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August 26, 1999
(Executive Council)


Projects under Strategic Social Plan

Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment and lead minister for the Strategic Social Plan, was joined, today by her colleague, Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health and Community Services to announce $304,000 in funding to support 12 more demonstration projects under the government's Strategic Social Plan (SSP).

"The projects awarded today are spread throughout different regions and communities of the province. Community-based organizations have made proposals that cover a wide scope of issues supporting the goals of the SSP. I am encouraged by the practical methods proposed by community-based organizations to explore new ways to deal with issues and concerns faced by individuals, communities and regions. I am very pleased to see communities engaging in partnerships to carry out these projects," stated Minister Bettney. "The proposals promote the intent of the plan based on prevention and early intervention and the strengthening of communities. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to work collectively with people and communities and foster opportunities for prosperity and enhance quality of life in our province."

Minister Aylward said: "I am proud to be associated with projects like these which empower people and address the determinants of health which affect all aspects of a person's life, improve our communities and benefit Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from all of the life cycles."

This is the second group of SSP demonstration projects to be awarded. Seven other projects were announced on July 23. To date over $500,000 of the $1.2 million fund available to support the demonstration projects for 1999/2000 has been used. Projects are being received on an ongoing basis and the review process continues.

People Partners and Prosperity: A Strategic Social Plan is a framework enabling people, communities, regional service delivery boards, and government to work together to create opportunities for a prosperous future.

The plan was announced by Premier Tobin in August 1998. The plan was initiated in central Newfoundland. This spring a steering committee representing 10 community service boards in health, education, economic development and representatives from the College of the North Atlantic and Federation of Municipalities partnered with government to take the lead in implementing the plan. Work continues to implement the Strategic Social Plan in two other regions this fall.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy Kelly, Communications - Strategic Social Plan, (709) 729-0168.

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Project Name: MacMorran Development Project
Sponsor Name: MacMorran Community Center
Project Location: St. John's
Project Description:

The MacMorran project makes a critical link between social and economic development. This project focuses on investigating new opportunities for employment and career opportunities for members of the community. It will teach people life skills and job readiness skills necessary for successful entry into the workforce. Assessing the availability of employment opportunities and matching community members with these jobs will be key. Another objective will be to create a service or business in the MacMorran Community which will provide employment and training for people in the community and to market that business or service throughout St. John's. The project incorporates several different partners at various operational and administrative levels.

SSP Funding: $25,104

Project Name: Embracing the Voices of Youth - Preventing Abusive Relationships
Sponsor Name: Corner Brook Status of Women Council and Dunfield Park Community Center
Project Location: Corner Brook
Project Description:

To effectively address the issue of preventing unhealthy relationships among youth, a partnership has been formed between the Dunfield Park Community Center and The Women's Center in Corner Brook. Prevention of, and intervention in, abusive relationships will be encouraged in a unique and interactive environment. A workshop will be presented in a relaxed atmosphere of a camp setting. Targeted towards an age group of 14-16 years, youth will define how unhealthy relationships affect them and they will have the opportunity to actively develop and promote solutions which will work for them long after the workshop has ended. This project will enhance the quality of life for people in the area and help develop leadership in the region.

SSP Funding: $24,813

 

Project Name: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome-Fetal Alcohol Effects Public Awareness Project
Project Sponsor: Aboriginal Family Center
Project Location: Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Project Description:

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is characterized by birth defects such as facial abnormalities and impaired mental and physical development resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol. This project addresses the issues of prevention and early intervention and in doing so supports the goals of the Strategic Social Plan. The proponents will present an awareness campaign to bring this syndrome to the attention of the general public. An education component will give the necessary information to pregnant women on the dangers to the baby of consuming alcohol during pregnancy and while breast feeding. Spouses and families will also be educated on this matter and "at risk" mothers will be encouraged to seek support. Health care professionals and community service boards are partnering with the Aboriginal Family Center on this project.

SSP Funding: $26,500

 

Project Name: Dismantling Homophobia
Sponsor Name: Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Association
Project Location: Based in St. John's with a provincial scope

Project Description:

This project supports the aims of the SSP by intervening to remove barriers to full participation in education, employment and society for lesbian and gay youth through a series of activities directed at dismantling homophobia within the school system. A resource reader will be distributed to teachers, counselors, and social workers throughout the province as a guide to dealing with issues relating to homophobia. The reader will be available on the Internet web-site. The project will also provide a series of "train the trainers" workshops throughout the province to enable teachers, counselors and social workers to train their colleagues in on the issues of homophobia.

