Sask. government begins handing out 2015-16 funding to CBO’s

SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan government has started handing out some of the $263.3 million announced in the 2015-16 budget to help fund community-based organizations (CBO). One of those is the Lighthouse in Saskatoon, which is receiving $1.5 million.

“The Government of Saskatchewan’s renewed funding will benefit people who don’t have anywhere else to go,” said Don Windels, executive director of Lighthouse Supported Living Inc.

“These dollars will allow our organization to continue providing our people with opportunities to interact with our staff and volunteers, to check out job opportunities and get employment counselling – all to help them get off the street.”

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In addition to the Lighthouse, Saskatoon-based Saskatchewan Association for Community Living is receiving $914,000.

SACL Executive Director Kevin McTavish said the money will help deliver “much-needed support to people with intellectual disabilities, so that they can be included in their community and live the life they choose.”

Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said Wednesday’s announcement is one of many to come over the coming weeks to help Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable citizens.

Some highlights of the recent CBO allocations by the Ministry of Social Services include:

• Central Urban Métis Federation, Saskatoon – $445,000;
• Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL), Saskatoon – $914,000;
• The Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Regina – $353,000;
• The Lighthouse Supported Living Inc., Saskatoon – $1.5 million;
• Children North Early Intervention Program Inc., La Ronge – $274,000;
• Native Co-ordinating Council, Prince Albert – $475,000;
• Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute Inc., Saskatoon – $472,000;
• Saskatchewan Foster Families Association, Saskatoon – $919,000;
• Aboriginal Family Service Centre, Regina – $401,000;
• Ranch Ehrlo Society, Pilot Butte – $264,000;
• YWCA Regina – $932,000; and
• Canadian Red Cross, Regina – $112,000.

The Ministry of Social Services provides funding to over 200 CBOs in the province. The funding announcements made Wednesday do not include fee for service arrangements.