The Vera Perlin Society, which offers programs which encourage personal growth, financial independence and community integration for individuals with developmental disabilities, will upgrade the Perlin Centre with support from the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF), a key economic stimulus initiative under the Government of Canada�s Economic Action Plan.

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, was in St. John�s today to announce an investment of $500,000 from the Government of Canada to support the renovation of the Centre. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, also announced the Provincial Government�s commitment of $500,000 towards this initiative.

"The Perlin Centre is one of the largest facilities in this province that is dedicated to providing services to persons with disabilities and each day more than 70 individuals avail of the services offered at the Centre," said Minister MacKay.　"The Government of Canada is pleased to support the enhancement of this extremely necessary program through our Economic Action Plan, which is providing stimulus funding to communities across Canada."

"The Provincial Government is pleased to commit $500,000 to assist the Vera Perlin Society in their renovation initiative," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "The Vera Perlin Society has long been a valued partner to the Williams Government, and we take great pride in knowing that the society is doing some of the finest work in the nation with respect to advancing the full participation of persons with disabilities. The society�s work supports our efforts to ensure all residents of this province have opportunities to explore their full potential and avail of the growing prosperity in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Through this project, the Vera Perlin Society will undertake exterior and interior renovations and modernization of the Perlin Centre. The renovations will benefit the Society�s clients, ensuring that current programming will continue into the future.

"The Penneywell Road facility is 43 years old and requires significant exterior and interior renovations in order to continue to serve the needs of our clients," said Thelma Williams, President of the Board of Directors of the Vera Perlin Society. "The Centre provides programming in domestic science, artistic impression, theatre arts, career development, and community support and enables our clients to participate fully in community life."

Total cost for the project is expected to exceed $2.5 million. Additional funding will come from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the City of St. John�s, corporate support and various foundations and organizations within the province.　　

"The City of St. John's is pleased to provide $250,000 to this very worthwhile project as we recognize the importance of providing opportunities for persons of all abilities to integrate and contribute to our vibrant community," said St. John�s Mayor Dennis O�Keefe.