Youth QUEST Central receives funding from the Medavie Health Foundation to expand mental health supports

MONCTON, NB, Jan. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - The Medavie Health Foundation announced today a $55,000 grant for Moncton Youth Residences Inc. (MYR) to support the development of a Mental Health Support Network.

MYR provides services for at-risk youth and their families in the Greater Moncton area and in several communities throughout New Brunswick.  The agency estimates that almost half of its clients are either diagnosed with or exhibit signs of a mental health disorder.  The new program will be located at MYR's Youth QUEST Central facility in Moncton and, once operational, will provide ongoing support and professional guidance to at-risk youth.

"We are proud to fund the development of a mental health support program that could transform the prospects for at-risk youth," said Ruth Rappini, Vice President, Medavie Health Foundation.  "Mental health is the fastest growing category of disability costs, including the long term economic costs of health care, disability claims and lost productivity.  This program will ensure youth impacted by mental health concerns receive the support they need to live productive, fulfilling lives."

Today's announcement is the second in a series of early grant announcements that will pave the way for the launch of a formal grants program later this month.

"Moncton Youth Residences is pleased and excited to partner with Medavie Health Foundation to construct a new service to be offered at Youth QUEST Central to assist young people who struggle with overcoming barriers associated with mental health issues," said Mel Kennah, Executive Director of Moncton Youth Residences Inc.  "This enhanced focus will add value to the array of services currently being offered at this youth resource centre and it will help to push out the front edges of both organizations' goal of helping young people succeed."

The Medavie Health Foundation is focused on developing partnerships and supporting programs that promote long term lasting impacts to support mental health in children and youth and the prevention and self management of type 2 diabetes. These two areas are of particular concern to Canadians and offer significant potential to affect change for future generations.

About the Medavie Health Foundation

The Medavie Health Foundation is funded by Medavie Blue Cross and our partner, Medavie EMS, as part of a long term commitment to make a lasting impact in the communities where our employees and customers live and work.

The Foundation is focused on two core causes that are of particular concern to Canadians - Child and Youth Mental Health and Type 2 Diabetes.  The Foundation will partner with community based organizations and support programs in these two areas.

As a not-for profit organization, Medavie Blue Cross is proud to commit an annual social dividend of 10% of our net income to the Medavie Health Foundation.

About Moncton Youth Residences Inc.

Moncton Youth Residences (MYR) is a large charitable organization that been in operation since 1985 to help fulfil its mandate of helping youth succeed.  It employs more than 180 staff who intervenes to help stop the downward spiral of more than 1000 at-risk youth each year.

MYR provides quality care and guidance through various residential and outreach programs, including Youth QUEST Central.  It assists youth between 10 and 24 years of age who have social, emotional and behavioural problems.

Media Contacts:
Patty Faith
Director, Medavie Health Foundation
[phone]
[email protected] 

Cathy Manuel
Associate Director
Moncton Youth Residences
[phone]
[email protected]