Youth services continue to improve in the province with the establishment of a Community Youth Network (CYN) site for St. Anthony and the surrounding area. The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, was joined by members of the local CYN organizing committee and the Honourable Trevor Taylor, MHA for the District of The Straits-White Bay North, for the official launch today.

"I am pleased to see the people of St. Anthony and the surrounding area move forward with the establishment of a Community Youth Network chapter," said Minister Skinner. "The benefits for youth include increased knowledge and awareness of the importance of learning, improved opportunities for career and employment exploration, and the establishment of a safe and secure place to meet and share in social and physical activities for personal growth and well being."

The St. Anthony Boys and Girls Club is the sponsoring agency for the new CYN chapter. The club currently serves children and youth up to the age of 18. The new CYN will build on this solid foundation with the development of new programs and services primarily for youth between the ages of 12 and 18. The Boys and Girls Club has agreed to share its existing facilities and resources to help establish the new chapter on a solid footing in the community. It is anticipated that approximately 800 youth in St. Anthony and the surrounding area will benefit from the CYN.

"This is a great day for the young people of our area," said Tanya Dredge, CYN committee member. "As the future leaders of this community, the new chapter means we can offer a larger number of our youth the support and services they need to become successful and engaged citizens in our communities."

In Budget 2007, the Provincial Government provided $650,000 to expand the number of CYN chapters and improve programs and services. Of this, $300,000 is provided to establish six additional CYN chapters in underserved areas. In addition, $350,000 is allotted for outreach services through existing CYN chapters.

"I am pleased to see that one of the six new Community Youth Network chapters for the province is being established in the St. Anthony area," said Minister Taylor. "Its success is assured when we work together in partnership at the local level, and actively connect youth to a wider range of career and recreational options, while building social and economic capacity in our communities."

Media contact:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-4062, 728-9623
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca 

2007 08 15                                     11:30 a.m.