News Release

SHEDIAC (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are contributing a combined $1.5 million toward construction of a family crisis resource centre in Shediac. It will provide services to people in southeastern New Brunswick and Kent County.

“Supporting New Brunswickers who are experiencing emotional difficulties and are victims of family violence is important for the quality of life of our families,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “The project will create good construction jobs and allow the Beauséjour Family Crisis Resource Centre to expand its services in education, prevention and support.”

The facility will include four one-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units for short-term relief. It will offer therapeutic, educational and recreational services meant to give people the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

“Our government is proud to be supporting the new Beauséjour Family Crisis Resource Centre‎, which will allow those in need better access to support,” said federal Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard Minister Dominic LeBlanc. “Collaboration is the best way to provide high-quality services so that youth and adults in our community can thrive.”

LeBlanc spoke on behalf of federal Families, Children and Social Development Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.

The centre will serve people of all ages, providing social and recreational spaces that will include:

• a wellness centre. Nine mental health support spaces for both individual and group educational sessions, as well as a medical room for private consultations with external health-care providers.

• a clothing boutique. A free boutique to provide clients with appropriate clothing for work or job interviews.

• a medical exam space. A multi-disciplinary medical room for nurse practitioners and forensic nurses.

• an RCMP comfort room. Modelled after an evidence-based approach in Toronto, the comfort room will provide victims of crime with a safe atmosphere in which to provide statements to police.

• a recreation centre. A welcoming outdoor recreational space for children and youth, as well as a therapeutic garden for adults.

• a life skills activity centre. A multi-purpose space where people can gain skills related to financial literacy, job readiness, food literacy, etc.

• a youth thrive centre. A space for children and youth to reunite and build mental resiliency.

The provincial government is contributing $1.375 million to the project. The Regional Development Corporation is investing $875,000 through its Special Initiatives project while the remaining $500,000 comes from the Social Infrastructure Fund Agreement, which is a federal-provincial cost-sharing agreement. It is dispersed through the Department of Social Development’s Shelter Enhancement Program, which offers financial assistance to repair and renovate shelters and to acquire or build new shelters and second-stage housing.

“We are extremely pleased that both the provincial and federal governments recognize the importance in supporting the establishment of the new Beauséjour Family Crisis Resource Centre,” said Kristal LeBlanc, the centre’s executive director. “This new building will be a game changer for victims of trauma, as well as those needing immediate mental health services across southeast New Brunswick, with innovative services and flexible housing options. In 2018, we need to think outside the box when addressing these issues, and we have done just that.”

The federal government is also investing $125,000 through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.