Manitoba's Justice minister paid a visit to YFC-The Station in Altona last week, where the Province announced earlier this year it would support an expanded Makerspace program for the organization.
In May, Manitoba Justice committed $25,000 through its Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to help create the area - a workshop and creative outlet for teens to learn valuable skills such as wood working, 3D design, digital arts, music, programming and much more. 
"This money will go to help expanded opportunities for youth," said Justice Minister Cameron Friesen. "It gives youth some positive things that they can do. I'm very thrilled to see what this space is going to become in just a little while, and very pleased as the Government of Manitoba to be able to put these proceeds to work to build safety and community in this area."
The expanded Makerspace program will be housed at The Station's new, larger facility located on 6th St. SE in partnership with Friesens Corporation.
"It may be a surprise to people that the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund is funding YFC, it shouldn't," added Friesen. "Wherever we see the community leading to make great investments to create trust, safety and community, we want to be there too."
Friesen noted, the program, which historically has supported equipment purchases for Manitoba police departments, continues to evolve to include those community-led investments and victim services.
"These are trying times for police services in terms of building relationships and forming trust with communities. We need our police, we thank our police, but I think people don't always understand what modern policing looks like and the degree to which officers are working each and every day to build the community, respond in new and creative ways and so, I think our program to fund these things needs to reflect that," said the minister.
In fact, the grant was applied for by the Altona Police Service on behalf of The Station. The two agencies have enjoyed a close relationship for over two decades.
Police Chief Perry Batchelor says this was a golden opportunity for the department to support the makerspace program.
"I believe that when people have purpose, they have a reason to get up in the morning, and if that means (they) are going to Youth For Christ to make (something) or spend some time on a gaming counsel, or repair an engine - that's purpose - and they are learning a skill, which is going to go a long way," he said. "This system that they've come up with here, I truly believe our community is going to benefit from it, because you're going to have kids that are going to gain some skills in this facility and can then move out in to the work world."
The Station's executive director, Sheridan Sawatzky, says it's amazing to have the Province's support for the project.
"Obviously, the youth value the space and the programs we provide, but to have the community involvement and the government involvement to making it happen is essential," he said.
Youth program director, Marty Falk, noted it's also great to be able to partner with the Altona Police Service.
"They have a lot to do in this community. If our programs can help to maybe keep a few kids out of their building, then it's a great partnership," he said.
This is the second successful grant application that the Altona Police Service has submitted to the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund on behalf of The Station. Last year, the Province doled out $25,000 to help the organization purchase a new vehicle to support the programs and outreach efforts.
The budget to transform the warehouse on 6th St. SE into a drop-in/workshop space has been set at $395,000, and Sawatzky says they've already raised $120,000 so far.
"We still have a ways to go, but we still have a lot of big community supporters that have not made commitments yet (and there's) other grants that we're able to apply for," he added, noting no matter what, they will be up and running in the new building by the end of the year. If they don't reach their fundraising goal by that time, Sawatzky says the plan is to renovate the space using a phased-in approach, starting with the drop-in space on the main floor.
Related Articles
Crime Pays For Local Police Departments Thanks To Seized Goods, Cash
Thu, May 2, 7:30 PM
Transport, Full-time
Featured
