The East Kootenay Addiction Services Society will receive provincial funding to help pay for its Rock Solid program.
The program is set to receive $38,860 for the program, which covers Cranbrook, Kimberley, Invermere, Golden, Fernie and Golden.
“This program is an outdoor prevention education program designed for students transitioning from elementary to high school,” said B.C. government officials. “Students learn their strengths, limits, values and support systems which serves as a powerful primary crime prevention activity.”
Officials with the B.C. government said the money comes from the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program to support community safety-related projects.
“Our government is committed to building a safer B.C. by redirecting the profits of crime back into the local community,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Crime should never pay, and the seized funds collected through the sale of forfeited assets will help our local partners support victims and fight back against the cycle of repeat offending.”
Officials said $9.7 million will be used to pay for 197 community projects and fund police equipment and training. Of that, $3.7 million was collected through forfeited recoveries with $6 million from provincial funding.
The money is aimed at projects that advance community safety and crime-prevention initiatives, assist people experiencing gender-based violence, and support Indigenous people recovering from trauma.
“Many of the community programs and initiatives being supported will help with prevention of gender-based violence, support survivors and provide specialized services, such as for youth and people who may be more at risk, which will make our communities stronger for everyone,” said Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity.
From that funding, $3.4 million will be split between 80 projects taking on gender-based violence and preventing domestic violence.
“These projects will work to develop and enhance culturally relevant, culturally safe and trauma-informed responses to gender-based violence, including violence against women, in communities throughout the province,” said B.C. government officials.
You can see a full list of the grant recipients below.
More: Civil Forfeiture Grant Program 2022‐23 (B.C. government)