A youth program in Chatham-Kent is making a big impact, according to Restorative Justice Chatham-Kent (RJCK).
RJCK Executive Director Andrea Robertson said 438 local children and youth have benefited from the Positive Strides Program over the last three years thanks to a $239,300 grant received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in August 2020.
The Positive Strides Program supports children and youth who may be struggling with their emotional well-being and/or social interactions in one or more of their environments.
The program operates on an early intervention and educational model, which uses evidence-based programs and engaging activities during one-to-one, individualized sessions and this service is currently available to any child or youth ages 7-17 in their home community free of charge.
Robertson said the program is made up of eight modules that deal with the real-life issues that children and youth are struggling with, and staff is able to see first-hand the desired outcomes of "this amazing program" every day.
"A very warm thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant for this granting opportunity and the opportunity to support at-risk children and youth in our community. It truly is an honor and a privilege!” said Robertson.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and the province was recognized at RJCK's Annual General Meeting Thursday night.
“The immense value of this grant lies not only in its financial contribution but in the broader endorsement it signifies, validating the critical importance of restorative justice initiatives in empowering vulnerable individuals and fostering inclusive communities,” said Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones. “Through this grant and the 'Positive Strides' Program, we are able to provide these young individuals with the tools and resources they need to heal, grow, and thrive.”
For more information about Restorative Justice Chatham-Kent, visit www.rjck.org.