Municipal Affairs
January 4, 2012
Call for Applications for Age-Friendly Provincial Grants Program
Applications are now being accepted for the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador (AFNL) Grants Program. Funding is available to assist incorporated municipalities, Inuit community governments and reserves, and seniors’ organizations and retiree groups in planning for an aging population. A total of $200,000 will be distributed to municipalities and organizations throughout the province.
“The Provincial Government is committed to promoting healthy aging throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and we recognize to do that we must partner with communities and organizations,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. “The projects funded through this grants program will enable communities and groups to improve the health and well-being of our province’s seniors and assist them in creating age-friendly communities that appreciate and value the contributions of our seniors.”
An age-friendly community is a community where policies, services and structures are designed to support and enable all people regardless of age to live in a secure environment, enjoy good health, and continue to participate fully in society. The AFNL Grants Program was launched in 2010 to allow municipalities and organizations to develop and expand their ability to contribute to the creation of age-friendly communities.
In 2009-10 and 2010-11, 20 communities were supported through the AFNL community grants. In addition, under the AFNL seniors’ organizations grants, 26 groups received funds in 2009-10 and 2010-11 for a variety of projects that promote healthy aging.
“Through their leadership and involvement with numerous organizations seniors play an important role in our communities,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Municipalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are well aware of the invaluable contribution which seniors make and I encourage them to apply for funding through this program which will help enhance the lives of seniors in their communities.”
The AFNL Grants Program is an initiative of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework. Released in 2007, the framework’s vision is for individuals, families, communities and society as a whole to foster healthy aging in order to achieve optimal health and well-being. Applicants must ensure that proposed projects align with one or more of the priorities outlined in the framework: recognition of older persons; celebrating diversity; supportive communities; financial well-being; health and well-being and employment; and, education and research.
"Providing resources for seniors to maintain healthy and active lifestyles is a priority for municipalities,” said Mayor Churence Rogers, President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. “Age-friendly grants enable communities in this province to meet the needs of our aging population.”
Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador included significant investments to support programs and services for seniors in the province. Enhancements include $56.2 million for the continued development of the new long-term care facility in St. John’s; $3 million for modifications to the new long-term care facility in Corner Brook to increase bed capacity; and, $2.4 million to increase the personal care home subsidy rate from $1,717 to $1,800. In addition, $250,000 has been allocated to implement the Act Respecting the Protection of Adults which replaces the Neglected Adults Act.
The deadline for applications for the AFNL Grants Program is February 15, 2012. Further information on the program, including the application form and guidelines, available in English and French, is available at www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/grantsfunding/age_friendly.html.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
| Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 699-6524 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
Ken Morrissey Director of Communications Department of Municipal Affairs 709-729-1983, 685-6612 kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca |
|
Gail Woodfine Marketing and Communications Officer Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) 709-753-6820 marketing@municipalitiesnl.com |
2012 01 04 2:10 p.m.