Generation XX will offer improved and expanded services for youth
News release
Positioning youth for success with life skills is at the core of Generation XX
November 30, 2018 – Summerside, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Helping Atlantic Canadian youth access programs and life skills supports the development of healthy communities and benefits the regional economy. After two decades of working with at-risk youth, Generation XX is renovating its facility to expand its skill development programs, providing a safe and effective means to engage its members in the community. The governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island are supporting the upgrades, enabling the organization to continue its work with youth to help them become productive members of the community.
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Pat Murphy, Prince Edward Island Minister of Rural and Regional Development, today joined members of the organization to announce support for the project.
Through its Innovative Communities Fund, ACOA is providing a non-repayable contribution of $297,500 to Generation XX Inc. for the project. The Government of PEI is contributing $50,000 through the Department of Rural and Regional Development.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, by supporting initiatives that build a skilled workforce, strengthen rural communities, and create opportunities for Atlantic Canada youth.
"The youth of Prince County have benefited from the Generation XX facility and its programs for just over two decades. From its recreational uses to teaching life and social development skills, the facility is a unique gathering spot in Summerside for the city's youth. The Government of Canada is proud to support Generation XX Inc. with its planned upgrades. I commend the great work carried out by this organization to help better serve young Atlantic Canadians. When our youth are supported with programs that teach them life skills, our society and economy benefit."
- Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont
"The Department of Rural and Regional Development is proud to support initiatives that build an experienced workforce while creating opportunities for the youth of Summerside and surrounding areas who have benefited extensively from the programs and facilities offered at Generation XX. We are pleased to fund programs which support our Island youth, and assist in the development of important life skills which contributes to the economic success of our rural communities."
- Honourable Pat Murphy, Prince Edward Island Minister of Rural and Regional Development
"For more than 20 years, Generation XX has served Summerside and area as a youth drop in centre, 6 days-a-week, 52 weeks-a-year. By using the time, energy and ideas of a generation of youth, we have stretched every dollar in transforming an older, empty building in the center of our city into a hub for youth leadership in the Atlantic region. This investment will allow Generation XX to upgrade the aging systems of our building so that we can serve generations of youth to come."
- Gordon Whitlock, Manager, Generation XX
Quick facts
Generation XX was created in 1996 as a centre for at-risk youth to learn, develop and socialize in a community that is their own.
Generation XX Inc. has received several awards for its contribution to youth in the area through its various programs: after-school mentoring, summer camps, food preparation and many others.
Youth of the centre take on responsibilities within the organization including representation on the Board of Directors as well as assisting with strategic planning and daily operations.
