A Vernon-based organization well-known for its work advocating for families and youth has been recognized provincially.
The 26th annual Community Safety and Crime Prevention Awards were held in Vancouver on Friday, Nov. 3, to celebrate the outstanding contributions the award winners have had on their communities.
North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society (NOYFSS) was joined by four community leaders from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, all honoured for their work supporting crime prevention and community safety initiatives addressing gender-based violence, advocacy and restorative justice.
“The people receiving awards today exemplify our collective power to effect positive change in the lives of those impacted by crime and violence,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “I congratulate each award recipient on their unwavering dedication and commitment to support and empower victims and survivors. My heartfelt thanks for everything they do to keep communities in B.C. safe.”
NOYFSS’ Youth Services Team captured the Youth Leadership Award.
“(NOYFSS) has served children, youth, and families in the North Okanagan region for more than 40 years,” said Farnsworth. “NOYFSS provides programs and support in areas such as youth agreements, youth at risk, parent-teen conflict, and youth justice. Support can include crisis intervention, helping a youth move on a weekend or evening, assisting with job interview preparation, supporting a post-secondary transition, or just being there when needed.
“The commitment, respect and trust that the youth services team has built over the years has made their programs successful in creating positive change in the lives of the youth they serve.”
Through Youth Agreements, Youth at Risk Programs, Parent Teen Conflict and Youth Justice (Redirect), each NOYFSS youth program aims to increase a youth’s safety and well-being through counselling, skill building and community connections, with services tailored to the unique needs of each youth.
“This team has worked so hard over the past few years, I am so proud that they have been recognized on this level,” said Shannon McGee, Youth Program Supervisor. “They are counsellors, helping youth to work through trauma, they are educators, guiding youth towards resources, as well as teaching life and social skills. Most importantly, they are cheerleaders, they are a positive influence in the lives of the youth they serve and show them they matter.”
Community Safety and Crime Prevention Awards were also presented to:
• Angela Marie MacDougall, executive director, Battered Women’s Support Services, Vancouver
• Evelyn Zellerer, founder and director, Peace of the Circle, Vancouver
• Gary Thandi, founder and executive director, Moving Forward Family Services, Surrey
• Debbie Klaric, program manager, police-based victim services, North Island Crisis and Counselling Centre Society, Port Hardy.
These awards acknowledge individuals, non-profit organizations, and justice and community partners for their work advancing crime prevention, restorative justice, support for at-risk youth and other initiatives that help enhance safety and well-being in communities across British Columbia.
“These award recipients work as our partners in crime prevention, victim services and community safety, making a difference in the lives of British Columbians every single day,” said Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity. “I am so grateful for the work they do. It is their compassion, leadership and advocacy for victims and survivors across this province that lends a voice to those who need it most.”
The work done by people at the community level is crucial to ensuring people get the supports and services they need, and complements the actions taken by the Province to improve public safety and support those affected by crime. The Province’s Safer Communities Action Plan is building safer and stronger communities by improving co-ordination and collaboration between law enforcement, Indigenous community leaders, community service organizations, justice-system officials, health-care providers and everyone in British Columbia.
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