Released October 24, 2006

Today is a proud and happy occasion for the Rabbittown Community Centre as staff, volunteers, residents, and invited guests come together to celebrate 20 years of community achievement and development.

The Honourable Paul Shelley Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) is pleased to acknowledge the excellent work, dedication and leadership shown by the Rabbittown Centre in support of the community. Bob Ridgley, MHA, St. John's North, Len Simms, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), and members of the Rabbittown Board of Directors will also be on hand to join in the celebration.

A This is a proud day for the Rabbittown Community Centre. Over the past 20 years, they’ve worked hard to achieve a high standard of community development. They offer programs and services focused on providing opportunity and support, enabling people to build on their strengths which is crucial to a community’s development and sustainability," said Minister Shelley. "On behalf of the provincial government and NLHC, we wish them many more years of success."

Established in October 1986, through NLHC’s Tenant Relations (TR) Program, the Rabbittown Community Centre is a multi-purpose facility that serves a population of approximately 1050 people in a 338-unit social housing neighbourhood. The centre’s primary goal is improve the lives of individuals and families through a wide range of programs and services. Programming is largely operating through a combination of funding from the federal, provincial and municipal governments and the private sector. They also partner with other social agencies and community centres which enables them to expand their program base. NLHC assists by providing the building in which the centre is housed, base-level operating funding, property maintenance and support of a TR social worker.

Along with a team of committed staff and volunteers, the centre has been able to meet their mandate of addressing community needs through the provision of recreational, health, educational, social and vocational programs. Some of these programs include: an After School Drop-In program, Homework Haven, Healthy Baby Club, Computer Program, Community Kitchen, and a Public Health Nursing Clinic. Located on Graves Street in St. John's, the centre serves all area residents including Empire, Anderson and Hoyles Avenue, Algerine Place, Freshwater Road and Cowperthwaite Court.

"Rabbittown Community Centre has become the heart of our community through the sheer will of all those involved. It has served as a beacon of hope and inspiration to me personally and for many in our community," said Matthew Dellavalle, Board Member, Rabbittown Community Centre and Tenant Association chair.

The centre has a full day of activities planned, which includes an Open House between 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Members of the media and local neighbourhood residents are welcome to attend.

Who: Rabbittown Town Community Centre
What: 20^th Anniversary Celebration/Open House
When: Tuesday, October 24, 2006
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Where: 26 Graves Street, St. John’s

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