Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Education
December 18, 2006

Community Centre Alliance (CCA) today announced the second year of operation of Homework Haven, its successful after-school homework support program. The announcement took place at Froude Avenue Community Centre, St. John�s.

Homework Haven provides volunteer-based homework support to children in Grades 7-12 at seven the community centres around the province supported by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC). These include, Buckmaster�s Circle, Froude Avenue, MacMorran, Rabbittown and Virginia Park Community Centres, all in St. John�s; Smallwood Crescent Community Centre in Marystown; and Dunfield Park Centre in Corner Brook.

"The Homework Haven programs provide safe, nurturing places for young people to get help with their schoolwork," said the Honourable Minister Paul Shelley, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and minister responsible for NLHC. "We are pleased to provide $35,000 in funding to assist approximately 100 young people each week at seven community centres access a safe and comfortable environment in which to gather after school, find assistance with their homework and build personal academic success."

"The Department of Education is pleased to be a partner in this successful community initiative, and has provided more than $16,500 worth of languages arts, math, science and social studies books," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "It is important students are provided every opportunity to learn and succeed. In fact, the social and economic future of our province depends upon an educated population that is ready to contribute to its prosperity. I commend all the volunteers involved with Homework Haven and wish everyone continued success."

The program is a partnership between the CCA, Human Resources, Labour and Employment, the Department of Education, the Community Youth Network-St. John�s, and Aliant, which for a second consecutive year has stepped up to the plate as corporate sponsor, donating another $10,000 for operational expenses.

Len Simms, NLHC�s chair and chief executive officer said, "NLHC is proud of all seven community centres whose staff and volunteers work very hard to provide a variety of programs and services for families and children in our neighbourhoods throughout the province. We are happy to also support the centres with $525,000 in annual operating funding each year, which enables them to continue these services."

Patsy Whitten, a community employment facilitator with CCA, who last year helped set up the study program in her former role as literacy co-ordinator, said, "Without a doubt, all of the community centres have stories about children who weren�t being very successful in school, but who, because of Homework Haven have started to or are doing much better � and are feeling better about themselves."

Since the program was introduced, many students have seen their marks double because of the one-on-one attention they�ve received from their tutors.

"Success in homework and in school is not only about achieving a grade; it means an increase in self esteem and the ability to have choices about how you live your life," said Dale Grimes, director of regional services, Aliant. "Literacy and learning among youth is a focus of Aliant�s community investment program and we are proud to support the Community Centre Alliance in their work to address these issues in the communities they serve."

Glenn Goss, NLHC�s executive director of administrative services, commented on the importance of partnerships. "It�s exciting to see what government, Crown agencies, and private enterprise can achieve when we work together with a focused objective. This partnership enables us to provide children and youth the support they need to enhance their skills development, self-esteem and educational success. These accomplishments will mean greater opportunities for them as they enter the job market."

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