The City of Edmonton is pleased to announce the recipients of the Building Safer Communities grant funding to address gang violence through prevention and intervention for youth and adults in Edmonton. 

With the Federal Government’s investment through Public Safety Canada, the City will distribute $1.5 million in one-time funding for 2024-2025 to new community-led projects intended to support evidence-based programs for current gang members, children, youth at-risk and adults in Edmonton. Grant funding is intended to help disrupt pathways to violence among youth and adults through prevention, by addressing risk factors and enhancing protective factors, and to provide intervention supports for individuals. Successful proposals included a focus on physical activity, creative outlets and constructive conflict resolution. 

“The City of Edmonton is proud to support these community-led initiatives that seek to prevent gang involvement and provide pathways out of gangs,” said Chelsea Hawrelak, Director, Safe and Healthy Communities. “We welcome this significant funding to further support and build on the good work being done in our community.”

The following 11 organizations were selected to receive funding:

African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC)------------------------------$250,000

ACCEC, in partnership with Edmonton Police Service's (EPS) Y:Five-O and One80 Units and the Edmonton Young Offender's Center (EYOC), will deliver culturally responsive community support stabilization programs for Black youth referred by EYOC and/or EPS, to address unique needs and foster positive outcomes through tailored support.

Asum Lifestyle Center-----------------------------------------------------------------------------$33,000

Asum Lifestyle Centre will host guided presentations to provide authentic and relatable narratives that showcase the realities of gang involvement, highlight stories of hope and transformation, provide a better understanding of gang dynamics, recognize warning signs of gang involvement, and provide actionable steps for caregivers and professionals. Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers will be engaged, as well as other relevant resources to provide cultural guidance and recommendations.

Bravé MMA and Fitness-------------------------------------------------------------------------$250,000

The Guardians Program will offer a range of activities designed to address the diverse needs of at-risk youth. Activities include martial arts classes, guest speakers and regular therapy sessions facilitated by trained psychologists. Cultural activities and engagement are integrated into the program through partnerships with the Alwijdaan Institute of Canada and Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha.

Council of Somalia We Care---------------------------------------------------------------------$62,177

Badbaadin means “saving youth”. The goal for Project Badbaadin Youth Gang Prevention is to find remedies for the problem of Somali youth homicides in Alberta. This project will seek to address the fundamentals of chronic crime and gang-related activities to curb and reduce barriers and threats to community safety, in particular towards the Somali Community in Edmonton.

Creating Hope Society Alberta----------------------------------------------------------------$127,357

The All Starz Zine Project will have participants contribute towards the development and publication of a magazine. In this creative outlet, participants will learn writing and storytelling, guided by an experienced editor. Through a mentorship program, select youth will have the opportunity to transition into mentorship roles, to reinforce positive development of participants and ensure continuity of the project's goals.

Edmonton Youth Justice Committee Society----------------------------------------------$91,445

Youth who accept responsibility for their actions at pilot recreation center sites, will be provided the option to participate in the Welcome Back Program. Eligible youth include those in the appeal process, youth facing bans, property damage, disrespectful to staff, requests to leave and incident reports. The program will liaise with Edmonton Police Officers and seek to involve youth in a restorative justice circle process, whose focus is on repairing harm and providing a meaningful resolution to all people involved.

Hope for Tomorrow's Shade Association Canada--------------------------------------$133,714

This program will include a multi-faceted approach to youth gang and crime prevention, including a community gang crime problem assessment, youth mentorship, education workshops on gang violence reduction and life skills, a homework club, cultural and community service-learning activities, sport and recreation activities, gang crime reduction awareness sessions, youth and parent forums, and an advisory committee to oversee coordination of the program.

Organisation Haïtienne d'Edmonton/Haitian Organization of Edmonton-------$200,000

This after school program will place a strong emphasis on the essential skills of effective communication, active listening, empathy, and problem-solving techniques to equip youth with tools needed to navigate challenging situations and resolve conflicts with ease. The program's goal is to empower individuals to build harmonious relationships, foster deep understanding, and promote a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. 

Sierra Leone Association of Alberta----------------------------------------------------------$66,660

Sierra Leone Association of Alberta will organize counselling sessions and weekly sermons/motivational speeches by pastors and imams. The counselling sessions will be by appointment only, and on a one-on-one basis. Sermons will be recorded and published on social media, to the association’s website and newsletter. Collaboration with other stakeholders include Edmonton Police Service, REACH Edmonton and the Africa Centre.

Sinkunia Community Development Organization--------------------------------------$246,097

This program is a combination of facilitated sessions, conversations, knowledge, and experience sharing with youth to create an environment where every participant is involved and engaged. An advisory committee for the program will include experts from the Edmonton Police Service, a psychologist, a former gang member, and partners from Horn Youth Services Foundation and Foundation for Oromian Culture Education and Art Services.

The Young Men’s Christian Association of Edmonton (YMCA of Northern Alberta) ---

GAP19 - Living Skills ------------------------------------------------------------------------------$84,800

YMCA of Northern Alberta will work alongside partners at Edmonton Youth Attendance Centre, Alberta Health Services, Institutional Serving Schools and Edmonton Police Service to facilitate life skill workshops to youth who attend GAP19. These workshops add to the existing infrastructure of GAP19. Specifically, to provide one-to-one support for youth in the creation of a plan to move their life in a positive direction.

Funding for community initiatives like these aligns with the City’s priorities and supports goals and actions through the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Strategy, which identifies crime prevention and crisis intervention, and safe and inclusive spaces as key pillars to improving the lives of Edmontonians. 

Communications Advisor

Community Services

780-903-2647