SWIFT CURRENT FAMILIES TO BENEFIT FROM FUNDING

Families in Swift Current will benefit from programs offered by the Southwest Crisis Services' (SCS) Family Centre this fall, with the financial support of $20,000 from the provincial government through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF).

"Community based projects that encourage our communities to share, learn and grow together will help to ensure Saskatchewan's wide open future," Culture Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford said while presenting the cheque today. "Strong and vibrant communities are what make Saskatchewan such a good place to live, work and play."

The Family Centre project will deliver a variety of drop-in programs to support and assist families. Some of the programs will include parenting classes, a reading time for parents and their children, a resource centre for parents, and arts and crafts activities.

The Family Centre programs and resources will be offered free of charge and will be accessible to all families. The project is a joint effort between five community-based organizations, including Big Brothers, Experienced Mothers, Parent Educator, Early Childhood Intervention Program and the Southwest Crisis Services organization.

"Our vision of the Family Centre is that it will provide a safe and comfortable environment where all families can play and learn," said Michelle Gurski, SCS Program Co-ordinator. "We are so pleased to have the support of the CIF. These funds will allow the Family Centre to have programming up and running by fall."

The CIF was established by the provincial government in 1997 to return a portion of casino profits to communities. Since its inception, the fund has provided more than 2,300 community groups with a total of almost $13.5 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Ben Tingley Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-2047 Email: btingley@cyr.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)533-5011