MOOSE JAW COMMUNITY RECEIVES MAJOR BOOST

Three Moose Jaw community groups today received grants of more than $32,000 from the provincial government through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) for programming needs which benefit children and youth, teen parents and families.

The ABW Shared Services received $25,000 for their Community School-based Family Support program, the Moose Jaw Canadian Red Cross Society received $3,400 to deliver its ChildSafe program and the Moose Jaw YM/YWCA received $4,000 for their On The Move program.

"These are programs that will address the social, emotional and recreational needs of our communities' children and youth," Labour Minister Deb Higgins said on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford. "Government is pleased to support these programs because vibrant communities and their dedicated efforts define this province as a great place to live, work and play."

The ChildSafe program is a dynamic 8-hour workshop that will educate at-risk teen parents on how to make their child's home a safe place. The program will also teach parents how to deal with childhood emergencies.

The On The Move program is a national initiative designed to build self esteem and increase opportunities for non-active girls and young women ages nine to 18 to participate in fun-filled sport and recreational activities.

The Community School-based Family Support program will target pre-school to near-adult children and youth by providing Family WrapAround services – a process ensuring services are focused on the needs of the individual and his or her family – that support positive recreation, leisure and socialization opportunities under the support and guidance of an adult mentor.

"We wish to express our sincere appreciation for the CIF funding support," ABW Shared Services Administrative Co-ordinator Marc Danylchuk said. "The support comes at an extremely opportune time."

Established by the provincial government in 1997 to deliver a portion of casino profits back to communities, the CIF has provided more than 1,900 community groups with a total of almost $12 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sandhya Padmanabh Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-4967 Email: spadmanabh@cyr.gov.sk.ca