SSP Funding: $36,055

 

Project Name: Healthy Choices Program
Project Sponsor: Botwood Boys and Girls Club
Project Location: Botwood

Project Description:

A survey conducted by the Botwood Memorial Addiction Prevention Committee found that smoking, alcohol use and illegal substance abuse is a significant activity of a large portion of their community's youth between the ages of 13-19 years. Through prevention and early intervention this project is designed to reach children and youth between the ages of five to 19. Using age appropriate activities and materials the project will focus on strengthening self-perception and esteem, developing awareness and assertiveness, enhancing communication with families and the community to promote making solid, healthy, life choices.

SSP Funding: $24,972

 

Project Name: Creating Lasting Enhancement of Area Neighborhoods
Sponsor Name: Froude Avenue Community Center
Project Location: St. John's

Project Description:

Project C.L.E.A.N. focuses on strengthening neighborhood communities. Building on the strong volunteer base already in place, and promoting the spirit of team work. Street captains will work with a project supervisor to coordinate events to make the community a safer, healthier and more enjoyable place to live. The area of focus is Froude Ave., Cashin Ave., Vickers Ave., and Vimy Ave. in St. John's. Encouragement, support, materials and equipment will be provided for residents to enhance the neighborhood, to become actively involved in the community events and activities and to create a positive, safe, friendly environment to grow up and live in.

SSP Funding: $19,361

 

Project Name: Student Parent Educational Resource Development
Project Name: Student Parents at MUN
Project Location: St. John's

Project Description:

This project will address the barriers to education and eventual employment that students with dependents face. It helps create a bridge between learning and actually getting a job. A steering committee will be formed to guide the project. Participants will take advantage of workshops in computers and resume building. The services and resources currently offered by SPAM (Student Parents at MUN) will be strengthened. In particular, parent development and counseling support will be enhanced.

SSP Funding: $9,577.90

 

Project Name: Transitional Planning Strategy for Secondary Students With Disabilities
Project Sponsor: Avalon West School District
Project Location: Avalon West School District

Project Description:

The transition from school to career training or work is often difficult for young people, especially those with mental or physical challenges. Through this project, schools will actively work to create a bridge to employment for secondary students with disabilities while they are still in the school system. Beginning with vocational profiles, career planning and employability skills training targeted to individuals, the project will lead to activities such as job shadowing, work experience placement, and supported employment for students with developmental disabilities. The outcomes of the project will be employment and participation in the community.

SSP Funding: $25,000

 

Project Name: Community Volunteer Development Initiative
Project Sponsor: Grand Bank Development Corporation
Project Location: Grand Bank

Project Description:

The project is intended to connect social and economic development initiatives in Grand Bank. This project will promote generating volunteer opportunities for young people. Volunteer work will give youths experience and skills that increase future employment potential. The link between social and economic development is key to this project and supports the intent of the SSP to invest in people and communities to strengthen them and create opportunities for employment.

SSP Funding: $25,000

 

Project Name: Seniors in Cahoots Against Crime
Project Sponsor: Seniors Resource Center
Project Location: St. John's with a provincial scope

Project Description:

This project will serve to promote safer and healthier environments for older persons. Information will be provided on how to identify attempts to intrude upon seniors which may result in harmful effects, including physical, psychological, or financial harm. Information and resources will be provided so that seniors and their representatives can appropriately deal with and report such issues as attempted fraud, harassment, intimidation and other harmful approaches. Another component of this project will be to educate seniors with respect to injury prevention.

SSP Funding: $25,000

 

Project Name: Avalon Employment Project
Project Sponsor: Avalon Employment Inc.
Project Location:

Project Description:

This project recognizes the need for a transitional strategy between school and traditional employment settings for young adults with developmental disabilities. A program of employability skills development through employment placement will prepare these young adults with an opportunity for meaningful employment when they complete high school. Upon graduation the students will have the confidence, self-esteem and employment skills to be contributing members of their community.

SSP Funding: $21,242

 

Project Name: Responding to Aboriginal People's Health Care Needs in Newfoundland and Labrador
Project Sponsor: St. John's Native Friendship Center Association, Memorial University Faculty of Medicine(Community Health Division)
Project Location: Northern and Central Labrador and St. John's

Project Description:

This research project is based on the importance of recognizing cultural differences in health care service delivery. When Aboriginal people travel outside their communities to receive medical services, they can experience a range of difficulties, in the medical system related to such issues as language, diet and other cultural differences. To date a project has not looked at identifying these issues. The project will measure and describe challenges and identify the best way to respond. Innu and Inuit people will be trained to facilitate the project in Northwest River, Sheshatsui, Rigolet, Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville, Davis Inlet and Nain. Addressing the needs and concerns of the residents will encourage respect for cultural differences within the health care system and promote the retention of our Province's diverse culture.

SSP Funding: $41,228

1999 08 26                             5:00 p.m.


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