The City of Kamloops has been selected as one of 22 BC municipalities to develop and implement community-collaborated programming to help prevent and intervene when youths become involved in gun and gang violence.

We are working with community partners to improve youth resilience, prevent and address the root causes of youth violence, create safe spaces and positive relationships, and empower young people to reconnect with their community.

The Guns and Gangs Intervention and Prevention Program will provide youths with wraparound outreach services, free after-school programming, and education from gun and gang prevention and intervention experts.   

Do you know a youth who would benefit from one of these programs?

Gang Alternatives Prevention and Programs (GAPP)

This is a direct intervention and prevention program that provides wraparound-style support to at-risk youths between the ages of 11 and 24.

GAPP's goal is to create a sense of belonging for youths enrolled in the program through positive interactions with caring and supportive adults. This will replace the sense of belonging that youths may only be getting from gang members. The program assists youths with safely exiting the gang and/or sex trade lifestyle through individualized case management, cultural support, access to safe spaces, promotion of social engagement in the community, and an individualized program to develop skills to support a successful transition.

Additional program objectives are to increase school re-entry and promote education completion and employment readiness opportunities. Youths will be assisted with basic needs, such as obtaining ID, cooking, grocery shopping, making and attending appointments, obtaining a bus pass, and securing sustainable and safe housing.

If you have a referral (self or other) contact GAPP at gapp@bgckamloops.com.

Indigenous Youth Prevention and Outreach Program

This program offers youth-based prevention services through the delivery of outreach, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping initiatives.

A dedicated Youth Prevention and Outreach Worker will work with Indigenous youths, including, but not limited to, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Whispering Pines, and Skeetchestn, to address violence, trauma, and gun and gang awareness/diversion strategies.

The program will assist youths in embracing healthy activities and developing healthy relationships with positive role models as well as developing life and employment skills. The program will also provide fun activities that fill the gap in youth downtime with activities that promote holistic wellness and cultural education and participation.

Throughout the program, youths will learn how and be able to identify gang grooming techniques to recognize signs and better protect themselves. Youths who are involved in the criminal justice system will receive wraparound support to better enable them to heal and successfully exit the criminal lifestyle.

If you have a referral (self or other) contact, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc’s Full Circle Youth Centre at 250-320-8625 or youthcentre@ttes.ca.

Team Yo Bro | Yo Girl

This is an after-school group program that focuses on social recreation and discussion topics to promote increased resiliency, community, and healthy decision-making among participants.

Yo Bro l Yo Girl is a gang intervention program that provides strength-based programs that enable youths to reduce risk-taking behaviours, develop personal competencies, and strengthen their commitment to their education and community. Yo Bro l Yo Girl brings an already successful program to the City of Kamloops. This program focuses on youths developing physical and mental strength, flexibility, agility, and relaxation. Participants in this program will learn a specific set of martial arts skills and have the opportunity to engage in team-building exercises to build peer connections, acceptance, and confidence.

This program runs every Wednesday from 4:00–6:00 pm during school months. If you have a referral (self or other), contact info@ybyg.ca.

To learn more about these programs and how to be involved, contact Amy Hilliard, the City’s Community Education and Prevention Coordinator at ahilliard@kamloops.ca