Every day we see how unignorable issues can negatively impact our communities.
Here in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, child vulnerability is an unignorable issue. Almost 1 in 10 local kids say that they don’t think a single adult cares about them. Without adequate supports, vulnerable youth are at risk of negative behaviours, including crime and gang violence. It’s by coming together around these significant issues that we can create sustainable, positive change.
Which is why United Way British Columbia (UWLM) has committed $100,000 to the Abbotsford gang-prevention program In It Together, helping keep the program open for local youth.
Abbotsford Community Services and United Way are excited about this new partnership
In it together for Abbotsford, with Abbotsford
Upon learning that funding for In It Together was set to expire September 30, United Way stepped forward to partner with Abbotsford Community Services on this important initiative.
“Child vulnerability and gang violence are unignorable issues in Abbotsford,” added Jeff Calbick, Chief Operating Officer with United Way British Columbia. “In It Together has generated great results from its collaborative, community-led approach – which is why we’re committing $100,000 to help keep the program open and ensure youth maintain life-saving connections in their community.”
Jeff Calbick, Chief Operating Officer at UWBC speaks at a press conference on October 4, 2018.
“United Way’s commitment means we did not have to close our doors this weekend,” said Alison Gutrath, Community Coordinator for the In It Together program. This investment will ensure youth at risk of gang involvement – and their families – get the support they need, while we continue to seek additional supports to keep our program operating during our funding gap.”
Funding expiry, community response
Funding for In It Together, granted October 2013 from the federal Ministry of Public Safety, was set to expire September 30, 2018. As part of its commitment to support community-led initiatives tackling unignorable issues in the Fraser Valley, United Way stepped forward with a $100,000 investment. The announcement exemplifies United Way’s responsive way of working alongside established community agencies like Abbotsford Community Services.
Jeff Calbick, Harley (program participant) and Alison Gutrath.
United Way’s commitment comes alongside support from Abbotsford residents, including members of the South Asian community, who raised over $15,000 at a community fundraiser on September 30. Staff at Abbotsford Community Services will continue to seek the approximate $300,000 in funding still required to keep the In It Together program, running for an additional six months before government funding is available again.
How the program prevents gang violence
In It Together, formally known as the Abbotsford Comprehensive Youth Gang Reduction Program, is a collaborative initiative of the Youth Resource Centre and South Asian Community Resource Office at Abbotsford Community Services, and has Abbotsford Police Department, John Howard Society and Abbotsford School District as project partners.
Harley and Alison together at a It Together session.
The program provides individual case management, youth outreach, parent and youth groups, recreation, essential skills and counselling for youth and their families who are at high risk of being involved in organized crime and gangs.
Many In It Together staff speak Punjabi, and all are trained using trauma-informed practices. They use motivational interviewing, non-violence crisis intervention and extensive knowledge of risk factors that lead youth to be gang involved.
It’s a truly community-based approach that meets youth where they at – with great results.
Creative life-saving connections
Participants and their families have seen remarkable outcomes from the program. Says the mother of one client:
“My son started to get involved in gangs. He continued to sneak out and would get into fights. To get him out of these circumstances, [In It Together] helped me out the most. If [In It Together] hadn’t been there, I might have given up and I would not be here today. Now I am seeing positive changes in him such as increased respect and lowered aggression He’s also trying hard to connect to his younger brother and I.
There is a good possibility that had [this program] not have been there for him, my son would not be alive today.”
Facts and Figures
In It Together is breaking the cycle of gang involvement for Abbotsford Youth. Program successes include:
• 427 youth participants (ages 12 – 30) supported since April 1, 2014
• Over 1,100 parents, grandparents, and guardians of youth at-risk of gangs supported
• Over 95% engagement rate (participants become involved and stay involved long term)
• 54% decrease in total risk scores after 20 months
• 32% decrease in education, training and employment related risk factors
• 31% decrease in negative attitudes towards offending
In 2017 UWBC joined with United Way Fraser Valley and now serves the Lower Mainland, Sea to Sky corridor, Sunshine Coast and the Fraser Valley from Abbotsford to Boston Bar.
Based on its 2017 fundraising campaign, United Way British Columbia committed over $780,000 to the Fraser Valley in 2018/19. All funds raised from the Fraser Valley region have been reinvested back into the Fraser Valley.
What are the unignorable issues in your community? Get involved at showyourlocallove.ca today.