Children and youth in need will have access to enhanced residential services, following the approval of more than $300,000 in funding by the Government of Saskatchewan to community-based organizations (CBOs) for projects in Regina.
"This array of funding approvals for projects for at-risk children and youth demonstrates, once again, our government's commitment to ensuring that children in Regina and across Saskatchewan have a safe and healthy environment in which to grow," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "I am confident that each of these projects will help make a positive difference in the lives of many young people in the Regina area, as well as in their neighbourhoods and community."
The approved projects and CBOs are as follows:
- Capital funding of up to $155,000 to Regina Youth for Christ Inc. for the development of a five-space peer home for male youth aged 12 to 15. The funding will go toward the purchase, renovation and furnishing of an existing home in the Regina area.
- Up to $95,000 to Stepping Stones Child Care Co-operative of Regina, including $50,000 (previously approved) for the installation of a fire escape at a new eight-space, 24-hour emergency-receiving resource for at-risk children up to 12 years of age, to be built in north Regina and slated to open in spring 2011. Stepping Stones has secured the remainder of the capital funding required for this project through mortgage and fund-raising efforts. In addition, Stepping Stones will receive up to $45,000 from the province for the purchase of home furnishings for a temporary home that will be used to provide interim emergency receiving services for at-risk children until the completion of the permanent facility. The furnishings will be relocated to the permanent facility upon its completion.
- Up to $66,000 to the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan, Regina Council, to complete the development of a five-space peer home for male youth aged 15 to 18. The funding will facilitate renovations and the purchase of home furnishings, as well as cover the closing fees on a purchased residence. In July 2010, the Society received a grant of up to $50,000 from the Government of Saskatchewan, as well as matching funds through the federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy, for the purchase of an existing home in the Regina area as part of this project.
"With the financial support of the province, Youth for Christ is pleased to expand the residential services that we provide to vulnerable youth in the Regina area," Regina Youth for Christ Executive Director James Clifford said. "With fee-for-service funding provided through the Ministry of Social Services, we currently operate Uturn Home, a transitional home resource for vulnerable youth aged 16 to 18. The approval of additional capital funding, announced today, will allow us to open a new peer home, to be called Jedidiah House, to support even more vulnerable youth in the Regina area who are striving to turn their lives around."
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For more information, contact:
Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca
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