Joan Janzen
for The Clarion

West Central Abilities has waited a long time for a new facility in Kindersley, but it looks like their new building will materialize in the near future, to be located at 122 1st Avenue West.

Kim Edmunds, executive director of West Central Abilities.

“We’ve been in the planning stages for a long time. We’re hiring an architect to work with us; that’s where we’re at now, then we’re planning to break ground in the spring,” said Kim Edmunds, executive director of West Central Abilities.

For many years, the West Central Abilities facility has been located in the industrial area, where it once housed a workshop. Throughout the years, this facility has been engulfed by heavy equipment and industrial businesses. Kim explained why the facility no longer is suitable for their needs.

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“Our services have shifted. We do skills development, recreation and leisure, as well as vocational work. We have a vast variety of abilities here, including high needs and those who need some support. We do other necessary care here, as well as a variation of therapy for individuals. Our new building will be equipped with a therapy room and sensory room which includes special lighting, zero gravity chair, aromas and music, and a personal care room.”

A medical room will also be available in the new facility, where examinations would be performed by a doctor or health nurse. In addition there will be a computer classroom for group or one-on-one instruction, to learn new skills. A community kitchen will be a welcomed feature as Kim explains, “We do a lot of cooking and teaching about nutrition. We grow our own garden and we cook with our own vegetables, giving an understanding of what it is to eat healthy, and what good nutrition will bring to our bodies.”

The garden is currently located in their back yard, as well as a community garden, which was planted at Clearview Community Church. “Our community is generous, so we also get donations of vegetables,” Kim added.

There are plans to have a stand up garden at the new location, a patio and lounge room. “We’re really quite big on crafts,” Kim noted, “so there would be an area for that.”

A big part of the project involves fundraising. “We have a fundraising committee with representatives from our staff, board of directors and volunteers.” Kim explained. “Last year we did a St. Patrick’s Day supper with entertainment, and we’re looking at doing that again this year. I do believe we’ll be hosting it at the Norman Ritchie Centre. We did an art auction in November, at the Catholic church hall, featuring local artists, and artists from the province donated pieces. We had all kinds of work come in, with amazing talent!”

“We have quite a few volunteers involved with fundraising, but we’d like to see that grow.” added Kim, who stressed the importance of community involvement in the future.

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