SaskAbilities Week is marking some major milestones not only locally, but for the organization as a whole.
This year is the 60th anniversary of SaskAbilities opening its operations in Swift Current. It's also the 75th anniversary of the group as a whole. Throughout that history, their focus on caring for individuals experiencing disabilities or life-changing conditions has never shaken.
To commemorate this, SaskAbilities is officially proclaiming, with approval from the City of Swift Current, September 14 to September 20 as SaskAbilities Week.
Bringing forth this proclamation at city council was Jayda Watson, who was recently appointed as the Regional Director for SaskAbilities in Swift Current. She highlighted that the organization has grown, expanded, and evolved since its founding in 1950.
"What began with families uniting for a shared vision of better education, treatment, and services for their children has evolved into a dynamic and innovative organization," said Watson.
She went on to reveal that currently, SaskAbilities serves over 50,000 individuals. In Swift Current, those members can be as young as six years old, with many remaining with them into their later years.
A recent expansion of SaskAbilities services was of their Dementia Friendly Life Enrichment Program.
"We're proud to be able to be flexible and responsive to the needs of the community by offering innovative and client-centred programs," said Watson. "We are grateful to the community of Swift Current and Southwest Saskatchewan for their unwavering support."
A new fundraising initiative being launched in 2025 is 'Black Tie Bingo'. This gala will be a formal wear bingo night, with the proceeds going back into the programming costs for SaskAbilities.
"We are committed to working together to build inclusive communities for people of all abilities," said Watson.
Watson went on to present a video covering testimony from employment partners who work with members from SaskAbilities and those from the working members themselves. That video is embedded in the city council broadcast, available here.