BGC Airdrie Club is one of 39 grant recipients of the recently announced Alberta Community Justice Grant.

According to the provincial government, the grant reflects their commitment to making the justice system more accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the province’s diverse communities. It will give more options for resolving criminal, family and civil justice matters through a process that is culturally sensitive and aligns with people’s values.  

The grant provided up to $25,000 in a one-time payment to nine recipients in Calgary, nine in Edmonton, five in southern Alberta, 11 in central Alberta and five in northern Alberta.

Sam Morros, the Manager of Youth Programs at BGC Airdrie explained how they will use their grant from a research and collaboration angle.

"We are creating a program called "Rural Resiliency". It is a research initiative, designed to create a directory of all of the organizations, service providers, businesses, and government organizations that are operating in Airdrie and our rural surroundings specifically focused on what types of services and programs these organizations offer, that would be related to the justice system or would support individuals who are involved in the justice system."

The overall goal for this directory is to list the organizations and where they operate, who they serve, and what types of services and programming they provide to people, a one-stop shop. The money received from the grant will be used to create a part-time position for somebody to work on the project.

"Airdrie seems to be becoming more and more of a hub for these types of services for smaller rural surrounds. We see a huge need for a specific sort of lens where people can find things that they can access even if they are supporting loved ones.

The main focus of this project is to help children, families and young people. the result of it will be able to help all ages.

"Initial work is going well. We're excited to continue building partnerships and connections with all the other organizations and are looking forward to down the road, probably sometime next year when we're able to release the findings or the guide."

To be eligible for the grant, you had to be one of the following: 

  • Registered not-for-profit organizations and/or registered charities in good standing
  • First Nation, Métis Nation of Alberta or Metis Settlements
  • Municipalities
  • Community groups with a designated fiscal agent

“I am proud of this innovative approach to alternative justice for Albertans. This grant will support organizations to boost community-driven alternatives to the formal court system to better serve their communities,” stated Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Last month BGC Airdrie received $125,000 from the provincial government. The money will be used to tear down their old clubhouse located at 1003 Allen Street and build space for their programs.

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