Youth program in Brooks receives another $150K from province

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on April 27, 2023.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

A “youth empowerment” program in Brooks will receive an additional $150,000 in funding from the province to help visible minorities in that city develop life and career skills.

The John Ware Youth Empowerment program was begun in 2021 by Global Village Centre to help young people in immigrant communities with mentorship, scholarships and financial literacy.

On Tuesday, Culture Minister Jason Luan announced that after pilot funding given in 2022, the provincial budget will provide another $150,000 this year.

Along with the province, support is provided by McDonalds and Shoppers Drug Mart in the city, the city’s francophone school and JBS Foods Canada.

“The opportunities available to you, your ability to achieve your goals and engage in your community – these should never be limited by where you come from or what you look like,” said Luan in a release. “The John Ware Youth Empowerment Program (helps) visible minority and newcomer youth reach their full potential.”

Money will also be used to expand the model for potential use in other communities, according to the release from the Ministry of Culture.