VERNON – New Democrat MLA Harwinder Sandhu says that people in Vernon will benefit from projects to address criminal activity in their community, assist individuals experiencing gender-based violence, and support Indigenous peoples recovering from trauma.
“Children are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and that’s why it’s important that we take actions to protect them,” says Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “I’m grateful for the work of Archway Society for Domestic Peace, and know that their Youth Advocacy Centre will support kids who have experienced trauma or violence, allowing them to thrive.”
In Vernon, Archway Society for Domestic Peace is receiving $140,000 so that Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre can continue to provide skilled, wrap‐around trauma‐informed service to children and youth who have experienced crime.
The BC NDP government is providing nearly $9.7 million in one-time grants through the program to support 197 community projects and fund police equipment and training. Civil Forfeiture grants are funds that go back into our communities from seized proceeds of crimes and illegal activity. These projects are being led by local governments, community-based not-for-profits, school districts, health authorities, academic institutions, police departments and Indigenous organizations.
The Civil Forfeiture Grant Program provides funding to support community safety related projects throughout B.C. through six funding streams that align with government commitments in various priority areas related to public safety. These streams include Gender-Based Violence; Crime Prevention; Indigenous Healing; Restorative Justice; Domestic Violence and Intervention Programming; and Child and Youth Advocacy Centres.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PSSG0038-000778
To see the full list of 2022-23 grant recipients, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/crime-prevention/civil-forfeiture-office/grants-compensation
For more information on Victim Services, please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/understanding-criminal-justice/key-parts/victim-services
Learn more about Unexplained Wealth Orders and other amendments to the Civil Forfeiture: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PSSG0022-000415