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EKASS getting $38,860 for Rock Solid
The Civil Forfeiture Grant Program provides funding to support community-safety-related projects throughout British Columbia.
As part of the 2022-23 cycle, $9.7 million will support 197 community projects and fund police equipment and training, with $3.7 million collected from forfeited recoveries as well as $6 million from provincial funding.
These projects are led by local governments, community-based not-for-profit organization, school districts, health authorities, academic institutions, police departments and Indigenous organizations.
This year, 80 projects tackling gender-based violence and preventing domestic violence are sharing $3.4 million. These projects will work to develop and enhance culturally relevant, culturally safe and trauma-informed responses to gender-based violence, including violence against women, in communities throughout the province.
“Our government is committed to building a safer B.C. by redirecting the profits of crime back into the local community,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Crime should never pay, and the seized funds collected through the sale of forfeited assets will help our local partners support victims and fight back against the cycle of repeat offending. By working together with community partners, we are creating stronger, more resilient communities.”
“Many of the community programs and initiatives being supported will help with prevention of gender-based violence, support survivors and provide specialized services, such as for youth and people who may be more at risk, which will make our communities stronger for everyone,” said Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity.
Three East Kootenay and area projects are included in the funding.
East Kootenay Addiction Services Society’s (EKASS) Rock Solid program is getting $38,860. Rock Solid is an outdoor prevention education program designed for students transitioning from elementary to high school. Students learn their strengths, limits, values and support systems which serves as a powerful primary crime prevention activity. The program is for people in Cranbrook, Kimberly, Invermere, Fernie, Golden and Creston.
In Creston, the Valley Community Services Society is getting $91,978 for a project that supports people who are leaving or have left the FLDS plural culture community also known as Bountiful. The project aims to provide individuals with support and resources to make successful transitions.
And Golden’s Family Centre Society is getting $39,972 for Creating Hope: This program supports women and youth 15+ impacted by intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and childhood abuse who may be vulnerable to continual gender based violence and relationship abuse.
The Civil Forfeiture Office was established in 2006 with the purpose of removing the tools and proceeds of unlawful activity and redirecting them back into programs that support community safety and crime-prevention initiatives.
Several amendments to the Civil Forfeiture Act have been introduced, including the creation of unexplained wealth orders, which assist government in removing the benefits of organized crime by addressing common money-laundering techniques, such as hiding assets with family members or associates.
Since 2006, the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program has provided more than $76 million to support community organizations throughout B.C.
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