Applications Open for Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Community Grant Program

February 6, 2019

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, announced today that applications are now being accepted for the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Community Grant Program. An age-friendly community is one where the physical and social environments enable individuals to live in a secure setting, enjoy health and continue to participate fully in society, regardless of age.

With an annual investment of $95,000 from the Provincial Government, the grant program provides incorporated municipalities, and Indigenous governments and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador the opportunity to obtain support in planning for population aging.

Individual grants of up to $10,000 are available to first time applicants to conduct an age-friendly community assessment, which looks at eight areas in the physical and social environments individuals live in and want to live in: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services.

Grant funding may also be available to communities who have completed an age-friendly assessment and are working on action items, such as the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor receiving funding in 2018 for its Meals on Wheels pilot project, which has since been expanded to a full time program.

For more details regarding the Age-Friendly Community Grant Program, visit www.cssd.gov.nl.ca/grants.

This initiative delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at www.gov.nl.ca/thewayforward.

Quotes
“As a government, we are pleased to invest annual funding of $95,000 for the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Community Grant Program. This funding is part of our government’s ongoing commitment to ensure seniors and older adults remain healthy, active, and engaged citizens who are able to live in their own homes and to be active in their own age-friendly communities. I invite all communities throughout the province to learn more about the age-friendly program and to create a community dialogue that enhances our collective ability and responsibility to plan for an aging population.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“Quality of life is important for all ages, and especially important for our aging population. I’m proud of the pioneering work done by the residents of Grand Falls-Windsor that has made the town into a provincial leader in planning for population aging. As the Meals on Wheels success shows, there is great demand for services that work towards ensuring we can all live healthy, productive and fulfilling lives into our autumn years. I look forward to continuing my work with the town and all residents of Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans to make the most of this important grant program.”
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development and MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans

“I would like to applaud the community of Grand Falls-Windsor for their support and dedication to helping our aging population through the use of the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Community Grant Program. This program and the continued expansion of long-term care facilities across the island, including the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre in Botwood, are part of a larger mosaic designed to increase the quality of life for our province’s seniors. I look forward to working with communities and groups within my district who can benefit from this program.”
Jerry Dean
MHA for Exploits

“The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor recognizes the importance of planning for its aging population. As a Town Council, through the Age-Friendly Steering Committee we have implemented initiatives that are helping to meet the needs of seniors in our community. With support from the Provincial Government’s Age-Friendly Community Grant Program and guidance from the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development, we have had the opportunity to improve our ability to respond effectively to the needs of seniors in our community.”
Mayor Barry Manuel, Town of Grand Falls-Windsor

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Learn more
Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Community Grants Program

The Way Forward

Media contacts
Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
GinaMacarthur@gov.nl.ca

Dianne Randell
Government Members Office
709-729-6854
DianneRandell@gov.nl.ca

Stanley Singh
Town of Grand Falls-Windsor
709-489-4628
ssingh@excitecorp.nf.ca

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