Battlefords Residential Services Inc., has been a pillar in the local community since 1986. (Submitted photo/Battlefords Residential Services Inc.)

By Martin Martinson

Local Non-profit

Battlefords Residential Services celebrates 35 years in community

Mar 31, 2021 | 2:08 PM

Battleford’s Residential Services Inc. (BRSI) is celebrating 35 years in the community.

The local non-profit, which first opened its doors back in 1986, offers services to adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. They currently have six group homes in the city, with five to six clients in each home; in addition to running a day program for 12 individuals, and a supported apartment living program for 11 others.

Executive Director, Deborah Bartlett has been with the organization since the beginning, and has seen firsthand how it has continued to grow and develop over the years.

“When I first started with the agency back in the early 80s, there were five employees, while today they have around 100 employees, as one of the larger employers in the city,” she said, adding that it’s incredibly valuable to offer the residential service for those in need in the community.

“It’s essential to have a service like this in the community to be able to offer opportunities to individuals with intellectual disabilities so they can live within the community as normal a life as possible,” Bartlett added.

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The last year has been especially challenging for the BRSI, as COVID-19 restrictions have made it difficult or even impossible to offer some of their usual programming, such as group events and community outings. Similarly, they have also had to put restrictions on families and visitors going into the homes, which has been difficult for all parties involved.

However, Bartlett said it’s been great to see the staff continue to do what they can to make the residences an enjoyable home for the people within them.

“I have to give a lot of credit to our managers and staff,” she said. “They have really picked up the ball, and have increased in-house activities for everyone to help keep them happy and content and safe within their own homes.”

Perhaps another silver lining to the pandemic, has been that it has allowed the organization to complete renovations on their day program location on 111^th Street, while the day program was put on hold due to restrictions. When guidelines do permit them to return to regular programming, the space will now feature a changed floor plan, a new kitchen, and new flooring.

Bartlett said they are grateful for the community’s support over the last 35 years, and look forward to the future in the community.

For more information on the Battlefords Residential Services, visit their website or find them on Facebook.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1