New Community Home Open in Antigonish

Eight people with disabilities will enjoy greater independence and more participation in their community thanks to a new L'Arche Antigonish community home that officially opened today, Aug. 3.

Community-based homes provide individuals with the programming and support they need, while enhancing their ability to live, work and socialize as independently as possible.

"I'm happy to see so many smiling faces as residents enjoy their new home," said Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse. "This new home will make life better for the residents and their families -- they'll know their loved ones are getting the support they need while living as independently as they can."

The home's eight residents will live together but each will have their own private bedroom. Residents have already moved in.

"This is a great day for my family, and especially for my sister," said Bev Farrell Renny, sister of a L'Arche Antigonish resident. "The new home has created an opportunity for more people to join the L'Arche community, including my sister. We're so excited she has the choice, that she can enjoy more independence, while sharing that experience with friends."

The province invested $1.6-million in the home, the latest in a series of recent investments to improve and expand services for Nova Scotians with disabilities.

"We're so pleased to be here to officially open this new community home," said Gus Leuschner, executive director of L'Arche Antigonish. "We've worked with the Department of Community Services to support people with disabilities in our community and we're so appreciative of everyone's efforts to make this home a reality."

The L'Arche Antigonish community is home to 22 individuals with developmental disabilities and also offers a summer camp program.

Government has increased investments in programs for persons with disabilities by $19 million since 2009, bringing the annual budget to nearly $255 million.