PRINCE GEORGE – The Step In/Step Up program is receiving a civil forfeiture grant of $174,825, which is part of the record $5.5 million in provincial grants awarded to various organizations. This year’s total funding of $6.1 million from the Ministry of Justice is the highest provided to organizations in the history of the program.
How Step In/Step Up will work:
- This multi-dimensional program involves four distinct facets:
- A social media campaign.
- An interactive youth forum each year of the project directed at youth currently involved in or at-risk of involvement in gang activity.
- Creating a volunteer council comprised of youth planning for youth.
- A gang summit that aims to bring awareness and focus to the issue of gang violence.
Quotes:
“It’s always great to see things come full circle like this. When we can take the proceeds of crime and use it to help at-risk youth, we’re capitalizing on the silver lining of very unfortunate situations and helping those who need it the most.”
- Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell
“The civil forfeiture program sends a strong message that crime doesn’t pay in British Columbia. It allows us to take the proceeds of crime and support innovative programs like Step In/Step Up. What better way to use this money than on gang prevention activities.”
- Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond
Learn more about the Civil Forfeiture Grants at:
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/k12funding/funding/12-13/welcome.htm
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