Ontario Investing $1.1 Million to Help At-risk Youth in Thunder Bay
Five Community Organizations Selected to Deliver Provincial Programs
Ontario is investing $1.1million to help at-risk children and youth in Thunder Bay access more supports and services to help them reach their full potential and succeed.
“I am very pleased with our government’s commitment to positively enhance the lives of youth at risk in our community. This investment in youth will enhance the program to better serve our at-risk youth, and connect them to the right services and supports.” Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North
The funding will help organizations address the root causes of youth violence by creating opportunities for youth in the city to find a mentor, help youth involved in, or at risk of, gang involvement and to develop skills to deal with conflict. The organizations selected to provide this new programming are:
- Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, in partnership with the Children’s Centre of Thunder Bay, to provide Stop Now and Plan (SNAP). This made-in-Ontario intervention program helps children aged six to 12 who are struggling with behaviour issues learn self-control and problem-solving skills to keep them in school and out of trouble.
- Thunder Bay Multicultural Association for the , which will pair youth with local mentors to help guide them towards better choices and career options.
- John Howard Society of Thunder Bay and District for the Restorative Justice and Conflict Mediation Program, a new program for students to manage school conflict through peer mediation while strengthening social interaction skills.
- Kairos Youth Centre for the Gang Prevention and Intervention Program, which will provide prevention and intervention programming to support Thunder Bay youth who are gang involved or at risk of gang involvement and help build their social and interaction skills.
- Thunder Bay Counselling Centre, in partnership with Children’s Centre Thunder Bay and St. Joseph’s Care Group, to provide two Youth Outreach Workers in the city to . connect at-risk youth to services and opportunities within their community to improve outcomes.
The programs are funded through the $55-million enhanced Ontario Youth Action Plan – Ontario’s largest investment to date to help children and youth in high-priority communities across the province.
“The Ministry of Children and Youth Services is pleased to provide funding to help at-risk children and youth in Thunder Bay. We believe by creating the right supports that address the root causes of youth violence, we can help young Ontarians reach their full potential we can also create safer communities where all Ontarians can flourish and grow.” Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Children and Youth Services
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and have the best possible start in life. Increasing supports for children and youth is one way Ontario is working to support families and create positive environments so all of our children and youth can reach their full potential.
QUICK FACTS
- According to The Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, the youth violent crime rate in Ontario has declined by 38 per cent between 2003 and 2014.
- Through Ontario’s Youth Action Plan announced in 2012, Ontario has provided supports and services to more than 27,500 children and youth annually.
- An additional 37,500 children and youth will be served through the enhanced Youth Action Plan announced in 2015.
LEARN MORE
- Read about Ontario’s Youth Action Plan
- Find out how Ontario is supporting youth through Stepping Up
