Massive renovation project completed at Watrous day program

“Day programs give participants the chance to be involved in their community, develop their potential and create connections and friendships. I thank IHRC for enhancing the lives of residents living with intellectual disabilities and for fostering a more welcoming, accessible and inclusive community.”

The renovations have improved the accessibility and functionality of IHRC’s day program building and include an addition of nearly 1,500 square feet.

(submitted photo/Angela Silzer)

That increased the size of the program space to create a craft/multi-purpose room, confidential shredding room, quiet sensory room, learning room and accessible washrooms.

They also renovated the original building to add new flooring and kitchen upgrades to meet accessibility standards.

“The Board of Directors, management, staff and participants of Interlake Human Resources are very grateful to the ministry for their investment into our organization, and the expansion of our day program facility. This added space allows us to better serve the needs of the people we support by not only being more accessible, but also enabling us to increase the scope of our programming,” said Angela Silzer, executive director of the IHRC.

“In turn, having more space, especially more accessible space, will permit us to provide service to and support for even more individuals experiencing intellectual disabilities in the future. We are proud of our newly renovated and expanded facilities and enjoy all of the options and opportunities they provide.”

IHRC is a community-based organization that provides a range of vocational and residential services to adults with intellectual disabilities.

They are dedicated to helping program participants gain independence and live a high quality of life in their workplace, home and community.

IHRC operates community-based day programming for 18 individuals in the Watrous area, a four-person group home, two Sarcans and provides 60 hours of supported living services per week in Watrous and Davidson.

(submitted photo/Angela Silzer)

The project was originally proposed back in 2015, before being accepted by the Saskatchewan Government in 2019.

For Silzer, who’s been a part of the IHRC for 22 years, this project has been a few years in the making, but one that was well worth it.

“It’s been wonderful to see because before we used to be in a back alley, and we had a little building, and then we were spread out between three little buildings… so it has kind of come full circle.”

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by Ben Tompkins

Massive renovation project completed at Watrous day program

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