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A new grant has helped the Kelowna Women's Shelter get a larger, more easily accessible learning centre.
The Inside/Out Violence Prevention Program for Youth has been operating out of what the shelter calls “a cramped, improperly-equipped space” in their facility. This location for the program has increased traffic through the building, as well as disrupting and decreasing privacy for residents and clients of the shelter.
Crystal Kneller and eight practicum students from UBCO's School of Social Work Master's Program in the new learning centre. (Photo Credit: Kelowna Women's Shelter)
Partly due to a $6,500 grant from the Central Okanagan Foundation, the Inside/Out program is now in a larger, better equipped, and more accessible space. “The move to the new learning centre will make it easier to get the anti-violence message to more young people, and stop the cycle of abuse before it starts,” says Inside/Out program coordinator Crystal Kneller. “It is wonderful to see the Central Okanagan Foundation shares our commitment to creating a future without violence and abuse, and we’re so grateful for the support.”
Last year alone, 400 students from kindergarten through grade 12 participated in the program, which is meant to reduce the risk of youth being involved in unhealthy relationships. This program is offered free by the Kelowna Women's Shelter and is delivered by practicum students from both the UBC Okanagan Masters in Social Work program and the Human Service worker program at Okanagan College. These students are trained and supervised by a staff coordinator.
The interactive, community-based Inside/Out program was first launched in 1988 as a pilot project.
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