Prairie Branches celebrates ribbon cutting for Kerrobert’s new group home

By Joan Janzen

KERROBERT - Prairie Branches held the grand opening of their new group home at 548 Alberta Avenue in Kerrobert on Wednesday morning, May 28th. Special guests who addressed the crowd at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were MLA Kim Gartner, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Terry Jenson, Minister of Social Services, as well as Mayor Mike Mitchell, Board member Rebecca Sperling and Marissa Merkel, Executive Director of Prairie Branches.

Everyone cheered after the ribbon was cut at the grand opening of Kerrobert’s new group home at 548 Alberta Avenue. Special guests who addressed the crowd were MLA Kim Gartner, Mayor - Mike Mitchell, Board member Becky Sperling and Marissa Merkel, Executive Director of Prairie Branches. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

Members of the group homes at Wilkie, Kindersley, Unity, Biggar, and, of course, Kerrobert all joined the Prairie Branches Board of Directors and staff for the occasion. After a year-long construction period, the 1800 square foot house plus garage was completed, and numerous Kerrobert residents came to celebrate this home becoming a reality.

“There are so many people we need to thank,” Rebecca Sperling said. “We are so excited about the impact this group home will have for the participants.”

Marissa Merkel gave a special thank you to all the hard-working staff and invited those in attendance to drop in at the activity centre to see “what the crew is up to.” Tours of the group home were not permitted out of respect for the privacy of the residents who live there. However, there were photos and a video presentation available for anyone who was interested.

This special occasion was a great opportunity to meet the managers and staff who make everything possible in Kerrobert. The project was a long time coming and is the result of much hard work and advocacy.