Child, Youth and Family Services
August 19, 2011
Family Resource Centre Officially Opens in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced $200,000 for the Grand River Family Resource Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay today. Joining Premier Dunderdale for the announcement were the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, and the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs and MHA for Lake Melville.
“Supporting children, youth and families in our province is one of our government's highest priorities," said Premier Dunderdale. “Family resource programs such as those offered by the Grand River Family Resource Centre are an invaluable resource for communities, providing tools that support the healthy development of children and help families to reach their full potential.”
The Provincial Government will provide annual funding to Happy Valley-Goose Bay Family Resource Program Incorporated for the operating costs to run the centre. This funding is in addition to more than $143,000 provided in developmental funding since April 2010.
“As a parent, I certainly understand the tremendous benefit provided by family resource programs,” said Minister Johnson. “The family resource centre provides an array of programs and important information that can assist individuals in their role as parents. There are also many opportunities to meet and share experiences with other parents.”
Based on a needs assessment, it is expected that approximately 430 children could avail of services and programs provided by the Grand River Family Resource Centre.
“Access to programming and services that reflect the unique challenges facing Labrador communities is a predominant theme of the Northern Strategic Plan,” said Minister Hickey. “The Lake Melville area is a culturally rich and diverse region. This new family resource centre will enable the provision of valuable services and resources that reflect the needs of today’s families and I thank all the volunteers who worked diligently to make this centre a reality.”
Family resource programs provide services based on the needs of those in attendance. Programs may include literacy programs, play groups, parenting programs, Healthy Baby Club, and support groups. There is a strong focus on child development, positive parenting, daily physical activities, injury prevention, family violence prevention and nutrition.
“The Grand River Family Resource Centre Board is pleased to have received this funding from the Provincial Government,” said Jenny Lyall, Co-chair of the Grand River Family Resource Centre. “This is an exciting initiative for our community that will help promote the healthy development of children and provide parenting support for families.”
The Provincial Government provides funding to 30 family resource programs located throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador affirms the Provincial Government’s funding commitment to children, youth and families with an additional $9.2 million investment in the Department of Child, Youth and Family, bringing the total investment to $33 million in just two years.
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Photo: The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announces $200,000 for the Grand River Family Resource Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Photo: The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, pose for a photo with Marina Brown and her two children, Domonica and James, during the grand opening of the Grand River Family Resource Centre.
Media contacts:
| Glenda Power Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 GlendaPower@gov.nl.ca |
Milly Brown Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, Millybrown@gov.nl.ca |
| Andrea Nolan Director of Communications Department of Child, Youth and Family Services 709-729-5148, 725-1593 AndreaNolan@gov.nl.ca |
Krista Oxford Executive Assistant to Honourable John Hickey MHA for Lake Melville 709-896-2364 Kristaoxford@gov.nl.ca |
| Jenny Lyall Co-chair Grand River Family Resource Centre 709-896-9750 |
2011 08 19 9:40 a.m.