Program For At-Risk Girls Gets Federal Cash

Program For At-Risk Girls Gets Federal Cash

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 14:32

 

 

At-risk girls in Saskatoon now have a place to go to help them get back on their feet.

 

The Girls Action and Information Network (GAIN) recently opened its doors on Saskatoon’s west side.

 

Last week, program coordinator Cassandra Chernoff met with a group of girls to hear what programs they would like to see.

 

Chernoff says it is important they have a say, and notes GAIN wants to prevent girls from turning to the sex trade for survival.

 

She says there are already services for girls in the city, but not one place specifically dedicated to girls only.

 

Organizers of GAIN say it’s important to have that girls-only space because girls who have been victims of violence or tragedy may find it difficult to trust people.

 

Programs will be aimed at getting girls to rejoin their families, school, or work.

 

GAIN was one of eight Saskatchewan projects to receive federal funding yesterday as part of the government’s crime prevention strategy.

 

Programs in Kamsack, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and the Beardy’s/Okemasis and Carry the Kettle First Nations also received money.