From left, Indigenous Learning teacher Justin Boehringer, Safe Schools Manager Jaclyn Blaney, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, Safe Schools administrative assistant Larissa Michie and Safe School liaison Aman Sahota. Locke presented Surrey Schools staff with a SAFE Appreciation Award for the district's anti-gang work with youth, with many programs being supported by a new funding commitment from the City of Surrey. (Photo courtesy of the City of Surrey)
Numerous Safe Schools programs will soon see a financial boost thanks to the City of Surrey's recent $1.5 million investment into the Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment (SAFE) program, which supports programs for at-risk youth throughout the district.
Announced last week, the city's SAFE program will be moved into core city programming at the end of the year, with a $1.5 million funding commitment. The funding will continue to support gang-prevention programs such as the Next 100 Years peer leadership program, caregiver family clinical counselling connected to the WRAP program, and the Children and Youth At-Risk Table (CHART), a community action table that district staff meet at weekly.
"We are really excited that the city has secured funds to extend the longevity of these programs and supports within Surrey," said Jaclyn Blaney, manager of Safe Schools. "The city recognizes the value of these programs and the partnerships with these organizations, and it really has been a wonderful partnership over the past five years."
The city's SAFE program is an ongoing partnership between the City of Surrey, Surrey Schools and nine other community agencies that support at-risk youth. SAFE was recently recognized by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), and since 2019, it has supported more than 4,500 children, youth and parents, many of whom were referred through the district.
"Every single week, we bring forward referrals of students in our schools who need to be connected to support immediately," said Blaney. "These programs through Options, DIVERSEcity, SFU and many others have been so beneficial to our students, they impact so many of our students and their families through mentorship and leadership.
"We will strongly advocate for the needs that we see within our district, and we will continue to work alongside the city to ensure we are maintaining and creating meaningful opportunities for students and families within Surrey."
The district also works with the city's Surrey Youth Resiliency Program and Empower Surrey program to support children, youth and families with anti-gang education and resources.
Other SAFE services include youth outreach, caregiver education, family support and opportunities for youth enterprising. For more information on SAFE, click here.
