According to a Jan. 15 news release, 11 “community-led projects focused on crime prevention and services for victims … received $282,839 during the fall 2024 intake through funding from the Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust.”
Projects focused on a variety of initiatives, including: “community connections” through activities such as group “traditional dance” and self-defence classes for women; community education on crime prevention, gender-based violence and family violence; the support of youth via employment opportunities, art and mentorship; and a greater presence of “trained facilitators for restorative practices for complex and sensitive cases.”
Recipients of the fall 2024 fund include:
- Boys and Girls Club Yukon, which received $61,050 for its Food for Life project, an educational program for families on healthy cooking.
- Laird First Nation, which was given $41,976 for its Healing of the Mind, Body and Spirit Phase 2 project – a “harm-reduction” initiative identifying services for preventing crime, gender-based violence, family violence and violence against children.
- Youth of Today Society, granted $32,600 for its Gaining Real Opportunities to Work – a project aimed at breaking down barriers to employment for marginalized youth.
- Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council, awarded $29,163 for its Personal Safety Initiative, which aims to cut incidents of crime and violence in Yukon’s capital of Whitehorse.
- Youth E-Sport Alliance, given $10,600 for a project aimed at reducing distance and “remoteness” for young people of all ages via monthly tournaments in Whitehorse.
Yukon Justice minister Tracy-Anne McPhee said such initiatives provide “valuable contributions to crime prevention and services for victims at a grass-roots level.”
“The Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust continues to be an important avenue for community groups, First Nations and municipalities to undertake innovative projects that improve outcomes for all Yukoners,” said McPhee in a statement.
Lareina Twardochleb, chair of the Crime Prevention and Victim Services Trust board of trustees, thanked those who applied for their commitment.
“We are proud to continue supporting local solutions and are inspired by these initiatives in our communities,” said Twardochleb. “We encourage all communities to consider local solutions for emerging issues and to apply for new projects this spring.”
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