Six local charities and community organizations are splitting $445,000 in funds donated to help empower vulnerable youth and anti-human trafficking initiatives in Mississauga and Brampton.<\/p>\n
The money comes from the Peel Police Foundation, and will help organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Peel, Roots Community Services, and Our Place Peel fight human trafficking and support vulnerable youth in Mississauga and Brampton.<\/p>\n
The fund was launched last year, and the inaugural community grants will help groups \u201cface rising demand for social programs and other critical support services,\u201d Peel police say.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Foundation was created to help close that gap\u2014directing critical funding to local organizations delivering community-based solutions,\u201d police say.<\/p>\n
The six recipients are:<\/p>\n
Boys & Girls Club of Peel
$60,000 for a community-based leadership and outreach program for youth ages 12\u201321 that builds confidence, skills, and resilience through leadership development, physical activity, career exploration, and family and community connection.<\/p>\n
EveryMind Mental Health Services
$50,000 to provide counselling and early intervention services to transitional-age youth ages 17\u201325. The program offers timely, targeted support to stabilize youth, reduce risk factors, and prevent ongoing crises.<\/p>\n
Free For All Community Services
$80,000 to develop and implement a comprehensive, community-based human trafficking prevention and awareness initiative designed to protect youth. The program will deliver education, mentorship and early intervention supports.<\/p>\n
Our Place Peel
$100,000 will support the iRise program, a community-based prevention, intervention, and reintegration program that supports youth aged 16\u201324 who are at risk of or engaging in gun violence, gang-related activity, and\/or human trafficking.<\/p>\n
Roots Community Services
$95,000 to deliver the REAL Futures program, an initiative that engages youth both digitally and, in their communities, to disrupt pathways into exploitation by addressing root causes like social disconnection and identity development.<\/p>\n
Seva Food Bank (Sikhs Serving Canada Association)
$60,000 support the growth and expansion of the GRIT (Growth, Resilience, Integrity, Transformation) program, which serves youth aged 12\u201319 facing multiple risk factors through a structured nine-week program and ongoing mentorship.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy investing in prevention, opportunity, and hope, we are helping to build safer neighbourhoods and stronger futures across Peel Region,\u201d said Catherine Murray, chair of the Peel Police Foundation. \u201cThis is just the beginning of what we aim to achieve together.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information on recognizing the signs of human trafficking and how you can help, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n