Local YMCA program gets federal funding

Ottawa spending $5M to aid at-risk youth in four cities

A Regina YMCA mentoring program has received federal funding to help at-risk youth.

The five-year, $5-million funding arrangement, under the National Crime Prevention Strategy, will allow for expansion of the program in Regina, as well as in Moncton, N.B., Montreal, Que., and Surrey, B.C. It’s expected the programs will collectively reach 720 youths aged 10 to 17, with one volunteer mentor for each young person.

Plusone is a community-based mentoring program with the goal of engaging early with youth at risk of committing crimes. The program has been proven to help keep at-risk youth out of the justice system, according to a news release. A review found that after six months, 86 per cent of young people in the program had significantly improved their behaviour and changed their attitude.

“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,” Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, said in a statement.

“It is encouraging to see the Plusone program expand so quickly,” said Darryl McKenzie, interim CEO, YMCA of Regina. He added that as the teams share experiences and develop new skills, the mentored teens pursue academic endeavours, address challenges and expand their network of positive peers, adults and activities.

More information about the program is available online at http:// www.plusonementoring.ca/en/ Plusone/Home.