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.
_________________________________
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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