Human Resources, Labour and Employment
September 13, 2010Provincial Government Continues
Support for Boys and Girls Clubs
Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are
receiving $277,800 in core operational funding to support their ongoing
work.
The announcement, made today at the Buckmaster's Circle Boys and
Girls Club in St. John's, was provided through the Grants to Youth
Organizations program. This initiative supports youth-serving
organizations throughout the province which focus on self-reliance,
leadership and citizen development.
"The Boys and Girls Clubs provide a safe, supportive place where
children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers,
build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for
life," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources,
Labour and Employment. "A Provincial Government investment of $277,800
will ensure that the programming and supports these young people utilize
will continue into 2011."
"Our government supports Boys and Girls Clubs because they provide a
first-rate, positive experience for our youth," said the Honourable
Shawn Skinner, MHA for St. John's Centre. "The opportunity to achieve,
to grow, and to become more self-reliant is one that every child should
experience. I am thankful that the Boys and Girls Clubs provide that
opportunity."
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Newfoundland and Labrador operate sites
in Bell Island, Botwood, Buchans, Gander, Norris Arm, St. Anthony, Upper
Island Cove and St. John's (Mundy Pond and Buckmaster's Circle). The
clubs offer programs that encourage physical activity, health,
nutrition, leadership, growth, empowerment, life skills, and the arts.
These programs are available to children and youth during after-school
hours, and on evenings and weekends.
"Boys and Girls Clubs across the province appreciate the continued
support from the Provincial Government, and in particular the support we
receive from the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment,"
said Kelly Sandoval, Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs of St.
John's. "We believe all young people can grow into responsible,
contributing and self-reliant members of society. Children and youth are
at the centre of everything we do. Through adventure, play and
discovery, we encourage and empower them to develop healthy lifestyles,
a life-long passion for learning, leadership and life skills and a sense
of social responsibility. Today's announcement of core operating funding
for the clubs will ensure our organization can continue delivering these
most valuable programs and services to children throughout the
province."
In addition, in May of this year, through a partnership with the
Provincial Government, three Boys and Girls Clubs received funding for
the continuation of the Recognizing and Nurturing Talent (RANT) program.
An investment of $122,456 supported the James Hornell Boys and Girls
Club in Buchans, as well as the clubs in Wabana and Norris Arm, to
encourage young people to realize their education and career goals. This
program provided access to dedicated resources and supports to help
young people develop and implement a realistic plan for long-term
success.
"Our government supports the Boys and Girls Clubs because the
organization provides a safe, supportive place, where every child is
listened to, treated with respect and valued in an environment of
inclusion and acceptance," said Minister Sullivan. "Our government
strives to offer children and youth from all economic, cultural and
social backgrounds access to the resources, supports and opportunities
that will enable them to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Newfoundland and Labrador are a great
example of how this can be done effectively and in the best interest of
the children and youth they serve."
The RANT investment and the investment announced today, brings the
total Provincial Government contribution to the Boys and Girls Clubs of
Newfoundland and Labrador to $400,206 this fiscal year.
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