Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Aug 17/01) - The Stanley Isaiah building is about to have its doors thrown open once again, and Carol Macek and Janice Wotherspoon will be welcoming occupants and community members alike.

Carol Macek, left, and Janice Wotherspoon are the program co-ordinators for the new supported-living home due to open next month. -- Derek Neary/NNSL photo

Macek and Wotherspoon are the program co-ordinators for the new supported-living home, which was a seniors' home years ago.

Ten residents will be admitted to the facility, which is scheduled to open in September. An admissions team will decide which applicants from the Deh Cho region will best meet the criteria, Macek said.

Elders and those with mental and physical disabilities will be eligible for a room. The home will offer a level of supervision, emotional and physical help, prepared meals and laundry service. Since the program is funded by the Department of Health and Social Services, no rent will be charged.

Another room in the building will be designated for those travelling to Fort Simpson for medical purposes.

Macek and Wotherspoon, who both have backgrounds in addictions and family violence counselling, have been busy unpacking and preparing policy for the facility since arriving from Yellowknife earlier this month. They are planning to line up a variety of programs and workshops introducing basic life skills, recreation, spiritual and cultural events.

Elders from nearby units and the community at large will be invited to take part and socialize too, said Macek.

"Because it's a new program, I'm excited about the possibilities," she said.

Since holding an open house last Thursday, numerous people have stopped by to check out the facility, she said.

"The community really seems like they're supporting this as a good idea...It's going to be a nice atmosphere here," she said. "This (building) has still got some memories attached to it.

"I think the place itself generates that warmth. We'll do what we can to enhance that."