Langenburg & District Actvity Centre Inc. - 306-743-5030

Langenburg & District Activity Centre Inc. is a non profit organization dedicated to the wellbeing of persons with intellectual difficulties.

HISTORY OF LDAC

The Langenburg & District Activity Centre is the result of the perseverance of many dedicated parents and advocates. The Agency was officially and finally incorporated on September 19, 1980. The original directors listed on the application to the Corporations Branch included: Fred Neumier, Rev. Norman Marcotte, Peter Popick, Raymond Schultz, Reinhold Baumung, Marjorie Swejda, Bruce Maguire, Paul Hovrisko, and Barbara Berger. At the time of this writing in 2008, Fred and Marjorie are still active Board members. It may be further noted that three of the original clients, Jim Bradka, Darcy Swejda, and Bruce Neumier are also still active workers in the workshop.

The organization struggled for existence in rented premises until moving into the present site of the workshop in 1985. The workshop construction was made possible by the financial contributions of the Department of Social Services, the Kinsmen Clubs of Saskatchewan, the Langenburg Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, and local service clubs and individuals, finished off by some dedicated production work by the staff and clients of the workshop.

A group home was purchased in 1986, the previous residence of Donald and Leola Betz, to provide living accommodations for some of the clients attending the day program at the workshop. This original group home was sold upon the completion of a new 2,700 square foot residence located at 414 - 4th Street in 1990. This new home was constructed in conjunction with Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and CMHC. The general contractor for this new construction was Ray Toews of Ragal Developments of Moose Jaw, the successful bidder.

The LDAC is governed by a Board of Directors. These Directors are elected from the general membership of the organization at the annual general meeting held in June of each year. These Directors are elected for a two-year term with one-half of the Board having their terms expire annually. These Directors then may choose to become eligible for re-election depending on their own personal choice.

The day-to-day operations of the Sheltered Workshop, SARCAN depots in Langenburg and Esterhazy, a paper/cardboard recycling depot, and the group home is entrusted to a staff of eight full-time staff under the direction of the Executive Director. It is the responsibility of these staff members to carry on the various programs and policies that are developed by the Board in conjunction with the various Government agencies and organizations that have become part of the operation’s network. The staff of the Agency is responsible to the Executive Director, who in turn reports to the Board of Directors.

HISTORY OF SARC*

SARC was established in 1968. Originally called the Saskatchewan Association of Sheltered Workshops (SASW), it was formed by a group of managers from the eight sheltered workshops in the province to serve as a “communication vehicle”, enabling managers to share information and learn from each other. Its focus was providing sheltered employment and work activities primarily for developmentally and intellectually disabled people.

A meeting in 1971 proved to be a turning point for the organization. After much discussion, the managers decided to unite their efforts to make Saskatchewan “number one” in the field of sheltered workshops. A new executive was elected, headed by Dennis Bleier as president and Jane Shury as secretary. The group revised both the aim and the objectives of the association to provide a clear direction for its future.

The Saskatchewan Association of Sheltered Workshops would act to coordinate its members’ activities, and ensure that common standards for workshop and activity centre operations be promoted and improved. It would further ensure that workshop operations were meaningful to the welfare of the clients. SASW would also promote staff training programs, coordinate large province-wide contracts, provide for an exchange of ideas among workshops, and bring common concerns and needs to the attention of the provincial rehabilitation advisor. These changes renewed commitment of SASW’s members and led the organization in a new direction.

In 1973, SASW officially changed its name to the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres (SARC), due to the feeling of the membership regarding the connotation of “sheltered” and “workshop”, which were felt to be detrimental to the operation and image of the centres. During the next four years, SARC grew to 24 Member Centres, and its services slowly began to evolve through advocacy, liaison with other organizations, and development of standards, education, and marketing.

Today, SARC is an association of over 70 Members who provide activities, training, employment, independent living supports, and residential services for thousands of persons with disabilities. The organization assists its Members by given them supports in education/training, lobbying, and labour relations, as well as technical and financial supports.

Tags: Disability Services,Community Organization,Charity Organization