Battlefords Concern For Youth Executive Director Dani Williams gives a presentation at the Town of Battleford council's meeting Monday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

In the chambers

Town supports Concern for Youth grant request

Nov 19, 2019 | 2:05 PM

Battleford lawmakers are continuing with their support for Battlefords Concern For Youth (CFY), and once again committing $8,000 for the year ahead.

Executive Director Dani Williams made a presentation to council at Monday’s meeting highlighting some of the non-profit organization’s work in the past year.

In May CFY started a new mentorship service. Staff are comprised of trained adults who meet one-on-one or in small groups with youth up to age 19.

“One of the things youth in the Battlefords have said is they don’t believe adults in the community are hearing their voices,” Williams said. “So, with the alarming number of suicides, and high youth crime rates, we know we need to provide more opportunities to engage with these youth and have their voices heard. We have the ability to positively impact our youth by providing a sense of belonging and connection, which will contribute to the overall health of our community.”

Williams said along with other allies and partners in the community, CFY aims to continue to work with youth and promote healthy relationships, and also help them be able to recognize safe adults in the community when they need help.

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The mentorship program aims to help youth improve their self-esteem, social skills and also assist them in making healthy choices. The staff of three work with youth from one to sometimes 20 hours per week.

Williams said currently there are about 30 active youth in the mentorship program — seven of whom are from Battleford and the remaining from North Battleford.

The organization is also running some free evening programming and events.

CFY also offers a vehicle outreach service to help youth on the street in need.

The organization’s main funder is the Ministry of Social Services.

Town administration recommended continuing to support CFY with the same funding as last year, while adding the group’s new mentorship program will offer more opportunities for youth.

Following the meeting, Mayor Ames Leslie said he was impressed with the organization’s efforts.

“I just think they are doing a tremendous job, Dani Williams and her team,” he said. “We’ve seen a continual improvement in the service or the optics of Concern for Youth in our community. Council had asked for more insight and exposure to what Concern for Youth is doing for the town of Battleford. They have met the need and the requirements. They have done a tremendous job for all of the Battlefords for our youth, and I look forward to what they do next.”

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow