ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Seven projects have been identified for support under Eastern Health’s Healthy Communities Partnership Fund for 2018.
Leslie O’Reilly, chair of Eastern Health’s board of trustees, announced this year’s recipients on Wednesday, July 18.
“We are pleased to award grants to seven community groups and organizations that support projects which improve the lives and health of our population,” O’Reilly said in a release.
“This year’s recipients reflect a broad range of initiatives that strengthen social support networks; develop community connections and partnerships; address health and wellness; create supportive environments; and strengthen community actions in addressing issues.”
The Healthy Communities Partnership Fund is valued at $50,000 annually. Over 30 applications were received this year.
Healthy Communities Partnership Fund recipients for 2018
Connections for Caregivers – Through this project, the Buckmaster’s Circle Community Centre will provide much needed supports to families living in its neighbourhood and surrounding areas, who struggle in their role as caregiver to their loved ones. It is the goal that by the end of the project that caregivers will have a support network and a toolkit of resources.
Sparkes of Hope – The Grace Sparkes House and its partners will work together to provide a day program for users of the Grace Sparkes House, the local Housing Supports office and Eastern Health. The Sparkes of Hope program will support participants in their efforts to increase community participation, economic self-reliance, and gain social support networks. An overall goal is to develop community connections and partnerships.
AEC Supportive Volunteering Program – This program will provide Ability Employment Corporation clients, who have intellectual disabilities and other significant barriers to employment, an opportunity to volunteer at the Clarenville Farm & Market while supported by a support person/mentor. It is the goal that by the end of this project the AEC clients will have a meaningful volunteer work placement that will have provided them with an opportunity to contribute and feel part of their community while learning new skills to enhance their job readiness.
Wisdom to Wellness and Gender Journeys – The Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is expanding its outreach to serve the needs of the diverse downtown community by working with community partners to offer two programs at their facility on Church Hill: Gender Journeys and Wisdom to Wellness. Through a series of workshops and the shared development of a community garden at the church site, participants will gain new skills and strengthen their social support networks.
Community Garden Expansion and Seed Library – This project aims to improve food security, sustainability, and healthy eating in Harbour Grace by increasing accessibility for groups to participate in local community gardening and by creating a seed library exchange for community access at the local public library. It is the goal that by the end of the project, food sustainability and community collaboration will be strengthened in Harbour Grace.
Everyone’s Welcome – Improvement to Children’s Space and Programming – The Clarenville Public Library, with the support of its partner, will create an inclusive space to address the lack of services to children with special needs. Training will be provided to staff to assist with and develop programming. It is the goal that by the end of this project the library will have created a welcoming and inclusive environment and provided innovative programs for children with special needs and for their families. This project aims to promote awareness within the community about inclusion and accessible services.
The Homestead Program-Community Inclusion Program – The Homestead and its partners will work together to offer inclusive recreational and leisure activities to vulnerable adults with complex needs. Specific focus will be given to music, art, cooking, outdoor recreation, and gardening.
