Swan Valley Communities that Care Efforts Praised

2015/01/29Local Interest

Province of Manitoba Media Release |

Workshop Brings Partners Together to Develop Next Steps in Community Action Plan: Minister Wight

Swan River is hosting a two-day workshop, ending January 29, 2015, for organizations and community residents who work with youth to plan programs that address issues such as drinking and drug use, violence, teen pregnancy, delinquency, dropping out of school, depression and suicide, Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Melanie Wight said today.

“This essential initiative brings numerous organizations together to promote positive development of children and youth, and heighten awareness of mental-health issues,” said Minister Wight. “This is a dedicated, hard-working community partnership, which is contributing to overall youth health and wellness, and has the potential to prevent a range of negative youth behaviours.”

Swan Valley Communities That Care (SVCTC) was formed in 2010 and operates under the direction of a co-ordinator and a volunteer board of directors. Since its inception, SVCTC has been a partnership of numerous community organizations including the Swan Valley School Division, RCMP, Girl Guides, Friendship Centre, the town council, rural municipality members and leaders, and local business owners. The Manitoba government provides ongoing funding for a co-ordinator and for operations and training.

Minister Wight praised SVCTC for its dedicated efforts to expand the partnership, noting the project depends on the community’s involvement to ensure success.

“Our vision as SVCTC is safe, healthy children and youth through an involved and committed community,” said James Wigley, chair, SVCTC executive. “Communities That Care is a big undertaking and in addition to a great board of directors and a wonderful co-ordinator, we are fortunate to have a community that pulls together to make things happen for the betterment of their residents. As a board, we are very excited for the next steps of the CTC process and bringing tested-effective programs to the valley to better the lives of our youth.”

SVCTC is part of a broader Communities That Care (CTC) initiative, which is also being actively piloted in the Sagkeeng First Nation and Winnipeg’s Elmwood community. Globally, there are more than 500 Communities That Care throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, South America and Canada.