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What a weiner!

Sault MPP David Orazietti was slaving over a hot grill as Community Living Algoma celebrated the official opening of its newest home this week.
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Sault MPP David Orazietti was slaving over a hot grill as Community Living Algoma celebrated the official opening of its newest home this week.

A ribbon cutting and barbeque was held Friday afternoon on the porch of the new facility at 624 Lake Street.

The house is one of numerous CLA operations scattered across Sault Ste. Marie.

As many as six people can be housed there, with staff members present 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Lake Street facility is geared toward the needs of aging clients.

Orazietti is shown serving up some hot food to Andy and Rose.

Most of the residents either have jobs or are in programs they attend throughout the community.

Property manager Kim Metzen said that 624 Lake Street was an ideal spot for the house.

"We wanted it to be part of a neighborhood," Metzen said.

The idea was to move away from the group home state of mind.

People living in the house are able to do a lot of things themselves.

"What people have to realize that this is a home. Our idea was we wanted it like their own home. As if it was theirs," Metzen said.

Click here to see the ribbon cutting

The following is a David Orazietti news release:

********************* Orazietti announces $756,005 for new group resident in Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie - Today MPP David Orazietti announced that through the New Places to Live initiative, Community Living Algoma received $756,005 in funding for capital and operational costs for a new group home.

The home officially opens today and will accommodate three new residents and three existing group living residents.

"This funding provides those individuals with disabilities in Sault Ste. Marie with more opportunities to have access to a home where they can get the support they need, which will also be a place they can call their own," said Orazietti. "Our government is committed to improving conditions for persons with disabilities, to ensure they have greater opportunities to participate in society and have a more inclusive lifestyle. Representatives of Community Living Algoma have worked very hard to make this project a reality and I am pleased to support their efforts."

The New Places to Live initiative was announced by the McGuinty Government's Ministry of Community and Social Services in March 2004.

The $756,005 in funding for the new group home in Sault Ste. Marie includes:

* $404,920 for construction of the residence

* $198,813 for annualized operating costs

* $66,272 for fiscal start-up costs

* $36,000 for furnishings and equipment

* $50,000 for a new van

Today's announcement is just one example of the wide range of community and residential services that benefit approximately 600 adults and children with developmental disabilities in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District.

In April 2005, the provincial government announced that it is investing over $41 million in a landmark comprehensive plan to strengthen specialized care for people with developmental disabilities. ********************


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