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The Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick officially announced a contribution of $300,000 for the renovation and expansion of the Youth Evolution Center Inc. in Petit-Rocher.

Greg Thompson, federal Minister of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, along with Mary Schryer, New Brunswick Minister of Social Development, made the announcement on Monday.

"The creation of these units will provide youth with access to safe housing and the support they need to help them to start a new page in their lives," said Minister Thompson.

" "This project will contribute to better meet the needs of the children who currently have to be sent out of the region to get services in time of crisis," said Minister Schryer.

Formerly known as the Foyer des Rameurs du Nord, the Youth Evolution Center Inc. is a non-profit organization with the mandate of re-educating and re-integrating youth between the ages of 12 to 18 into the community. They are providing services in cooperation with the Provincial Department of Social Development and the Department of Public Safety.

The renovation and expansion project includes the addition of a crisis housing unit, one housing unit for 8-12 youth, as well as rooms for recreational activities, therapy and consultation.

The $300,000 of funding comes from the Shelter Enhancement Program, a federal and provincial cost shared program, to offset the construction costs. The centre also received $24,500 as pre-development funds to help cover costs associated with architectural and engineering services.

The Shelter Enhancement Program assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for women and their children, as well as youth and men, who are victims of family violence.