The Provincial Government extended its Community Youth Network (CYN) to another area of the province today with the official launch of a new chapter that will serve Gander and surrounding areas. The Gander Boys and Girls Club will host this CYN location at its headquarters at 115 Airport Boulevard.

The Community Youth Network was created to provide services for youth living in or at risk of poverty. These services are focused on decreasing barriers to education and employment, and improving the overall quality of life for young people by fostering positive social interactions and community involvement.

"The Community Youth Network provides much needed support for today�s youth, who face challenges that can go far beyond what has been experienced by previous generations," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "The Gander CYN will provide a strong positive influence for area youth by encouraging them to enhance their career prospects and become leaders in their community."

"I am very pleased that the services provided by the Community Youth Network are now available to youth in the Gander area," said the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, MHA for Gander District. "Young people represent one of the most vulnerable groups in our society, and so I am happy to know there is a new resource in my district that can help them develop solid employment prospects and a strong sense of social responsibility."

In Budget 2008, the Provincial Government provided an additional $530,000 to previous funding in order to further develop the Community Youth Network. To date, the province has invested a total of $2.6 million towards this initiative. When complete, the Community Youth Network will comprise 41 sites located throughout Newfoundland and Labrador that will serve thousands of youth on a daily basis.

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Media contact:
Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 690-2498
jennifercollingwood@gov.nl.ca