Released on April 9, 2015
The Government of Saskatchewan reaffirmed its commitment to vulnerable individuals and families in Lloydminster by renewing funding agreements with three local community-based organizations (CBOs). The announcement was made today by Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young, on behalf of Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer, at an event held in Lloydminster.As part of the Province’s 2015-16 Budget commitment, the following CBOs will receive funding:
- Lloydminster Social Action Coalition Society – $315,000;
- Focus Association for Persons with Disabilities – $128,000 (*$249,000); and
- The Bea Fisher Centre – $111,000 (*$2.58 million).
“We are proud to help three organizations that are working to improve the quality of life of Saskatchewan citizens,” Young said. “These partnerships are critical as we work together to keep Saskatchewan strong. Our government appreciates the hard work and dedication of CBOs across the province, and looks forward to continuing these partnerships and making a real, lasting difference in the lives of Lloydminster families.”
“The Lloydminster Social Action Coalition Society was founded with the intent of providing emergency, short-term accommodation for men facing problems with finding a place to stay in Lloydminster,” Lloydminster Social Action Coalition Executive Director Laura Berube said. “Originally the focus was on transients and on newly arrived men who had found work or were looking for work. Since then, however, we have expanded our mandate to also meet the needs of those who are hard to house, or have personal issues that make it hard for them to be gainfully employed. We are most grateful to the Province of Saskatchewan for partnering with us in this most important task, and for providing funding to allow us to continue. Because of such funding, Lloydminster can remain being a vibrant and accessible place for people.”
“Focus would like to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for its continuing commitment to Saskatchewan families,” Focus Chief Executive Officer Shelly Chomlack said. “By continuing to support agencies such as Focus, we can offer qualified staff to meet the needs of families as they strive to proactively participate in services and to ensure that families continue to grow strong in Saskatchewan. Thank you!”
“The Bea Fisher Centre very much appreciates an increase in their operating funding, especially when economic times are not the greatest,” Bea Fisher Centre Chief Executive Officer George Zaychkowsky said. “This shows a commitment by the Saskatchewan Government to support vulnerable people even through difficult times.”
The Ministry of Social Services provides funding to and works collaboratively with more than 200 CBOs across Saskatchewan and has more than 700 CBO contract agreements. Allocations to these CBOs are reflected in the total funding to Saskatchewan CBOs, announced as part of the 2015-16 provincial budget. An additional $2.3 million in funding for 2015-16 brings the overall general increases provided to CBOs for salary and operating costs to almost $50 million since 2007. Following input received from community organizations at the 2008 CBO summits, many of the province's human-services CBOs now operate with the security of multi-year funding agreements.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca