|
The Community Assessment and Action Network (C.A.A.N) is a working group of government agencies and service providers who work to address issues of gang violence in the city of Richmond. Street Smarts, a youth leadership program for youth who may be at risk for gang involvement, is a program that has been developed by the C.A.A.N to support youth who are at risk of gang involvement. . The objective of the program is to support at-risk youth to develop leadership skills through a series of workshops and to receive mentorship in order to make positive life choices. Our approach is to hold the youth capable and provide them with the support and tools to engage in pro-social activities and positive choices. We work to engage the youth in positive recreational and educational activities that the youth feel are significant to them in reducing barriers to positive change.
The program supports youth who:
- Have a history of violence, use of force and/or use of weapons
- Have shown interest in gang involvement
- Has a history or interest in dealing drugs
- Could benefit from mentorship and support
Elegibility Criteria:
- Youth aged 13-18 (male and female)
- Resident of Richmond
- Be available twice a week, for two hour sessions, for a 12 week period
- Have an interest in issues impacting youth in the community of Richmond
- Comfortable working with others and independently
Benefits to Participants:
- An honorarium for completing the program
- Cover travel costs (bus tickets)
- Reference to use in your resume
- Snacks during sessions
- One-to-one mentorship
Plus an opportunity to develop the following skills:
Public speaking skills; leadership skills; problem solving skills, presentation skills; connecting with community; working with community organizations an opportunity to meet other like minded individuals and a chance to make a difference in your community.
For more information about this project please contact Chris Samulak, C.A.A.N Program Coordinator at csamulak@touchfam.ca or via telephone at 604-279-5599
|
