Support for Provincial Youth YMCA-YWCA Programs

Continuing its commitment to youth access to developmental programs and services, the Provincial Government is providing to three YMCA-YWCA centres with $40,000 in funding this year. The YMCA-YWCA of the Northeast Avalon and the YMCA of Humber Community each received a grant of $15,000, and $10,000 has been provided to the YMCA of Exploits Valley. The Y centres are using this funding to enable access to programs to meet operational costs and to expand existing services for youth.

"The YMCA-YWCA delivers programs that help form the foundation for youth to succeed and grow,� said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. �Our government recognizes that by supporting these centres, our youth will have access to health, fitness and personal development programs that work toward their enrichment. We want to ensure everyone in this province has the opportunity to build for a successful tomorrow.�

The three centres offer a variety of youth-focused programs. These include leadership programs such as the Y Leadership Level I and Level II program for youth ages 13-17 (YMCA-YWCA of the Northeast Avalon), swimming lessons, health and wellness programs as well as summer day camps (Exploits Valley YMCA) and access to health, fitness, childcare and youth employment services (Humber Community YMCA).

The Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment provides $4.2 million in funding for community-based youth agencies and programs across the province.

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Media contact:
Ronalda Walsh
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 699-7903
ronaldawalsh@gov.nl.ca

2008 12 29                                          10:45 a.m.