The Sutherland neighbourhood is the newest home of a SaskAbilities day program.

The official opening of Saskatoon’s third such centre happened in front of a packed house with staff and clients joined by many dignitaries including Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark and Social Services Minister Paul Merriman.

The ceremony had special meaning for Merriman as a parent of a 21-year-old daughter with cognitive challenges.

The minister says a centre offering life skills that give clients the ability to integrate into everyday life around the community is invaluable to those learning new skills and their parents who also need the support.

Merriman stresses inclusion within the workforce, the home and community is the goal and says it’s heart-warming for parents to see their children playing sports or on the job.

The province put up 140-thousand dollars for the capital start-up at Sutherland and contributes about 135-thousand dollars in annual funding toward programs.