Savings Realized in 1999 and allocated to the following programs in 2000:

Brighter Futures: Baby, Not Me Not Now

This program is currently funded by the DTSSAB and has expanded an existing program in local high schools that educate young people on what life is like as a young parent. Last year's funding was used to assist in the purchase of 10-15 computerized dolls that students would parent for a given time. All real-life actions of babies are performed and the computer monitors the reactions of students.

By providing funding for this program. Brighter Futures will be able to enhance the programming for parenting, life skills, and active living and employment readiness skills. In addition, they would provide a series of workshops for parents. Also the program would be expended in other areas throughout the District such as Englehart, New Liskeard, Cobalt/Latchford, Elk Lake and Matachewan areas.

LEAP

The Learning Earning and Parenting Program requires that the DTSSAB create an internal and external shift in the manner in which community services approach young parents and their children in the District. The DTSSAB has established a co-operative planning and implementation process involving several partners including schools, community and public health, childcare services, community agencies and the private sector.

Timiskaming Health Unit: Healthy Babies/Healthy Children

This program has been funded since 1999 by the DTSSAB. Due to the continued funding, the Health Unit has been able to expand district Well Baby Clinics and home visiting to high-risk mothers/babies outside the guidelines/funding for the provincial, mandatory Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Program. To date new clinics have been established in New Liskeard, Cobalt, Haileybury and Kirkland Lake.

YWCA: Child Nutrition Programs

The YWCA will offer the Eat Well Feel Well cooking/gardening class, which is offered year round. Children from area families will participate in planting, growing, harvesting/ preparing and eating nutritious food. Children will be taught the fundamentals of gardening as well as offered cooking classes where safe handling of food will be taught.

Part of the funds is also going to be used to help the Larder Lake Public School with the purchase of food for their breakfast program. This school required a new kitchen and appliances in order to be able to offer the program and with the hard work of the staff and parents they are now able to deliver this program.

In addition, the expansion of the Community Garden located in Kirkland Lake is funded as well as making the garden wheel chair accessible. As well, Internet access to a website developed and maintained by the program would allow people to access nutritional and registration information.