Room used by Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Vernon to interview young victims of violence and abuse. (Submitted photo)

By Liam Verster

Archway Society

Vernon agency benefiting from child and youth advocacy funding

May 18, 2022 | 3:54 PM

The provincial government is supporting domestic abuse survivors by providing funding to agencies across B.C., including one that operates in Vernon and the North Okanagan.

British Columbia’s Civil Forfeiture Crime Prevention and Remediation Grant Program is providing $4.3 million in one time grants to a total of 121 projects across the province that prevent domestic violence, assist people experiencing gender-based violence and support Indigenous people recovering from trauma.

“We are building safer communities by redirecting the profits of crime into projects that prevent gender-based and domestic violence, and connect victims with the services they need,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“The organizations receiving Civil Forfeiture Crime Prevention and Remediation Grants are essential partners in our government’s work to combat crime. I thank them for helping to create a stronger, more resilient province.”

The grants have been awarded among six streams: gender-based violence; domestic violence prevention and intervention programming; Indigenous healing; human trafficking, sexual exploitation, sex worker safety; restorative justice; and child and youth advocacy centres.

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Through the child and youth advocacy centre funding stream, the Archway Society for Domestic Peace is receiving $70,000 to provide skilled, wrap-around trauma-informed services to children and youth who have experienced crime. Archway Society for Domestic Peace operates out of Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Falkland, Lumby and Cherryville.

Four Kelowna-based agencies are also benefiting from this new program.The Child Advocacy Centre of Kelowna Society is receiving $70,000, Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society is receiving $60,000, New Opportunities for Women Canada Society is receiving $30,000, and the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club is getting a $40,000 grant.

Migrant Workers Centre B.C. Society, which operates out of Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland and Osoyoos, is also receiving a one-time grant of $30,000 through this initiative.

Of the money distributed through the grants this year, approximately $1.8 million is supporting 54 projects tackling gender-based violence and preventing domestic violence.

Additionally, the grants will fund police training and equipment as well as a B.C. Lions Football Club mentorship program aimed at discouraging gang involvement while promoting mental health.