February 27, 2004

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NIPAWIN, SASKATCHEWAN — The Government of Canada announced today that it provided funding of $207,138 to the Nipawin Oasis Community Resource Centre, through the National Homelessness Initiative (NHI). Mr. Lyle Bittman, Office Manager – Melfort, attended the opening of the Centre on behalf of the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for Homelessness.

This funding enabled the Nipawin Oasis Community Centre Cooperative Ltd. to purchase and renovate a building to house existing programs that were scattered throughout the community, and to facilitate the development of new programming to become a community resource centre in Nipawin.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to commend the people at the Nipawin Oasis Community Resource Centre for their dedication to improving the lives of homeless youth and their families,” said Mr. Bittman. “Ensuring that our young people are off the streets and are given the opportunity to succeed is essential to their quality of life.”

The Oasis was developed to address an identified need for community-based programs for disadvantaged groups in the Nipawin area. A group of mentally ill clients needed day programs to have the opportunity for support through group activities. As well, a need for adequate nutrition programs for financially disadvantaged individuals was demonstrated, and a group of mentally challenged individuals required skill development programs in a community setting.

The Board of Directors of the Nipawin Oasis Community Resource Centre and the people who participate in its activities are delighted with this new facility. In the future, they look forward to the opportunity of offering additional programs which will enhance the lives of the area’s residents who struggle with exceptional challenges.

By working in partnership with community organizations, the private and voluntary sectors and other levels of government, the NHI is bringing all stakeholders together to develop local solutions that work to address particular needs and challenges faced by homeless people. Through this coordinated approach, the following programs are available to support communities across Canada: the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative; the Regional Homelessness Fund; the National Research Program; the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System; and the Urban Aboriginal Homelessness Fund.

The Government of Canada launched the NHI in December 1999 to support communities’ efforts to help Canadians out of homelessness. Building on the successes achieved, the February 2003 federal Budget announced $405 million over three years to continue the government’s commitment to addressing homelessness in Canada.

Since the NHI was launched, the Government of Canada has contributed over $14 million to alleviate homelessness in Saskatchewan.

For more information on the Government of Canada’s National Homelessness Initiative, visit our Web site at www.homelessness.gc.ca.

For more information, contact:

Denis D’Amour
Minister Bradshaw’s office
(506) 851-3419

Lanny Baerwald
Nipawin Oasis Community Resource Centre
(306) 862-5551

BACKGROUNDER

The Nipawin Oasis Community Centre Cooperative Ltd. was established in 1992. It has over ten years of experience successfully developing and supporting a variety of programs designed to re-integrate marginalized groups in the community.

The Oasis was developed as a not-for-profit organization that encourages programs for disadvantaged groups by providing a facility, equipment, coordination, and financial support. The Oasis was conceived as an umbrella that promotes sharing between user groups. The ownership, financial support, and responsibility for programs is shared by the local community (through the Board, volunteers, and local fundraising), local agencies, the Department of Community Resources and Employment, the Kelsey Trail Regional Health Authority, including Mental Health, Public Health and Administration (by identifying needs, providing support, and consultation with the Board), government (through grants), and the users of the facility (through membership and participation in decision making). Designated funding may come directly to the Oasis, either to be distributed or to go to a program operating within Oasis.

A fundamental principle of Oasis is that individuals need an opportunity to participate in the community. People working together and helping each other is the basis of socialization and is crucial to positive self-esteem, self-confidence, and improved mental health.

A partnership has been established between the Oasis and through the Northeast H.O.M.E.S Committee, with the Town of Nipawin Cumberland Regional College, the Kelsey Trail Regional Health Authority, the Nipawin School Division, the Department of Community Resources and Employment, and Eastern Region II Metis Nations. Each organization is represented on a management committee to assist the Nipawin Oasis Community Centre Cooperative Ltd. in the operation of the Nipawin Oasis Community Resource Centre.