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Ottawa earmarks cash for youth at risk – Metro US

Ottawa earmarks cash for youth at risk

Several Calgary family services organizations celebrated a $2-million federal government announcement yesterday that will go towards helping children and youth at risk.

Children and Youth Services minister Janis Tarchuk made the announcement at the Boys and Girls Club. The bulk of the money go towards The Burns Memorial Fund, Hull Child and Family Services and The Poverty Reduction Coalition, as well as several other youth organizations.

“(This initiative) will enhance opportunities for young people to make positive choices in their lives that will ultimately benefit the whole community,” Tarchuk said.

Former youth-at-risk Stef Bolianatz, 24, applauded the announcement and said it was crucial for youth programs to receive funding.

“I always felt like I was on the outside, and when I became involved in youth programs I realized the meaning in my negative experiences,” Bolianatz said, adding she hopes other youths will get the same opportunities because of the funding.