BC MLA Michelle Mungall announced funding from the Crime Prevention and Remediation program for two support centresĀ in the Creston Valley.
Over $6 million in seized crime proceeds were distributed to 170 local organizations and projects across the province.
The Valley Community Services Society was awarded $29,942 for their Changing Culture: Changing Outcomes project that focuses on engaging boys and men in the prevention of violence against women. The Kootenai Community Centre Society received $8,132 in support of their Reaching for Hope Support Group that assists survivors of assault and family violence.
Stopping Violence Support Worker Rebecca Gidney at the Kootenai Community Centre Society says she’s the one who applied for the grant.
“There’s not a lot of support groups in town available for people who’ve experienced trauma after being in abussive relationships. So that’s what it’s aimed toawrds. Empowering women who’ve experienced trauma and abuse.”
The extra funds help a great deal according to Gidney, as it enriches existing programs.
“When we don’t get grants like this, it just really day to day basic kind of funding. In BC there’s a lot of shortage of funding for social services in general.”
Since 2006, the Crime Prevention and Remediation grant program has provided more than $39 million to help organizations throughout B.C. to further their crime prevention efforts.