Building safer and healthier communities is the mission of the John Howard Society of North Island (JHSNI).
The staff and volunteers of JHSNI strive to provide caring, compassionate programs for youth, families, and adults facing challenges in their lives. Their dedication was recognized and applauded last week when the agency won a Crime Prevention and Community Safety Award from BC’s Ministry of Justice.
JHSNI won the award in the Community Group/Organization category. RCMP Corporal Gus Papagiannis nominated JHSNI, highlighting two of the agency’s prevention programs, KidStart Volunteer Mentoring and Delaware Youth Internet Café in Campbell River.
KidStart focuses on the positive development of children and youth aged six to 18 the Comox Valley and Campbell River who could benefit from having stable, committed, and caring adults in their lives. KidStart connects children and youth with carefully screened and trained adult mentors.
These volunteers spend three or more hours with their "mentee" each week. Through role modelling and encouraging kids to participate in activities that build their confidence, mentors help children and youth become more resilient and successful.
“We are thrilled to have won this award," said Wendy Richardson, JHSNI’s executive director. "KidStart and Delaware do not receive core government funding, and depend on grants and community donations to operate. The award demonstrates that these programs are of great value in terms of community safety and crime prevention.
"It is our hope that this recognition will help us in our continued search for funding.”
For more information, contact JHSNI at 250-338-7341 or visit www.jhsni.bc.ca.
— John Howard Society of North Island