Federal investments expand YMCA crime prevention program to Moncton, Montreal, Regina and Surrey
REGINA, Jan. 24, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced $5 million over five years in federal funding from the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) to expand the YMCA's mentoring program.
The Plusone mentoring program is a community-based program that aims at engaging early with youth at risk of committing crimes. It uses trained volunteers to individually mentor youth about the life challenges they are facing. The YMCAs of Quebec are implementing the program in four cities across the country (Moncton, NB; Montreal, QC; Regina, SK; and Surrey, BC) and is hoping to help 720 participants between 10- and 17-years-old, with one volunteer mentor for each young person.
The program is proven to help deter at risk youth from coming into contact with the justice system. A review found that after six months, 86 percent of young people in the program had significantly improved their behaviour and changed their attitude.
Quotes
"Our government is committed to implementing evidence-based criminal justice policies that are proven to prevent crime and victimization, and keep our communities and citizens safe. We are proud to partner with the YMCA to implement programming that stops crime before it starts by reaching out and empowering at-risk individuals to make positive and healthy decisions by giving them access to support and opportunities."
? The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
"It is encouraging to see the Plusone program expand so quickly. Over time as the teams share experiences and develop new skills, we witness mentees pursuing academic endeavors, addressing challenges and expanding their network of positive peers, adults and activities."
? Darryl McKenzie, Interim CEO, YMCA of Regina
"I am very pleased to share with the Federal Government the YMCA's vast front-line experience with at-risk youth. When kids come to the Y, it has a huge impact on their success in school, home life and health. It's about prevention. It's about keeping kids who are at-risk off the streets and encouraging healthy habits through the guidance and personalized support of a mentor. The YMCA Plusone Mentoring program is an established and proven early intervention model, and this program demonstrates that the YMCA is a partner of choice engaged in helping young people achieve success and attain their full potential."
? Stéphane Vaillancourt, President and CEO of The YMCAs of Québec
Quick Facts:
- The YMCAs of Québec are implementing the Plusone mentoring program in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, the YMCA of Regina, the YMCA of Greater Moncton, and the YMCA Scotland (program founder).
- From April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017, the Government of Canada supported 91 community-based crime prevention projects across Canada.
- Close to $43 million is committed to projects in 2017-2018 to support the National Crime Prevention Strategy. Through these investments, the government is supporting the development of cost-effective ways to prevent and reduce crime among at-risk populations and vulnerable communities by intervening to mitigate the underlying factors that put individuals at risk of offending.
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SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
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