Age-Friendly Initiatives to Receive Funding

Through a total investment of $160,000, the Provincial Government continues to support the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program. Projects in the Virginia Waters and Conception Bay South regions are the latest to benefit from grants.

“Our government has made planning for an aging population a priority,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. “The funding provided through this grant program assists seniors’ organizations and municipalities in evaluating their resources and assets and encourages the growth of age-friendly communities. This year we have provided funding to seven communities and 11 seniors’ organizations throughout the province.”

The Francophone Federation of Newfoundland and Labrador is receiving $9,400 to conduct a needs assessment and compile an inventory of existing services for Francophone seniors in the St. John’s region. This information will be used to create programs that promote health and wellness.

“Our government invests strategically in this grant program and other healthy aging initiatives to address the needs of our aging population,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Virginia Waters. “I am very pleased that the Francophone Federation of Newfoundland and Labrador will be able to avail of this funding to determine what valuable programs are needed for seniors using their services. With this support, the organization will put a plan in place with the goal of contributing to a more age-friendly community where older individuals can thrive.”

The Town of Conception Bay South is being provided with $10,000 to develop programs that encourage seniors to become more involved in community activities. The town will also form a committee to conduct an age-friendly community assessment. The committee will evaluate the town’s assets and resources and develop an action plan to assist in addressing the community’s needs as identified through the assessment.

“Our seniors have contributed greatly to our towns and communities, and we are pleased to help them remain active through support for the age-friendly programming,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation and MHA for Conception Bay South. “An assessment committee will also help ensure that these programs are relevant for seniors in the area and develop a plan for their continued participation.”

The Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program is an initiative of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework. Since 2010, the Provincial Government has invested approximately $570,000 in the grant program. Funding is provided to incorporated municipalities, Inuit community governments and reserves, as well as seniors’ organizations and retiree groups throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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2012 07 04             11:05 a.m.