Edmonton’s Family Centre is receiving more than $127,000 in provincial funding to help participants choose non-abusive and positive behaviour in their intimate and family relationships. 

“Family violence has devastating effects on children, youth and families across Alberta,” said Janis Tarchuk, Minister of Children and Youth Services. “The Reaching for a Good Life program is an excellent example of the innovative work being done in communities to address some of the root causes of family violence.”

“The men are engaged in a change process that has them focused on choosing non-abusive behaviour as a starting point, and then expanding that choice to include behaviours that support safe families,“ said Bill Smiley, Manager of the Reaching for a Good Life program. “By helping them to build on their strengths and develop positive relationships, we can help end the cycle of violence.”

In addition to the Safe Communities funding, the Family Centre also received $125,000 from Children and Youth Services to operate a safe visitation program. This program supports families at high risk for family violence, by providing children a safe place to visit with their parents.

The $60-million Safe Communities Innovation Fund was announced by Premier Ed Stelmach in November 2008 to strengthen and develop community-based projects and community-police partnership projects. The fund builds on Alberta’s Safe Communities Initiative, a partnership of nine government ministries working closely with police, community groups, municipalities, businesses and social agencies to address the impact crime is having on communities, and find meaningful, long-term solutions. To date, $19.9 million has been provided under the SCIF for 30 community initiatives.