VICTORIA – BC NDP MLA Grace Lore shared news of funding today that was allocated to the Community Social Planning Council which has supported people in need in Victoria and helped them develop work skills.

“People participating in the LEAP program are gaining access to resources and skills that can change lives,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “Our government’s funding helps the Community Social Planning Council run this program and make change for people.”

The Community Social Planning Council (CSPC) received $500,000 earlier this year for their Life Skills, Employment Skills, and Awareness (LEAP) Program, supporting people who are experiencing homelessness or poverty to get ID, and to gain skills to help them find work. MLA Lore met with leaders from the CSPC today to learn more about this program and the impact this funding has had.

“LEAP is an essential community service that provides a bridge to employment for people who have been left behind. Through LEAP we’re able to help people make meaningful steps towards employment and in reaching their employment goals,” said Shelley Cook, Executive Director of the Community Social Planning Council.

This funding was a one-time allocation from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, to support organizations in B.C. that are doing on-the-ground work supporting people experiencing or at risk of poverty, and is in line with the goals and objectives of B.C.’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.