The Jane Paul Mi’kmaq Women’s Resource Centre in Sydney will be able to help more vulnerable indigenous women in their communities, with the help of a $40,000 provincial grant.

Joanne Bernard, Minister responsible for the Status of Women, made the announcement today, Feb. 28.

The one-time grant will help the centre strengthen outreach work, expand community engagement and develop a client navigation and support model.

“When we help vulnerable women in our communities access supportive programming, we are setting them on a path toward positive change in their lives,” said Ms. Bernard. “With this grant, we are also honouring Jane Paul, the young woman for whom the centre is named, who lost her life tragically last spring.

“By remembering her, we will help serve indigenous women after her with the help they need.”

The Jane Paul Centre is a project of the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association. It helps vulnerable women in the community with needed supports such as pre-employment programs and a clothing bank.

“As president of the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association, I have been spending time with the young women accessing the centre, and I have seen true growth, not just from a health and safety perspective, but also changes in our young women’s sense of possibility, confidence and healing,” said Cheryl Maloney. “The centre is a safe place to grow and heal and find your direction. We welcome this important support.”

Source: Release