The City of Kamloops will use its $2.4 million share of federal funding to implement a three-year prevention and intervention plan to address an increase in gang-related activity.

Community Education and Prevention Coordinator Amy Hilliard says the plan will include a pair of projects for at-risk youth, including GAPP, which stands for Gang Affiliation Prevention Programs.

“It’s a wraparound outreach support program for at-risk youth, who are at risk of gang affiliation and/or at risk of being involved in the sex trade. Through persistent outreach and stabilization, transformation, support, and sustainability planning.”

Hilliard says the Indigenous Outreach Program is similar to GAPP, however, it is focused on educating Indigenous youth.

“Tk’emlups has said they are planning on working with the other two bands as well, Whispering Pines and Skeetchestn,” she said.

“This will help youths increase their participation in healthy activities, increase education around gang awareness, and support those who are involved in the criminal justice system with services to give them the best chance possible at successfully exiting the system and the crime lifestyle.”

Community Education and Prevention Coordinator Amy Hilliard says the third program is a partnership with Yo Bro Yo Girl, which was pioneered in the Lower Mainland by Joe Calendino, a former Hells Angel member who has committed his life to keeping youths out of the gang life.

“It’s been going on for over 10 years now and is very successful, so this program will be an afterschool program that will focus on youth developing physical and mental strength, flexibility, agility, and relaxation as well as growing confidence and leadership skills.”

Currently, Tk’emlups te Secwepemc, BGC Kamloops, and Yo Bro Yo Girl have started hiring candidates for the Indigenous Outreach Program, Gang Alternatives Prevention and Programs, and Team Yo Bro Yo Girl with the hope of rolling out the programs in early September.

The City’s Crime Prevention Team will also be providing ongoing community education to City staff, SD73 students and teachers, and the public at large to present relevant material and participate in community events across Kamloops.

Kamloops is one of 22 municipalities selected by the Government of Canada to receive a $2.4 million grant under the Building Safer Communities Fund because of an increase in gang-related activity.