Executive Council
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
September 2, 2015

Investing in Age-friendly Communities

Premier Announces $200,000 for Seniors Information and Referral Services

The Provincial Government is providing an additional $200,000 to the Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador to enhance its information and referral services throughout the province. The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, made the announcement today at the Park Place Community Centre in Mount Pearl.

"As we consult with seniors and their families - through our Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors, various community-based organizations, and through one-on-one interactions - a common concern we hear is that there needs to be improved access to information on the programs and services people require. The Seniors Resource Centre is ideally positioned to be a gateway to information and to help people navigate through the wide range of programs and services offered by various levels of government and community-based organizations."
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Provincial Government has been helping the Seniors Resource Centre conduct an evaluation of its programs and services over the past year. That evaluation was completed in July, and concluded that streamlining and improving the centre's core functions (information and referral services, community peer support networks, and support for caregivers of family or friends), would be of significant benefit to individuals province-wide.

"We know that Newfoundland and Labrador has a rapidly-aging population, and that we must continue to address this demographic reality. This funding stabilizes the operations of the Seniors Resource Centre and allows it to focus on strengthening its network of community-based supports for people throughout the province who need reliable information and referral services for themselves, or their loved ones, in order to make informed decisions. The funding will be used to provide appropriate training to staff and volunteers, promote the core services they offer, and enhance connections to the communities they serve."
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

The Seniors Resource Centre is a non-profit, charitable, voluntary organization administered by a board of directors. It is dedicated to promoting the independence and well-being of older adults in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"This funding will breathe new life into the Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador and allow us to operate more effectively as a community-based provider of information and referral services on matters pertaining to seniors and their families. We are grateful to the Provincial Government for its assistance, and look forward to strengthening our partnership as we work to enhance our capacity to provide programs and services province-wide in the future."
- Rosemary Lester, Chair, Seniors Resource Centre Board of Directors

Individuals who wish to access the Senior Resource Centre's information and referral services can call: 709-737-2333 or 1-800-563-5599 (in Newfoundland and Labrador only), or e-mail srcnl@seniorsresource.ca. For more information on programs and services for seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador, see: www.seniorsresource.ca/SRCNL%20Seniors%20Guide%20August%202015.pdf .

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is providing an additional $200,000 to the Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador to enhance its information and referral services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, made the announcement today at the Park Place Community Centre in Mount Pearl.
• The funding stabilizes the operations of the Seniors Resource Centre and allows it to focus on strengthening its network of community-based supports for people needing access to reliable information and referral services for themselves, or their loved ones, in order to make informed decisions.
• Individuals who wish to access the Senior Resource Centre's information and referral services can call: 709-737-2333 or 1-800-563-5599 (in Newfoundland and Labrador only), or e-mail srcnl@seniorsresource.ca.

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2015 09 02                              2:20 p.m.