StreetSmarts has received a $20,000 financial boost from Canada's second largest credit union Coast Capital Savings.
The program - targeted at youth involved in gangs, or who are at risk of engaging in gang activity - is run by Touchstone Family Association and works with youth referred by school counsellors, probation officers, RCMP or peers who have been through the program. Many youth also refer themselves.
Judy Valsonis, director of operations for Touchstone, said StreetSmarts focuses on prevention, education and working on issues that are currently impacting the youths' lives.
"This is a critical program that has the potential to turn around the lives of these young men and women and steer them away from a potentially destructive future and the funding from Coast Capital Savings will help ensure we can reach out to more youth," Valsonis said. "We also work collaboratively with community partners in an effort to provide additional resources to these marginalized youth."
Wendy Lachance, director, community leadership for Coast Capital Savings, said the credit union is committed to helping build a richer future for youth.
"At Coast Capital Savings, we believe our future lies in the hands of our youth and we want to help them make positive decisions and support them as they work towards productive and successful lives," Lachance said.
StreetSmarts has typically run two to three times a year, depending on the amount of funding the program receives. The grant from Coast Capital Savings allows the program to run two more groups, positively impacting the lives of 40 to 50 more youth. For more information about StreetSmarts, visit www.touchfam.ca. For further information, contact Chris Samulak at 604-279-5599 or [email protected].
