An open house was held at Sylvan Lake’s newest social care facility, Sept. 21.
Rob McFadden of Forrest Services, explained they should begin taking in clients at the residential facility on 47th Avenue the following week.
“It’s a gradual process,” he said. “They come for a visit first to see how comfortable they feel.”
The facility will cater to higher needs people with mental health problems,” he said. They plan to have 15-20 staff members who will provide 24-7 supervision for up to eight clients.
The 3,600 square foot duplex has been opened up on the top level to allow for people to move back and forth. The residence contains a total of eight bedrooms.
“We’re providing a place for them, a place they can call home,” McFadden said.
Most will be moving from Centennial Centre in Ponoka, but he added they’re not restricting themselves to just accepting people from that facility.
Besides providing a home for these individuals, McFadden said they’ll be taking them on field trips and trips into the community, to such places as the library, pool and hockey games. All will be supervised.
The open house was held to let the community see what’s being provided for the individuals with special needs. Due to privacy issues it had to be held prior to arrival of any residents.