Journal Staff
A program designed to help individuals who are at-risk or in conflict with the law change their lives is getting a $30,000 venture grant from the United Way.
The money announced last week will support the John Howard Society’s adult life skills coaching and mentoring program.
Twenty adults, who self-refer to the program, will work with mentors to help identify practical goals and then achieve them.
The program aims for a reduction in those requiring social support and reductions in crime, said Pam Gallant, chair of the United Way’s community investment committee.
It costs nearly $200 a day to house a single inmate in a provincial jail, she said.
“It is expected that this program will guide and mentor clients down a better life path and avoid incarceration and save an enormous amount of taxpayer’s money.”
Venture grants are given to new and innovate programs for a maximum of $30,000 a year.