News release

Community Organizations Get Funding for Crime Prevention

Justice

The province is providing funding to 54 organizations to prevent and reduce crime in their communities.

Organizations from North Sydney to Shelburne will receive funding totaling more than $70,000 through the Community Crime Prevention and Reduction Grant Program.

"It is no longer enough to just combat crime, we need to work with police, schools, communities and other partners to prevent it from happening in the first place," said Ross Landry, Minister of Justice. "A focus on crime prevention and reduction, especially at the community level, is a critical investment and plays a significant role in keeping our communities, streets and homes safe."

The one-time grants awarded under this program range from $1,000 to $5,000. Recipients include community organizations, schools and the private sector.

A wide range of programs are being supported, including a unique project called the Street Involved Older Youth Employability Project. Developed by the Spring Garden Area Business Association/Downtown Halifax Business Commission, it helps youth who are cycling through shelter services, jail and homelessness. The grant will help the project reach more youth.

"This work is beneficial to the participants and the businesses in the area," said EJ Davis, who works with youth. "This is about removing the barriers older youth face to employability, simple things like getting proper ID and opening a bank account. We have had great success. To date we have successfully placed 80 youth in full-time employment."

For a full list of recipients and projects visit www.gov.ns.ca/just/prevention/_docs/one_time_grant_recipients_2011.pdf .

Another call for applications will be issued later in the year for the just under $10,000 remaining in the 2011-12 budget.