New funding to help women and children escape domestic violence
More funding will be on the way to support YWCA Prince Albert from the provincial government.
In a press conference on Monday afternoon, an additional $686,000 dollars was announced at YWCA Prince Albert’s Our House.
Saskatchewan Party Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross spoke to reporters after the announcement.
“We invest in these services to invest in the people of our province to provide permanent, safer communities and necessary support for the vulnerable who live in our province.” Ross said. “We’re very pleased to be able to do that and to work with tremendous partners like the YWCA here in Prince Albert. Without these strong community partners, it would be very difficult to provide these services.”
Prince Albert YWCA Chief Executive Officer Donna Brooks says a majority of the funding will go towards the YWCA’s Central Avenue location.
“It goes towards 20 beds for women and their children who are experiencing domestic violence (or) are in a state of crisis where they could experience violence. The youth program is also at Central Avenue and there’s four beds for the youth there. We have 12 beds here at Our House for adult women, 18 and over that are experiencing violence or on the street or in a state that they would be at risk of violence.”
Nearly $350,000 over three years, or $116,000 this year, will be dedicated to the youth residential services program. Since 2021, the provincial government has invested nearly $1.67 million dollars towards the program.
Brooks said the funding will provide a major boost for the organization.
“We are grateful for the continued funding and recognition by the Government of Saskatchewan, affirming the importance of keeping programs at our Central Avenue and Our House shelters open and available for those in need,” she said in a press release. “These services are integral to community health and the well-being of some of our most vulnerable citizens. Our staff work around the clock to give people a helping hand to create a better life for themselves and their families.”
editorial@paherald.sk.ca
