NEW AWARD FOR COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment is launching the Spirit Award for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to recognize excellence of the organizations that deliver programs and services on its behalf to residents of Saskatchewan.

"Human service community-based organizations are integral in delivering programs and services and in helping us tackle our province's most pressing social issues," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "As we enter our province's second century, we are keeping the provincial pride close to our hearts by introducing this award to formally recognize and celebrate the excellent work that CBOs do in serving many of our residents and enabling them to experience a better quality of life."

Beginning in 2006, up to five awards will be presented annually to CBOs in Saskatchewan, one in each of the following categories: early learning and child care; services for people with disabilities; supports and services for children, teens and families; career and employment services; and housing.

A team comprised of representatives from the community and from academic and Aboriginal organizations will evaluate nominations and select a winner in each of the five categories based on the organization's success in making a difference in the lives of the people they serve. The Minister or Deputy Minister of Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment will present the awards locally in the winners' home communities.

Approximately 1,200 human service CBOs deliver programs and services for Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment and will be eligible for the new award.

The new award builds on the government's November 28th announcement of $30.1 million over three years to help human service CBOs attract and retain staff by targeting new money for wages, benefits and operating costs. Awards and recognition help build an organization's reputation and will complement other CBO efforts to attract staff.

More details about the award and the process for nominations will be rolled out in the near future through print ads and a direct mail campaign to CBOs. The first awards will be presented in late spring.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Miller Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-0531