Mackenzie Training Centre - Preeceville

Mackenzie Society Ventures Inc. (formerly Mackenzie Society for the Advancement of Children Inc.) was the brainchild of Don and Heather Ostapak. As parents needing services for a handicapped child, they met with other parents with similar needs.

In 1974, a board was formed with Mr. Ostapak being elected as Chairman. These parents then proceeded to lobby government agencies for funds to establish and operate a developmental centre. With help from the Departments of Social Services and Education, two community developmental centres were established. Two children attended the Preeceville Centre and four attended the Norquay Centre. At Norquay, a classroom was renovated by the Norquay Kinsmen. Preeceville Centre began operation in the basement of the Lutheran Church. 

In 1981, the Centres were amalgamated at Preeceville with the majority of Norquay students moving on to new programs. 

In 1985, Preeceville Developmental Centre moved into a school classroom and was administered by the Sturgis School Division with parent input. The Mackenzie Society for the Advancement of Children ran a summer program for 8 weeks during the time that the school was closed. The summer program included recreational activities as well as programming. It was funded through fundraising and private donations.

In 1982, the Mackenzie Society decided that too many of the handicapped young people were having to leave the area for further training, or were receiving no training at all. A needs identification survey was performed and approximately 104 adults were identified as needing some type of service. A proposal was submitted to the government asking for an activity centre, workshop and supporting group homes. Funding of $126,500 was received from Social Services. The Kinsmen Foundation donated $97,700, with $10,200 allotted for furniture and equipment. The Preeceville and District Lions Club donated $40,333. Approximately $50,000 through fundraising activities and donations made it possible to build and furnish the Mackenzie Training Centre. The training centre opened its doors on May 1st, 1986.

Ostapak House, named for the founder and first chairman of the Mackenzie Society, was purchased in August and opened its doors on September 1st, 1986. The group home was funded by the Provincial Government and the rate was determined by the number of clients living in the home. The Kinsmen Foundation provided Mackenzie Society with $6,000 for furniture and equipment. Local fundraising and donations provided the remainder of the funds required to furnish and equip the home.

Anaka House, named after Harry Anaka, a man who dedicated many years of hard work to Mackenzie Society, was opened on February 19th, 1988. A house was rented until the 2,800 square foot home was completed, housing 8 individuals. Kinsmen Foundation provided $7,300 for furnishings and equipment. Local fundraising and appeals provided the remainder of the monies necessary for start up.

Anaka House was funded through the provincial government, public trustee and various other channels. The new Anaka House group home opened in June 1988.

A Supportive Independent Living Program (SILP) was started in December of 1988.

An Activity Day program began in July of 1989, which included a second hand clothing store. The Second Hand Store has been in operation since being renamed Uncle Mack's in the 1990s.                                                                      

In the fall of 1990, a 30 by 40 foot addition was added to the workshop to house the woodwork and painting programs. This addition was funded from the distribution of profits from SARC/SARCAN'S recycling program.

In November of 1991, the construction of a replacement group home for Ostapak House began with funds from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. The 2,740 square foot wheelchair accessible home would accommodate six adults. Furnishings were provided by the Preeceville Lions Club from funds raised during the Carnival Queen Contest. Mackenzie Society participated in the fundraising effort by sponsoring one of the residents, Brenda Radawetz, as a queen contestant who helped raise $10,000 of the $15,000 total contributed by the Lions Club. This new home, known as Preece Place was officially opened August 28th, 1992.

By vote of the general membership of Mackenzie Society for the Advancement of Children Inc., the name of the organization was changed to Mackenzie Society Ventures Inc. on June 4th, 1992, to project a more business-like image.

In November of 2001, a third group home was opened in Preeceville. The Preeceville Lions Club contributed funds to furnish the bedrooms of the home.

In August 2008, a fourth group home was opened located in Preeceville.

In December 2009, services were expanded to Canora by opening a fifth group home.