News release

Crime Prevention Grants Awarded to Community Organizations

Justice

Nova Scotians concerned about community safety will receive funding that helps them fight crime and make families and communities safer.

Thirty-nine organizations will receive one-time grants through the Community Crime Prevention and Reduction Program for projects that focus on strengthening relationships in communities to reduce and prevent crime.

"We want to know that our communities are safe places to live, work and raise families," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "This financial support helps our justice and community partners with crime prevention and reduction efforts in their local communities, where it makes a great difference."

This year the funding grants, totaling $40,000, range from $1,000 to $2,000.

Ward One Community/Recreation Centre in New Glasgow received funding for a project under the Legal Enrichment and Decision-Making Program, Project LEAD. The grant will go towards the Youth Leadership Retreat to provide 55 youth of African descent with three days of learning about their heritage, positive decision-making and leadership. It will also include a trip to the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.

"Young people make better decisions when they understand where they come from and believe they have a bright future," said Ivan Wyse, Project LEAD New Glasgow co-ordinator. "The youth retreat will show them African Nova Scotian history and let them see for themselves some opportunities they might not have considered before."

Other organizations receiving grants across the province will provide a wide range of programs, including projects that connect youth to their communities through music, bring youth and seniors together to deal with violence, connect First Nations residents with their heritage, and support driver improvement.

For a full list of recipients and projects visit http://novascotia.ca/just/prevention/lighthouse_grants.asp.