Minister announces additional support for NLHC community centres

Oliver Langdon, minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), announced today that $140,000 will be allocated to seven of NLHC�s community centres to offset the cost of program co-ordinators. Each of the seven centres will receive $20,000 for the 2001-2002 fiscal year.

Five community centres are located in St. John�s including Buckmaster�s Circle, Froude Avenue, MacMorran, Rabbittown, and Virginia Park Community Centre. In addition, funding will be provided to the Two Sites Community Centre in Marystown and the Dunfield Park Community Centre in Corner Brook.

"These centres have seen tremendous growth and achieved much over the years, and I know this extra funding will greatly enhance the opportunities they will be able to offer to the many communities they serve," said Minister Langdon. "These programs have opened doors for people and ensured that many neighbourhoods throughout the province have remained a vital part of their communities."

Program co-ordinators are responsible for the overall development, implementation and day-to-day operations of the various educational, recreational, social and health programs offered to families and individuals through the centres.

Minister Langdon noted that the added support for the centres is in keeping with government�s commitment, under the Strategic Social Plan, to develop strong, healthy communities province-wide. This funding will help the centres provide settings and opportunities where people can come together to meet, learn and develop strong neighbourhood supports. The development of such environments will serve to improve and strengthen the overall economic and social outlook of communities throughout the province.

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Communications, (709) 729-1983.

2001 03 22            4:30 p.m.