Mino Aangoodiwiw - Noojimown Temegak (Tony)

NEWS RELEASE

TONY MARTIN, MP

************************** Tony Martin announces funding for Waabinong Head Start and CAS partnership to help mothers and children

SAULT STE. MARIE - (May 29) - Sault MP Tony Martin announced a $74,000 grant today funded by the Status of Women of Canada to Waabinong Head Start Family Resource Centre and their partner, the Children’s Aid Society of Algoma.

The primary goal of the project, “Mino Aangoodiwiw-Noojimown Temegak” is to improve women’s self esteem in their community and in their parenting role by restoring the trust of the parent/child relationship that has been compromised as a result of exposure to family violence.

The grant covers a 12-month period.

Aboriginal women with children from the age of birth to 16 years, as per the mandate of the Children’s Aid Society, will be the primary target group along with their caregivers.

Families with children zero to six years old will also be provided with cultural teachings related to healthy relationships, respect and traditional gender roles as part of the ongoing curriculum of the Waabinong Head Start program.

The project will also host a series of workshops throughout the community related to domestic violence.

A weekend family retreat for mothers and children to celebrate the growth and success of participants will cap off the project.

************************** PHOTO CAPTION: Left to right: Teri Thomas-Vanes, Children’s Aid Society; Karen Possamai, Aboriginal project coordinator; Cathy Alish, general manager, Waabinong Head Start Family Resource Centre; Jim Baraniuk, executive director, CAS; Tony Martin