Significant federal funding is landing in Saint John to help keep young people away from gang activity. On Friday, Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John—Kennebecasis, announced a $628,068 investment for the John Howard Society of New Brunswick.

This funding comes from Public Safety Canada’s Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF). The money specifically targets the creation and support of the Youth Horizons Integrated Intensive Case Management program. This initiative focuses on youth aged 12 to 30 who are at risk of joining gangs or are currently looking for a way out.

How the Program Works

The Youth Horizons project takes a hands-on approach. Staff members work directly with at-risk individuals to create personalized care plans. These plans focus on mental health support and the development of crucial life skills. The goal is to build resilience in young people, helping them make informed choices that steer them away from violence and the justice system.

“Keeping our communities safe means investing in young people and ensuring they have access to the supports they need to succeed,” Wayne Long stated regarding the investment. “The Youth Horizons project will help equip at-risk youth in Saint John with the tools, stability, and opportunities that steer them toward brighter futures and away from gang involvement.”

A Community-Led Solution

The John Howard Society of New Brunswick emphasizes that timely support changes the trajectory of a young person’s life. By involving families and the broader community, the program aims to create a sense of belonging for participants.

Bill Bastarach, Executive Director of the John Howard Society of New Brunswick, highlighted the importance of this integrated approach. “Youth Horizons Integrated Intensive Case Management program gives young people facing serious challenges the space, trust, and hands-on support they need to step away from violence and justice involvement and move toward stability, healing, and new opportunities,” said Bastarach.

The Bigger Picture

This local investment is part of the National Crime Prevention Strategy. The federal government uses this framework to implement crime prevention interventions across Canada. The strategy prioritizes projects that provide knowledge on effective crime reduction and offer tangible exit strategies for youth involved in gang activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is receiving this funding?
The federal government awarded the funding to the John Howard Society of New Brunswick.

How much money was invested?
The total investment announced is $628,068.

Who does this program help?
The program supports youth and young adults between the ages of 12 and 30 in the Saint John area.

What is the main goal of the funding?
The funds support the Youth Horizons project, which aims to prevent youth from joining gangs and provides exit strategies for those already involved.