December 19, 2001

Creating new and expanded opportunities for Winnipeg youth is the goal of $466,383 in funding from Neighbourhoods Alive! for 15 projects focusing on education and training, recreation, and culture, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean Friesen announced today.

"Healthy communities are built by more than just bricks and mortar projects, they are built by investing in the people and families who live and work in those communities," said Friesen. "When we provide new opportunities for young people, the long-term result is healthier families, healthier communities and a healthier province."

Friesen joined community leaders to make the announcement at R.B. Russell School, the site of one of the 15 projects funded by Neighbourhoods Alive!

Home Building/Renovation Training Program - $50,000 for an R.B. Russell School youth training program which includes an academic program, resource and literacy support, pre-employment training, computer technology training, fork lift operation, first aid and welding.

Housing Resources Training Initiative - $10,000 to the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corp. for the development of a business plan for a comprehensive, co-ordinated and long-term housing training initiative that will provide supports and resources to home owners, renters and caretakers. It is a collaborative project among organizations within Spence, West Broadway and the North End.

Inner City Images Photography Program - $18,000 for a new initiative of Winnipeg Child and Family Services designed to support at-risk inner-city youth in exploring photography and photojournalism.

Art from the Heart - $3,500 for a two-day community art event organized by St. Matthew's-Maryland Community Ministry (Nov. 16-17, 2001) that directly benefits low-income artists by providing an opportunity to show and sell their work.

Youth Builders Training Program - $100,044 to West Broadway Development Corporation for a 44-week housing renovation training and academic upgrading program for unemployed youth. The program will also include first aid, life skills, leadership, small business and management training.

Turtle Island Community Centre Expansion Project - $40,000 for an additional capital contribution towards expansion and renovations to accommodate Aboriginal cultural programming and other community activities.

Sherbrook Sharks Swim Club - $7,500 for a community club, which provides swimming skills and personal discipline through competitive swimming.

Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre - $75,000 for recreational and cultural programming for the Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Council's summer activities for inner-city Aboriginal youth.

Winnipeg Native Alliance Urban Sports Camp - $100,000 for prevention and intervention efforts for children and youth who reside primarily in the inner city. Camps offer sports, cultural, camping and Urban Green Team activities

Rotary Leadership Circle - $18,500 for the Rotary Leadership Club Leadership Inc.'s six-week summer training and employment program for inner-city youth leaders to help them develop a sense of responsibility for their neighbourhoods as well as leadership and work related skills.

Selkirk Avenue Community Arts Centre Fund-raising Strategy - $16,050 to Selkirk Avenue BIZ for the preparation of a fund-raising strategy, financial plan and campaign budget for a proposed Selkirk Avenue Community Arts Centre, to be located in the old Palace Theatre at 501 Selkirk Ave.

Artist in Residence - $5,806 to Art City for a six-week audio art workshop for youth.

Community Skateboard Park - $3,326 to Art City for building and decorating ramps for the new community skateboard park.

Celebrating Community - $3,589 for an exhibition by Art City participants.

Multiple Renovations - $15,068 to Art City to help fund a multiple renovation project including work in the entrance way and office, washroom and computer station.

Neighbourhoods Alive! is a long-term, community-based, social and economic development strategy that supports and encourages community-driven revitalization efforts in specific neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. The strategy encourages efforts in a number of key areas including housing and physical improvements, employment and training, education and recreation, and safety and crime prevention.

"These Neighbourhoods Alive! projects are part of our investment in inner-city youth," Friesen said. "We hope that young people who begin as participants in these programs will one day emerge as leaders in their communities."

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