Nanaimo Addiction Foundation Supports Youth Addiction Prevention through Grant Awards

Strategic Insights -

The Nanaimo Addiction Foundation has partnered with John Barsby Community School to support the Elements After School program, a youth addiction prevention initiative that encourages healthy lifestyle choices and provides alternative activities to prevent substance misuse. The program, established by the Nanaimo Family Life Association, aims to address youth addiction issues through arts-based activities and life skills education.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nanaimo Addiction Foundation has committed to granting $30,000 per year for at least the next five years, with $13,000 allocated to the Elements After School program at John Barsby Community School.
  • The program focuses on teaching life skills, self-esteem, healthy choices, boundaries, and relationships through arts activities such as stencilling, graffiti, hip hop lyric development, and video production.
  • The Elements After School program is led by two child and youth care workers and can accommodate up to 15 youth, with referrals from teachers, counsellors, or self-referrals.
  • The program is part of the Life Works initiative, which includes a creative activity focus and skills resiliency program for youth.
  • The Nanaimo Addiction Foundation's board will discuss funding and education priorities for the 2011-12 year, including addiction treatment for any age, at their annual general meeting on May 26.

Statistics:

  • The Nanaimo Addiction Foundation received over $300,000 in funding last year to support local addictions services.
  • The foundation plans to host a week-long training and education conference in November for professionals and community members focusing on addiction treatment options.
  • The Elements After School program has already started and is scheduled to run for a year, with funding provided by the Nanaimo Addiction Foundation.
  • The program meets twice a week after school, providing students with an alternative to potentially experiment with substances.

Sources:

  • "Nanaimo Addiction Foundation gets grant of over $300,000." [Source, Date]
  • "Nanaimo Family Life program gives Harewood teens creative outlet, life skills." [Source, Date]
  • www.nanaimoaddictionfoundation.org.