Headway receives funding from proceeds of crime

Steinbach’s Headway program which helps youth at risk in the community and parents with teens has received funding from the province’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund (CPFF).

The Manitoba government is investing more than $138,000 from the proceeds of crime toward projects that improve community safety in southern Manitoba, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced on Sept. 22.

“The Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund redirects the proceeds of crime to projects that protect Manitoba families and enhance public safety in communities here in southern Manitoba and across the province,” said Wiebe. “The province is pleased to provide funding to several initiatives identified by valued agencies that work to keep communities safe.”

The CPFF distributes proceeds from the sale of seized criminal property to organizations in the province focused on community safety.

Headway and Re-START program coordinator Heidi Harder Falk said she applied for CPFF and received $2,500 in funding for the organization’s annual caregiver and parent group titled, Safe and Supported Parenting in the Teen Years. The discussion group offers parents with at risk teens and teens in general the supports they need through a combination of materials and education.

“A lot of feedback that we’ve gotten around that is just parents not feeling alone in their parenting struggles, you know? Building a stronger sense of community, receiving helpful tools and strategies to try with their teens, and all in that context of supported community.”

Harder Falk said the program is lucky to have the same facilitator as in previous years who brings a wealth of knowledge and personal and professional experience working with parents and youth.

“We’re just blessed to have him bring his experience, knowledge, and also a lot of humour to the group,” she said.

There is a cap at 15 adults for the group which meets for two hours once a week for five weeks starting Oct. 8.

“We have a great attendance every time. And the reason it’s capped at 15 is just because we really care about the community-building discussion aspect of the group as well and there being space and time for that.”

Harder Falk said she is grateful for CPFF and getting funding from the proceeds of crime is a full circle moment to see these funds being used in a positive way in the community.

“And even for Headway, we work a lot with crime prevention and early intervention. And so just being able to maybe flip the original intention of those funds being used for criminal purposes, being able to flip that and actually use it to prevent crime and support parents and youth in our communities. And, I mean, I think that benefits parents, I think that benefits the teenagers, and really the broader community as a whole when we can build that up.”

To apply for the Safe and Supported Parenting in the Teen Years email Harder Falk at heidi.falk@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or call her at 204-320-8202.