Northern Growing Abilities (NGA) is currently considering three possible locations for their hydroponic greenhouse in Creighton, which will serve as an opportunity for people with cognitive disabilities to work and learn.
NGA chair Anita Rainville said their group seeks to fill a void in the community and help people reach a better understanding of cognitive ability.
“Some individuals have trouble meeting some developmental milestones, such as reasoning, learning, problem solving, talking movement skills and interacting with others socially and emotionally,” said Rainville.
“Most people take this for granted in their everyday life, but for these individuals it is a daily challenge to adapt and carry on everyday life activities such as self care, socializing and communicating.”
The group has been trying to find land that fits within Creighton zoning regulations and other city bylaws.
Rainville said their search has been tricky since they need their location to meet all their needs, such as space for an outdoor growing area.
“[Our search] has been a little difficult, but we have narrowed it down,” said Rainville.
While the group is currently deciding where to set up shop, Rainville said the preferred destination would be somewhere in central Creighton.
In terms of funding, NGA has applied for two grants, including the Co-op Community Spaces Grant and the Community Initiative Fund through the province of Saskatchewan.
The group will find out if they have been given the Co-op Community Spaces Grant on June 1.
Rainville said the group has sent out letters to community businesses for donations.
Aside from outside grants and donations, Rainville said once the location has been set up and running, that the group hopes to be self-sufficient.
NGA held the Creighton and Area Abilities Conference on May 9-10 with support from Inclusion Saskatchewan, Creighton Community School and a provincial wellness grant.
“[The conference was] expected to help teachers, educational assistants, parents, caregivers, volunteers and community members who would like to attend and gain knowledge on how to be proactive and learn preventative strategies to better interact with individuals with intellectual disabilities and their daily challenges,” said Rainville in a statement to The Reminder.
