‘This is groundbreaking’: Ottawa gives $8M to expand Winnipeg non-profit

The federal government is spending $8M to help renovate a Winnipeg facility that helps people with intellectual disabilities.

Millions of federal dollars will help a Winnipeg non-profit renovate and expand its new space.

DASCH Incorporated, an organization that assists people with intellectual disabilities, received the money from Ottawa on Wednesday.

“For over 50 years, DASCH has been dedicated to fostering independence, inclusion, and personal growth for individuals with intellectual disabilities through their programs and services,” said MP Ben Carr during the announcement. “They empower individuals, they strengthen families and create a true sense of belonging.”

The money will be used for an expansion of its recently purchased building to modernize the interior, improve accessibility and increase the square footage to introduce community spaces.

“An inclusive, accessible community hub is long overdue as the cornerstone of our city and province and country, because this is groundbreaking,” said Karen Fonseth, CEO of DASCH Incorporated.

“We look forward to the community that it will foster and the enrichment it’s going to bring to all of us.”

Fonseth said the goal of their new building is to help build connections between people living with intellectual disabilities and the wider community.

“Even though institutions are closing and people are living in the community, it’s not good enough,” she said. “We have people living in homes in the community, but are they accepted in the community?”

The money comes from Ottawa’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. The DASCH Foundation and other funding partners are providing $19 million for the project.