At a Baltimore High School assembly in Ferryland this morning, the Provincial Government announced its support for the expansion of the Community Youth Network (CYN) to communities in the south-eastern Avalon. In Budget 2007, $650,000 was provided to establish six new CYN chapters in the province and improve programs and outreach services throughout the network. This budget initiative is providing $50,000 in funding for the new CYN.

"The young people in communities along the southern shore will benefit from the creation of this new Community Youth Network chapter," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "As a result, young people from Bay Bulls to Cappahayden will have access to a safe environment where they can build upon their community leadership skills, explore future career and employment options and engage in positive recreational activities."

The local CYN steering committee is moving forward with the establishment of a dedicated community-based board of directors. A youth co-ordinator has been hired to develop key programs and services.

"Our steering committee recognized the need to increase the community�s capacity to provide services for our youth and make the region more attractive for families wishing to return," said Beverley O�Brien, of the CYN Steering Committee. "We wish to thank the Irish Loop Development Association for its support and encouragement in establishing our new Community Youth Network chapter."

The CYN model helps young people, between the ages of 12 to 18 years, successfully engage is the life of their community while providing opportunities for personal development. The CYN expansion initiative this year means that 4,000 young people in the communities and surrounding areas of Bonavista, St. Lawrence, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, St. Anthony, and the south-eastern Avalon will join 10,000 youth currently accessing a local CYN in their region of the province.

"I also extend my congratulations to the hard work of everyone involved, including the CYN Steering Committee and Cape Broyle Recreation Committee for seeing to it that this project was successfully brought forward," said Keith Hutchings, MHA for the District of Ferryland.

-30-

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

2007 11 23                                                 9:05 a.m.