Ty's House is separated into two halves with various levels of support. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

grand opening

MLA attends group home ceremony in La Ronge, visits NSN day program

May 30, 2022 | 12:53 PM

Although Ty’s House in La Ronge has been accepting residents since December 2020, the lifting of COVID restrictions earlier this year finally allowed for a grand opening ceremony to go ahead

The event was attended by Saskatchewan Party Athabasca MLA Jim Lemaigre, Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak, as well as NorthSask Special Needs (NSN) employees and the late Tyler Murray’s family.

“Our government is committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities,” Lemaigre told attendees. “This group home represents a step forward in our government’s support of true person-centred community living. I want to thank NorthSask Special Needs for the work they do in supporting people to be included in northern communities.”

The construction of the eight-bedroom group home was announced in February 2019. It provides 24-hour, on-site support for residents, and staff are trained in behaviour management and medication. Residents also have access to specialized lifts and accessible tubs.

The Ministry of Social Services provides $445,000 annually in operational funding for the group home.

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“NSN has been supporting people in La Ronge for about two decades now,” Lemaigre said. “That’s an incredible accomplishment of service. Group homes and day programming are incredibly important as they often provide an opportunity for people to find a place in their communities.”

The NorthSask Special Needs day program is located along La Ronge Avenue. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The MLA also did a tour on the NSN day program, which underwent a $150,000 renovation in 2019. The program can support up to 16 clients with intellectual disabilities and the goal is to support individuals in the enhancement and development of appropriate life skills.

Clients at the day program also participate in activities such as arts and crafts, music, sports, community trips and more.

“It was very exciting to finally have everyone come in and see the home and share with everybody all that NSN has accomplished,” executive director Melanie Norris said. “Because of COVID, it was a very slow transition for some clients. It was very challenging for some not being able to see family members.”

Norris explained Ty’s House is nearly full with only one space available. She noted the opening of the group home has been beneficial as it has allowed those with special needs to stay in their home community.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno