NDP MLAs say funding will support crime prevention projects in the Kootenays

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NELSON –New Democrat MLAS Brittny Anderson and Katrine Conroy say that people in the Kootenays will benefit from projects that will advance public safety, help prevent violence, and promote healing.

“By helping more people to recover and heal from trauma and abuse, we can help put a stop to the cycle of violence in families and communities,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston. “I’m so glad that our amazing local organizations are receiving funding to continue this vital work.”

In the Kootenays, five projects are receiving a total of $327,111 in grants.

  • Kootenay Boundary Community Services Co-operative – Safe Kids & Youth (SKY) Coordinated Response: This program supports children and youth from rural communities who come forward with disclosures of abuse, violence, or neglect. $140,000
  • Valley Community Services Society – Supports for Families Leaving Plural Culture: This project supports people to transition out of the FLDS plural culture community also known as Bountiful. Support and resources include mentoring, counselling, parenting support, and support to children and youth. $92,000
  • Nelson Community Services Society – Four Feathers (Part 2): This project will support people healing trauma from domestic and sexual violence and will promote a holistic approach to healing. It will incorporate culturally traditional healing practices and Elder support into a variety of programs and look at ways to provide a culturally safe environment for women and children accessing these programs. $40,000
  • Circle of Indigenous Nations Society – Indigenous Men’s and Women’s Healing Gatherings: This project will invite participants in Castlegar to experience cultural and therapeutic activities to support healing from grief, shame, trauma, and loss. Art therapy, traditional ceremonies, medicine wheel teachings, and Elders teachings will be offered throughout the gatherings. $40,000
  • Castlegar and District Community Services Society – Safer Space: This program will provide interactive sessions to youth in Grades 4-12 aimed at helping them stay safe from online crimes. One-on-one support will be provided directly after the presentations. $15,111

“In small towns and rural areas, community services organizations contribute so much to the wellbeing of people and families,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West. “By helping to prevent harm and promote healing, these projects will make our communities safer and healthier places for everyone.”

The New Democrat government is providing $8.2 million in one-time grants through the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program to support 189 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.

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.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PSSG0044-000747