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Health and Community Services March 13, 2008 The following statement was issued by the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly: Minister Recognizes 30 Years of Success for Waypoints I rise today to recognize Waypoints (formerly the St. Francis Foundation) on 30 years of supporting youth and families in Newfoundland and Labrador. Starting with just one group home in 1978, Waypoints has grown substantially to become the largest organization of its kind in the province, having developed a unique, multi-pronged program that is responsive to the diverse needs of the individuals and families it serves. This organization offers residential programs, alternative living arrangements and family support programs. Indeed, the organization has come to mean many things for youth in our "in-care" program including a home, safety and compassion. Along with my colleague the Honourable Minister of Human Resources, Labor and Employment, I had the pleasure of attending Waypoints� 30th anniversary celebrations on Tuesday evening. The Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi was also in attendance. I was in awe of the significant and positive impact that this organization has had on so many families and young people who needed support at challenging points in their lives. In fact, there were two large salons full of current and former client families who have benefited from their interaction with this organization. The success stories speak for themselves � youth from our "in-care program" who are successful and productive adults in our society; youth who are running marathons, rowing in the regatta and winning academic awards. These are among the many good-news stories in our province � stories that we don�t often hear about, but I can guarantee are seen by our government.These stories are a testament to the hard work and dedication of Waypoints staff � some of whom have worked with the organization for over 20 years. They represent the helping spirit so often seen in the people of our province. I also had the honour of helping the foundation unveil its new name and corporate logo. The new name, Waypoints, has been traditionally used as a set of coordinates that set out a path on a journey and is very fitting in now representing the assistance and guidance offered to youth and families by this organization. Our government values the important work of Waypoints and I congratulate the over 100 staff of this organization, its Executive Director, Heather Modlin, and its volunteer board of directors led by Tim Turner, for 30 successful years and I thank them for their unwavering dedication to youth and families in Newfoundland and Labrador. 2008 03 13 1:45 p.m.
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