortage of construction workers causing delays,” shared Lloyd Griffith, WCA's representative.
L-R: MLA Ken Francis, Karly Holmes, Tamara Wiebe, Brooke Nargang and Mayor Rod Perkins participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony at the West Central Abilities new Day Program building on Tuesday morning, September 3rd. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Clients, staff and visitors joined to celebrate the grand opening of West Central Abilities new Day Program building. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Kindersley MLA Ken Francis joined representatives from WCA to celebrate the occasion on behalf of the Ministry of Social Services, which will provide approximately $380,000 in operational funding to support the program that will accommodate up to 20 individuals.
“Our government is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and we are proud to support this new day program in Kindersley,” stated Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky. “I commend West Central Abilities for their dedication to fostering inclusive and accessible communities where everyone is empowered to thrive.”
The Ministry of Social Services provided almost $975,000 in capital funding to support the construction of the day program building. West Central Abilities Inc. also contributed over $900,000 toward the new building through donations and fundraising.
"WCA has waited a long time be able to call this new day program building home, located in the heart of our community," West Central Abilities Executive Director Tamara Weibe said. "We appreciate all of the government agencies for their financial support and also to all of our community that has stood behind us and made significant contributions to our ongoing call for donations. We have made our dream a reality, and we are so happy to be able to work out of this beautiful modern building."
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony featured Wiebe alongside clients Karly Holmes and Brooke Nargang, who shared in the excitement as they welcomed nearly 50 guests to tour the facility, enjoy cake, and celebrate the new beginning.
Mayor Rod Perkins congratulated the organization, acknowledging the challenges faced during construction. “It’s been a challenge, but that challenge is now behind us,” he remarked.
For over 45 years, WCA has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through life skills training and recreational activities, helping them enhance their quality of life, build confidence, and achieve independence. Looking ahead, the organization aims to expand its services further to meet community needs.
"Our inclusion in the community is already being felt by our individuals, who have already been able to simply walk downtown and go for coffee," Weibe said. "This is a huge step for us and we plan on doing a lot of this in the future."