In September 2009, this collaborative Street Gang Prevention Project received $3.8 million from the Government of Canada’s National Crime Prevention Strategy.
About the Project
The Street Gang Prevention Project is a 3 year project bringing together expertise from 6 unique organizations:
- The John Howard Society of Waterloo Wellington
- Lutherwood
- Reaching Our Outdoor Friends (ROOF)
- St. Mary’s Counselling
- Waterloo Regional Police
- The Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
The project, aimed at decreasing gang activity in Waterloo Region will address the conditions that give rise to gang involvement and related crimes in our community. The project will provide support for 60 youth (and their families) between the ages of 13-24, who are gang involved or at risk of gang involvement. There will also be a community education component that aims to reach 750 community members annually, many via current neighbourhood organizations and networks.
The overall goals of the project are:
- To assist youth in effectively exiting gangs
- To identify and assist youth at highest risk of entering gangs
Following an initial needs assessment the project will offer a comprehensive strategy to assist youth currently involved in gangs by providing supports in the area of mental health; substance use; education; employment; and family support. Neighbourhood interventions will also provide alternatives for youth-at risk of being involved in gangs through mentorship programs and recreation supports.
