Building Safer Communities Grant Recipients Announced

 

“On behalf of City Council, I would like to congratulate the recipients and thank them for their ongoing work to make our community a safer place,” said Mayor Danny Breen. “Our Building Safer Communities Strategy recognizes the importance of working collaboratively with community organizations to address the root causes of crime and violence. Our hope is that this funding will not only support these worthwhile projects, but also support the development of new partnerships that will create meaningful change."

 

An internal evaluation committee recommended funding for the following projects:

 

This program is a continuation of the street outreach initiative funded through the Building Safer Communities Grant Program in 2024. Funds will support the continuation of two outreach staff to support marginalized and/or street entrenched individuals in the downtown core. Outreach staff will continue to provide individuals with access to resources, connections and referrals to services, crisis interventions, and point-in-time care and support. 

The SNAP (Stop Now and Plan) Program is an evidence-based model for teaching children struggling with behavioural issues, and their parents, effective emotional regulation, self-control and problem-solving skills. The program consists of a 13-week intensive course for children, a concurrent 13-week caregiver/parent group, and additional support services such as one-on-one family counselling and school advocacy. Funds will help support child and family workers to deliver the program.

This program is aimed at students between the age of 12-17 who are experiencing difficulties in their academic and social development. Funds will help support Alternative Suspension Program Coordinators to work with youth to develop personalized intervention plans to address identified risk factors and meet the needs of students while working on the objectives set by the school.

This gender-based violence prevention program is currently delivered in three local high schools. This funding will increase partnerships with high schools, while expanding age-appropriate content to deliver the program in junior high schools. In addition to four-week groups and school-wide advocacy projects, the program will develop stand-alone, class-based workshops focusing on core gender-based violence prevention topics. Funds will help support a full-time program coordinator, program materials and equipment.

This project will foster conversations around men's roles in preventing domestic violence while participating in land-based activities like dogsledding, ice fishing and snowshoeing. Four sessions will target Indigenous men and boys, community leaders, activists, elders, influencers, and high-risk individuals in under-serviced St. John's metro areas. Funds will support a part-time project coordinator, trained mental health facilitators, outdoor guides, and necessary equipment and supplies.

This group intervention program is designed for newcomer women and girls in St. John's who have survived intimate partner violence. Psychoeducational support groups consisting of eight, 75-minute sessions will help unite newcomer women with shared experiences, foster enduring connections and ensure access to information and community resources. Funds will help support a part-time social worker, program materials and interpretation services.

 

The City of St. John’s Building Safer Communities Grant Program is an integral part of the City’s overall Building Safer Communities Strategy.  This work is made possible thanks to funding from Public Safety Canada's Building Safer Communities Fund. 

 

The City of St. John’s has a strategic direction to be a Connected City, one where people feel connected, have a sense of belonging and are actively engaged in community life. This funding will advance this direction by improving access to programs, services and public spaces that build safe, healthy and vibrant communities.