| October 19, 2009 MLA Dalton Secures Funding for Youth Diversion Program MAPLE RIDGE - The Ridge Meadows Youth & Justice Advocacy Association will continue offering support to at-risk youth in the Pitt Meadows Maple Ridge area thanks to $55,000 in provincial funding, announced MLA Marc Dalton. “I worked with the Ridge Meadows group to get them the funding they need to continue to help youth in our community,” says Marc Dalton, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission. “This program is a crucial part of crime prevention and the overall safety of our communities. “By preventing young people from engaging in crime and, even better, helping them get out of a life that involves crime and gang activity, we are giving them a wonderful opportunity to better themselves and the greater community.” Working with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, MLA Dalton was able to secure $55,000 in funding that will allow the program to continue providing its youth diversion program to the Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge region. “The presentation of the funds was overwhelming,” says Ranjit Kingra, coordinator of Ridge Meadows Youth Diversion. “This will be great news to our youth, mentors, board members, RCMP and our community. You know the program has had an impact when youth and parents are coming in to the office to share their experiences and how the program has helped them. “We are appreciative of all the hard work that went into attaining bridge funding and are working towards long-term sustainable funding.” The Ridge Meadows Youth & Justice Advocacy Association has been operating in the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows region for more than 15 years. By addressing issues such as drug abuse, lack of parental support and social isolation, the centre helps to divert youth from entering into gang or criminal activity. With the help of volunteer mentors, youth are given one on one support and guidance in making the transition to a productive and successful life. The funding was secured through the Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. This division works with community groups, schools, youth groups, businesses, service organizations, police and all levels of government to develop and deliver programs, funding and resources to help British Columbians build and maintain safe communities. -30- | |
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