The BGC Foothills Club (formerly known as the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Foothills) was one of 17 organizations across Alberta to get support from the Youth Suicide Prevention Grant program which was announced on Tuesday (Sept 10).
The grant program will distribute $4 million across the 17 organizations.
It's intended to help meet the needs of youth who may be at a higher risk and improve access for rural and Indigenous communities. That includes fostering strong community partnerships and safe spaces which will create a greater sense of belonging for the youth.
"Alberta’s future is bright because of our young people. It’s important we make sure they feel supported, loved, and valued so that does not change. I’m grateful our government is supporting so many organizations stepping up to help struggling youth and reignite their zest for life," said Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton in a media release.
The program launched in 2022 and has helped support around 930 youth directly, and more than 1,100 individuals received information or have been connected to mental health resources to support the youth in the community. Alberta's government has extended the program to two more years and has increased its funding by $1 million.
The Youth Suicide Prevention Grant program aims to improve mental health and the well-being of vulnerable children and youth. Expanding prevention and early intervention services through Family Resource Networks, integrating mental health support in schools, and continuing to partner with Kids Help Phone for 24/7 support are among the steps that have been made so far.
"Young people struggling with their mental health or thinking about suicide deserve to know that there is help available to them. These grants highlight the valuable work done by our partners throughout the province, ensuring youth can feel hope for their future," said Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.
The BGC Foothills Club will receive grants from 2024 to 2026, with the grants ranging from $34,500 to $175,000 per year.
For more information on the program, click here.