The National Child Benefit Reinvestment Fund
The National Child Benefit Reinvestment (NCBR) initiative is a part of the National Child Benefit (NCB) initiative introduced in 1998 by the federal, provincial and territorial governments. NCBR funds many services that would otherwise not be available to low income parents and children. The services support fuller participation in economic, social and cultural activities. The flexible nature of NCBR allows First Nations to identify and respond to their own priorities and needs in addressing child poverty. NCBR funding is provided by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
In 2007/2008, financial contributions under NCBR funding were made to the following programs and activities held within our community; Family Fun Weekend, Winter Carnival, Aboriginal Day, Adult Education Programming contribution, Focus For Change Program, Dressed for Success Workshop, Back to School/Christmas Shopping Trips, Lakeview School Breakfast Program, Lakeview School After School Activities (ie. Tutoring programs, etc.), various Cultural Teachings and Traditional workshops, Youth Center Childrens’ Drop-in-Centres, Registration fees for childrens’ recreational activities, Ontario Works Food Depot, free public skating, ongoing maintenance of Youth Center Skateboarding park and completion of various landscaping beautification projects throughout the community.
There was an average of 15 participants enrolled in the Adult Education Program who benefited from NCBR funding contributed toward programming. Through NCBR funding, the Focus For Change Program was held in October to December 2007 for Ontario Works participants. Focus for Change is a Ministry approved certificate program designed to assist individuals who wish to make changes in their lives. Participants spent a total of seven weeks in class and three weeks participating in on-the-job training. A total of 17 participants initially enrolled and a total of 7 participants graduated from the program. A Dressed for Success workshop was also included as a component of the Focus for Change program. The Dressed for Success workshop included increasing participants’ self esteem, preparing for an interview, proper dress, personal hygiene and grooming. Graduates of the Focus for Change certificate program are able to apply for entry into literacy or academic upgrading programs, post-secondary studies, apprenticeships or direct entry to the workplace.
The Food Depot continues to operate in the community through NCBR funding. The Food Depot is operated by the Ontario Works Program. The intent of the Food Depot is to assist persons in need who may experience unforeseen financial hardship (excessive shelter costs, etc). It is not the intent to enable persons to become reliant upon the service. We service an average of 10 families/persons per month. Throughout the year we received various donations from individuals and other agencies. We sincerely thank all those caring individuals who gave cash contributions as well as food donations received throughout the year from the students of Lakeview School, M’Chigeeng Fire Department and other community programs.
There have been various landscaping projects completed throughout the community. Through NCBR funding we were able to complete the M’Chigeeng First Nation sign located near Cross Hill Road, outdoor brick fireplace located at the downtown beach area, clearing of the downtown beach area, construction of a new bridge over the river linking Pinewood Park subdivision and Highway 551, signs in new Onaquet subdivision and downtown beach area, new lifeguard station at the downtown beach area, ongoing maintenance of the outdoor skateboarding park and outdoor rink.
