June 29, 2000

Two community programs offering young people alternatives to gang life and drug use have received provincial funding of $350,000, Family Services and Housing Minister Tim Sale announced today.

Leadership and Employment Training for Youth (LET Youth) has received $200,000 and CHOICES has received $150,000. Both programs serve youth at the local neighbourhood level and are in keeping with the spirit of the recently announced Neighbourhoods Alive! development strategy.

"Community-based programs such as LET Youth and CHOICES can be very effective in reaching kids who are at risk, and offer healthy options for young people who face real challenges and pressures to become involved in drugs and crime," said Sale. "Neighbourhoods Alive! will improve and strengthen the fabric of our communities by knitting together the collective energy of community groups, provincial government departments, other levels of government and stakeholders."

The LET Youth program is a partnership operated by the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre of Winnipeg, Rossbrook House, Winnipeg Native Alliance, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg. LET Youth provides pre- employment, employment and leadership training for inner-city youth aged 15-24 as positive alternatives to gangs and other high-risk activities.

The CHOICES program, a joint effort of Winnipeg School Division No. 1 and the Winnipeg Police Service, helps youth to avoid gang activity, truancy, drug use, academic failure and dropping out of school. CHOICES involves approximately 120 youth in grades 6 to 8 who are at risk of gang or criminal activity. The early intervention program involves five components: a classroom setting, the use of tutors/mentors, a wilderness experience, a followup club and parental involvement.

"Governments at all levels, community and neighbourhood groups, and individuals must all work together to give our children the best chance for a productive and healthy life," said Sale. "This government has dedicated itself to that goal through such activities as the Neighbourhoods Alive! strategy."

The minister noted that in order for the strategy to succeed, the people of the community must be heard. Neighbourhoods Alive! will focus on education and recreation, safety and crime prevention, and employment and training. As a long-term, community-based social and economic development strategy, it supports community-driven revitalization efforts in neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson.

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