CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – The money, says Pat and the Elephant president Terry Davis, was unexpected but much needed.
The community organization that daily transports about 120 clients with physical disabilities is receiving $85,000 from the province.
The funding is part of more than $1 million announced Tuesday to various community non-government organizations to benefit Islanders.
“This (funding) came as a bit of a surprise – came as a big surprise,’’ says Davis.
“For us, it really is a Godsend. We can certainly use the money.’’
The money will help Pat and the Elephant upgrade an aging fleet of vehicles.
Queens County Residential Services executive director Bill Lawlor says the $100,000 in extra government funding will assist in developing more needed housing services.
“We provide community support and residential services to adults with an intellectual disability, and the demand for these services continues to grow,’’ says Lawlor.
Family and Human Resources Minister Tina Mundy says the funding is going to groups that have identified specific needs for financial assistance.
“There will be a tremendous impact,’’ she says.
“These community partners, they know their clients. They know what their clients’ needs are and they are the best (equipped) to address it.’’
Finance Minister Heath MacDonald credits a strong economic year for P.E.I. and responsible government spending with freeing up money to provide additional funding to community organizations that provide important programs and services to Islanders.
In addition to funding for Pat and the Elephant and to Queens County Residential Services, here is a breakdown of the other recipients:
- Community connections ($150,000) to support expanded services to help address waiting lists for specialized residential placements for Islanders with intellectual disabilities.
- Inclusions East ($100,000) to 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) to support the successful delivery of current services and maintain low-vision therapy in P.E.I.
- Community Inclusions ($100,000) to support ongoing services to individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities in the western part of the Island.
- Souris Group Home ($100,00) for updates to the facility to improve the quality of living space.
- Stars for Life ($40,000) to help with operational costs, including day programming that supports Islanders living with autism.
- P.E.I. Rape and Sexual Assault Center ($75,000) to help address waitlist to allow Islanders to get help more quickly.
- Autism Society of P.E.I. ($75,000) to help daily operational requirements.
- Easter Seal Society of P.E.I. ($10,000) towards annual campaign to support programs that help Islanders with disabilities.
- Women’s Network P.E.I. ($50,000) to 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) to assist women’s leadership events, violence prevention efforts, design and promotion of materials and tools, and organizational support.
- Aboriginal Women’s Association of P.E.I. ($20,000) to help enhancing, supporting educating and empowering Aboriginal women in P.E.I.
- Justice Options for Women ($39,000) to increase capacity to co-ordinate and support Circle of Safety, which offers support to women leaving family violence.
- East Prince Women’s Information Centre ($20,000) to help provide information and referral services to women on issues such as employment and family violence.
