Alisa's Wish Child and Youth Advocacy Centre is benefiting from a $140,000 grant from the province's Civil Forfeiture Grant program.
Under the umbrella of Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services, Alisa’s Wish facilitates a coordinated approach to the prevention, identification, prosecution, and treatment of abuse involving youth. The organization helps youth up to 18 who have experienced or witnessed abuse. It is a first entry point for youth and their family, supporting from beginning to end, connecting the family with support.
Communities across B.C. were given a total of $7.5 million in grants supporting 166 local initiatives aimed at preventing crime, advancing healing and enhancing public safety. These funds come from police seizing assets that were obtained through crime.
“Civil Forfeiture Grants have allowed the BC Network of Child and Youth Advocacy Centres to develop and run projects that enhance multi-disciplinary responses to Indigenous children and youth who have experienced sexual assault or other abuse,” said Brooke McLardy, executive director, BC Network of Child and Youth Advocacy Centres.
In addition, approximately $900,000 in one-time grants have been awarded to support specialized police equipment and training to law enforcement agencies in B.C . A total of 118 projects will benefit from this funding, with a focus on community safety, prevention and crime-reduction initiatives.
“Community safety is one of our top priorities and a key part of that is ensuring organizations working in our communities have the resources they need to effect change,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Whether it’s helping youth, preventing gender-based violence or supporting Indigenous healing, these investments are empowering communities to implement community-based initiatives that enhance safety."
• Alisa's Wish is also in the process of fundraising through a Return-It bottle drive. People can donate at a Return-It Express location. Put drink containers in a clear plastic bag, and at the express area punch in the Alisa's Wish code 604-467-6911. The machine will print labels, and up to six bags can be labelled and dropped off at the express area.
