Moose Jaw Families for Change celebrated the grand opening of their Kinsmen Inclusion Centre Wednesday.

The local non-profit supports people with varying abilities in residential and community settings.

Katie Statler is the Community Coordinator with MJFFC. "[The centre] is not strictly limited to folks that are in a group home facility. It might be someone who lives independently or someone who lives with their family. Really, anyone can contact us through our Facebook page or through our office. We like to do a face-to-face meeting to find out what their needs are."

The expansion of the MJFFC - the Kinsmen Inclusion Centre at 335 - 4th Avenue southwest - will allow them the opportunity to extend services to the community during day, evening, and weekend hours.

Jeremy Hansen is the Media Coordinator and Director with the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club. He works with the MJFFC in his "everyday life". "When the centre was being built, [they] were looking for a name, title, and a sponsor. I said there's no one better than our club. [MJFFC] made a 5-minute video showing how much they loved and cared, and our club jumped on it."

 MJFFC was formed in 2000. They have three residential homes in Moose Jaw.

Tom Shelly lives at one of those homes. "I've been a member of Moose Jaw Families for Change for seven or eight years. We do all kinds of odd jobs...there's paper shredding. Right now we're decorating trees. We do lunch 'n' learn, we do baking. We also do a recycling program."  

The Government of Saskatchewan provided $200,000 to MJFFC for the expansion project. Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence said, "Day programs play a valuable role in supporting people to be included in their communities. I want to applaud Moose Jaw Families for Change for being a part of creating an inclusive community right here in Moose Jaw."

The expanded space includes 3 new offices, a multi-purpose and meeting room, an accessible bathroom plus two powder rooms, two kitchenettes, a boardroom and training space, and plenty of storage.

Moose Jaw Families for Change promotes independence and quality of life. They provide individuals with the ability to make choices and decisions to further their personal and professional interests.

MJFFC offers team leader, volunteer, and home support.