Supporting Social Infrastructure Upgrades in Summerside
News Release
Facility Improvements will enhance Employment Outreach Program
March 16, 2017 – Summerside, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
For 20 years, Community Connections Inc. has been offering support services and working to advance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Now its facility in downtown Summerside will undergo significant upgrades to help serve a growing client base from Summerside and surrounding communities.
Bobby Morrissey, MP for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with the Honourable Tina Mundy, PEI Minister of Family and Human Services, on behalf of the Honourable Pat Murphy, PEI Minister of Rural and Regional Development, joined board members, staff, and clients of Community Connections to announce federal and provincial support which will aid in the delivery of the Employment Outreach Program for adults and youth with intellectual disabilities.
Through its Innovative Communities Fund, ACOA will provide a non-repayable contribution of $350,000 to Community Connections to assist with facility upgrades. Renovations will include a reconfiguring of the existing building, an addition (7m x 8m) to the structure, as well as mechanical upgrades to the plumbing, electrical, and heating system. A non-repayable contribution of $100,000 from the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy will provide support for the residential housing component. The Government of Prince Edward Island will also provide a non-repayable grant of $15,000 through its Community Development Fund.
Managed by a 14 member volunteer Board of Directors, with a complement of 80 staff, Community Connections works daily with more than 130 clients, facilitating access to community resources and empowering individuals with disabilities to contribute in a meaningful way to their communities.
Quotes
“An inclusive labour market is essential to healthy communities and to strong regional economies. That priority has been highlighted in the Atlantic Growth Strategy and, thanks to organizations like Community Connections, persons with disabilities continue to gain greater access to the training and employment opportunities that support an improved quality of life.”
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont
“In order for Prince Edward Island to thrive, all Islanders need to be given the tools to succeed. The Province of Prince Edward Island is pleased to help fund this important initiative to help better meet the needs of people living with disabilities and will continue to work with our island communities to improve community infrastructure and capacity, maintain strong communities and create a better quality of life for all Islanders.”
The Honourable Pat Murphy, Minister of Rural and Regional Development
“Community Connections is a non-profit organization that is administered by a volunteer Board of Directors. The funding support from both levels of government is essential to support the growth in the capital infrastructure of the organization that is necessary to provide various support services to persons with disabilities. The capital project at our Court Street location will provide an accessible location for our Employment Outreach Program on the lower level, as well as accessible and affordable housing on the upper level.”
Frank Costa, Executive Director, Community Connections Inc.
Associated Links
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
April Gallant
Communications Officer
PEI Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
902-368-5660
Frank Costa
Executive Director
Community Connections
902-436-7576