(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

FUNDING

NEOSS receives operational funding from provincial government

Apr 10, 2023 | 4:15 PM

North East Outreach Support Services (NEOSS) in Melfort has seen a significant financial boost courtesy of the Government of Saskatchewan.

The province committed $876,000 in operational funding to support five second-stage shelters across the province.

Over three years, the money will be used as an investment towards intervention and counselling services for women and their children leaving interpersonal violence and abuse.

“They recognize the need for support and we really appreciate the support that they’re providing for us,” said Blair Michaliew, NEOSS Board of Directors co-chair. “It’s going to go towards making sure that these people that need it the most, that are living in these locations, still have access to the resources that they need for their living situation.”

Second-stage housing provides safe, affordable, longer-term support (generally between 18 and 24 months) for women and their children to break the cycle of violence and help them rebuild their lives.

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In addition, clients receive counselling, connections to education and employment, and programs for their children.

“The government recognizes the great work that we do, but also the other shelters that also received funding,” Michaliew told northeastNOW. “There are lots of other organizations all across the province that also do great work, and we’re just really for the support that they provided for us.”

Women in second-stage housing have access to private, furnished living spaces, much like apartments.

They can also access a variety of programs that support them in their transition to permanent and independent living, free from violence and abuse.

Clients pay rent and are responsible for their own living expenses, which allows them to build confidence and independence.

“It’s not just a one-and-done kind of thing, I think it shows too what the commitment level that our province has to programs, such as these, that they recognize as well that this is something that isn’t just a one-and-done kind of issue, that there’s support that’s needed today, but also ongoing support,” explained Michaliew.

Other shelters that received funding included SOFIA House (Regina), Adelle House (Saskatoon), YWCA Turning Points (Saskatoon) and Sapohtewan House (La Ronge).

“We’re an organization that not only offers second-stage housing, but we also offer many different programs that are funded by the Saskatchewan government,” he added. “Again, just really appreciate the working relationship that we have with our current Sask government and look forward to working together in the future.”

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