Government partners with community organizations to benefit Islanders

The provincial government is increasing its supports for community organizations that provide important programs and services to Islanders who need them the most. 

Finance Minister Heath MacDonald and Family and Human Resources Minister Tina Mundy made the announcement today at Queens County Residential Services, one of the various partners receiving support to expand services for Islanders.

By partnering with these organizations, residents will receive increased benefits from dedicated Islanders with expertise in communities across the province.

More than $1 million in funding will go to various community non-governmental organizations to benefit Islanders as a result of a strong economy and responsible government spending.   

“We are proud to support these organizations and recognize the invaluable service they provide to those Islanders who need it the most,” said Minister MacDonald. “2017 was a strong economic year for Prince Edward Island and we have a positive outlook into 2018. All Islanders should share in the benefits of a strong economy and responsible government spending.”

“We provide community support and residential services to adults with an intellectual disability and the demand for these services continues to grow,” says Queens County Residential Services executive director Bill Lawlor. “This extra funding from government will assist us in developing more much needed housing services for these individuals.”   

In addition to the funding announced today, government provided almost $13 million to 30 non-government organizations in fiscal year 2017-2018 through the Department of Family and Human Services.  

“Our non-government partners on Prince Edward Island are a vital part of our communities and do incredible work to help others every day,” said Minister Mundy. “Government is pleased to invest in these organizations so they can continue to deliver the best possible programs to those they serve.”

The Government of Prince Edward Island values the support services provided by these community organizations and shares their goal of making life better for Islanders experiencing life challenges, Minister Mundy said.  

Media contact:
Darlene Gillis
ddgillis@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder

Queens County Residential Services – $100,000
Funding will support expanded services to help address waiting lists for specialized residential placements for Islanders with intellectual disabilities.  

Community Connections -$150,000
Funding will support expanded services to help address waiting lists for specialized residential placements for Islanders with intellectual disabilities.  

Inclusions East – $100,000
Funding will support expanded services to help address waiting lists for specialized residential placements for Islanders with intellectual disabilities.  

Canadian National Institute for the Blind – $120,000
CNIB funding will support the successful delivery of current services and will maintain low-vision therapy in Prince Edward Island.

Community Inclusions – $100,000
Funding will support ongoing services to individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities in the western part of the Island.

Pat and the Elephant – $85,000
Funding to Pat and the Elephant will help upgrade an aging fleet of vehicles to provide safe transportation for Islanders with disabilities.

Souris Group Home – $100,000
Funding will be used for updates to the facility to improve the quality of living space for Islanders living at the Souris Group Home.

Stars for Life – $40,000
Stars for Life funding will help with operational costs including day programming that supports Islanders living with Autism.

 PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Center – $75,000
This funding support, in addition to core funding, will help address the current waitlist so that Islanders get the help they need more quickly.

Autism Society of PEI – $75,000
Funding will help with daily operational requirements that facilitate information and navigation for individuals with autism and their families.

Easter Seal Society of PEI - $10,000
Funding will contribute to the Easter Seals campaign to support programs that help Islanders who have disabilities.

Women's Network PEI $50,000
Funding will support leadership development within the organization and help support the organization to respond to current and emerging need. 

Coalition for Women in Government $28,300
This funding will be used to coordinate and facilitate women’s leadership events, violence prevention efforts, design and promotion of materials and tools, and organizational support.

Aboriginal Women's Association of PEI (AWA) $20,000
This funding will match the core funding provided through the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat to help support AWA in their work. This work includes enhancing, supporting, educating and empowering Aboriginal women in PEI.

Justice Options for Women $39,000
This funding will increase the organization’s capacity to coordinate and support their initiative, Circle of Safety, which offers support to women leaving a situation of family violence.

East Prince Women's Information Centre (EPWIC) $20,000
As the only women’s centre in Prince County, EPWIC is an essential service providing information and referral services to women on issues such as employment, family violence, addictions, legal rights and sexual harassment. This funding will help the organization meet demand for its services.