Officials turned sod on Salem Home's new $325,000 dining room. The 1,100 sq ft addition will provide space for 24 care home residents.

Salem Home Board Chair James Peters says the extra space is crucial, "Reality is... when you have 50 residents in one dining area there are many distractions," which he says can increase agitation and aggression in residents sensitive to noise.

He notes the expansion on the Winkler facility's east side will feature large window and give staff more room to serve.

So far, 94 percent of the project costs have been covered. Fundraising began in November with the Building for Tomorrow Dinner and they've continued to see private and corporate donations pour in.

"To think five months ago we announced the project and most of it has come in at this point, we're thankful to the community, and we thankful to the Lord and how He goes before us on these projects."

He says their hope is to have the remaining $18,000 in place prior to the August completion date.

Rev. Wilbert Friesen dedicates the new Cottonwood Dining Room