VERNON– New Democrat MLA Harwinder Sandhu says that people in Vernon and Lumby will benefit from projects that will advance public safety, help prevent violence, and promote healing.
“Supporting the most vulnerable in our communities has always been at the heart of our work. I’m incredibly grateful for the lifesaving, life-changing work of local organizations who walk alongside those facing unimaginable challenges. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact they have on many lives,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby. “Through the Civil Forfeiture Grant program, we are turning the pain and suffering caused by crime into hope, healing, and opportunity. By reclaiming proceeds of crime, we are reinvesting in organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon, Archway Society for Domestic Peace, Okanagan Services Society, and the Vernon Youth Advocacy Centre. Their work, from restorative justice to youth outreach and services for women and families, strengthens the safety, dignity, and resilience of our entire community.”
Five projects in the North Okanagan are receiving more than $250,000 to implement crime prevention and remediation projects in their community. Local projects include:
- Archway Society for Domestic Peace, Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre – $40,000
- Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre’s project objective is to continue to provide skilled, wrap-around trauma-informed service to children and youth, who have experienced abuse and violence. We expect to serve approximately 40 multi-disciplinary team (MDT) members and 200 children, youth and caregivers throughout the North Okanagan, in the coming year.
- BC Network of Child and Youth Advocacy Centres Society, Increasing service to Indigenous children after sexual assault – $40,000
- This project will increase access to CYAC services for Indigenous children & youth after sexual assault.
- North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society, NOYFSS Family Peace Program – $40,000
- This project will deliver programming on preventing gender-based violence and abuse in intimate relationships.
- Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District, Restorative Justice Services – $39, 867
- This project creates a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to provide support to victims of crime, individuals accused of crimes, their guardians/supporters, and Restorative Justice Practitioner Volunteers, rebuild partnerships with justice related and community services, and explore opportunities to implement a “Community Concern” model to address non-criminal situations.
- Family Resource Centre for the North Okanagan, Sexual Assault Response – $21,500
- This project will deliver counselling, education and resources for male-identified, and non-binary victims of sexual assault.
The New Democrat government is providing $9.1M in one-time grants through the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program to support 166 community projects across the province. These projects are being led by local governments, community-based not-for-profits, school districts, health authorities, academic institutions, police departments and Indigenous organizations.
$900,000 of the $9.1M will support specialized police equipment and training, $500,000 will support the Anti-Hate Community Support Fund, and $200,000 will support the response to the April 26 tragedy after the Lapu Lapu festival.
The Civil Forfeiture Office was established in 2006 with the purpose of removing the tools and proceeds of unlawful activity and redirecting them back into programs that support community safety and crime prevention initiatives.