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Additional investments of more than $700,000 will be made available to assist Islanders in need, says Premier Wade MacLauchlan.

“With this funding we are pleased to increase the personal comfort allowance for social assistance clients, and to increase grants to 15 community organizations that support Islanders in need,” said Premier MacLauchlan. “We are grateful for the many dedicated community-based organizations that make a real difference in the lives of Islanders who need help with everyday living and with life’s challenges. They do extraordinary work and government is pleased to provide them this year with further support of $700,000.”

The personal comfort allowance for social assistance clients will increase from $53 to $71 per month beginning April 1, 2015. The Department of Community Services and Seniors will allocate funding from the department’s 2014-15 budget to community-based organizations who currently have contracts with the province to provide programs and services.

“It is wonderful to see that the provincial government recognizes the important work provided by community-based organizations,” said Bill Lawlor, Executive Director of Queens County Residential Services. “The funds identified today will allow us to continue to provide vital and essential services to the people we serve and they are greatly appreciated. We see ourselves as working as partners with government to deliver and improve services to our communities.”

“Each year we ask the community-based organizations we contract with to submit a request outlining their budget needs. I am very pleased that this year we are able to provide extra funding to assist our community partners who help us provide services to our most vulnerable Islanders,” said Minister of Community Services and Seniors, Valerie E. Docherty. “As well, the increase to the personal comfort allowance gives social assistance clients extra support to help meet their personal needs.”

BACKGROUNDER

The following community-based organizations will receive extra funding this year.

Community Inclusions Ltd. ($75,000)

Community Inclusions is a non-profit community-based organization which provides a range of residential, vocational, recreational and employment related services to persons with intellectual challenges in Western PEI. The funding will go to help with facility expansions.

Inclusions East Inc. ($75,000)

Inclusions East Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive services for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Its five divisions include the Kingswood Centre, Employment Opportunities, Southern Kings Group Home, Alternative Residential Options and Community Supports. It will use the funding to help support amalgamation costs of the Kingswood Centre and the Southern Kings Group Home.

Community Connections Inc. ($50,000)

Community Connections is a non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board and servicing intellectually-challenged persons in the Summerside area. It offers a residential program as well as vocational alternative services and employment supports in the community. The funding will help cover program costs.

Souris Group Home Association ($25,000)

Souris Group Home Association is a non-profit organization that provides residential services and supports to intellectually challenged adult men. The funding will help cover program costs.

Queens County Residential Services (QCRS) and Life Bridges (QCRS $150,000 and Life Bridges $100,000)

QCRS is a non-profit organization that provides residential supports to persons with intellectual disabilities, as well as day programs that support clients to participate and thrive in their community. Life Bridges Inc. operates a 12-unit supportive housing project for high-functioning adults with intellectual disabilities. It also works with community groups to find job training and employment for residents, allowing them to participate more fully in the community. The funding will help cover program costs for QCRS and Life Bridges.

PEI Family Violence Prevention Services ($30,000)

PEI Family Violence Prevention Services Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization that provides a place of safety for women and children who are victims of abuse. It also educates the public about the issues of violence against women and family violence, and advocates for the needs of abused women and children. The funding will help cover program costs.

Transportation West ($20,000)

Transportation West provides transportation for people with disabilities. It provides wheelchair accessible vans and is available by appointment. The funding will help with program costs.

Pat and the Elephant ($20,000)

Pat and the Elephant provides a specialized transportation system for persons with disabilities in Charlottetown and the surrounding areas. The organization uses wheelchair accessible vans and service is available seven days a week. The funding will help cover program costs.

Tremploy Inc. ($25,000)

Tremploy is a centre in Charlottetown devoted to the reintegration of adults with intellectual disabilities to the world of cooperative work. Tremploy provides employment outreach and in-house employment opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities as well as a broad range of day programs and vocational services. The funding will help cover program costs.

Harbourview Training Centre ($15,000)

Harbourview Training Centre is a community-based organization in Souris that is governed by a volunteer board. It provides a range of alternative vocational and employment services and supports to intellectually challenged persons. The funding will help cover program costs.

PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre Inc. ($25,000)

The PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre is a community-based, non-profit, government funded organization that provides services to adult and youth survivors of recent or historic childhood sexual abuse or sexual assault across Prince Edward Island. Services include individual and group therapy, public education, and support and information. The funding will help cover program costs.

Catholic Family Services Bureau ($25,000)

The Catholic Family Services Bureau is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community in whatever areas services are required. It provides core services such as professional counselling to individuals, couples, parents and children, adolescents, families and groups. The funding will help to expand community outreach programs and counselling services.

Salvation Army – Fuel Program ($30,000)

The Salvation Army Home Heating Program provides a one-time delivery of 400 litres of furnace oil for low-income Islanders with an urgent need of oil. The additional funding will support low income families with heating costs and emergency situations.

Salvation Army – Bedford MacDonald House ($25,000)

Bedford MacDonald House is Prince Edward Island’s only shelter for adult males who are experiencing homelessness. The shelter operates seven beds. The funding will help cover program costs.

Camp Gencheff ($10,000)

Camp Gencheff is a fully accessible facility serving special needs individuals across Prince Edward Island. The camp provides a safe and fun place to assist campers in developing their skills and personalities. Staff strive to promote independence and growth in all areas: social, personal, and physical. The funding will help cover program costs.