A Nanaimo-area non-profit is about to begin a new push to try to stop teens from joining gangs and using guns.
According to a press release, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island will launch its Mindful Mentoring program on Wednesday, March 27, at Dover Bay Secondary School.
The 12-week program will connect youths with experienced mentors in a group setting, with a focus on self-care and mental well-being. It is intended to create a safe place for youths to congregate and learn to control emotions, behaviour and thoughts as they seek to achieve long-term goals, the press release said.
The non-profit is teaming with City of Nanaimo in the initiative, which aligns with the city’s youth resiliency strategy. In addition to connecting at-risk youths with positive role models, Mindful Mentoring will also bolster existing programs “by filling crucial gaps and building protective factors against violence and discrimination,” the press release said.
The intention is launch the mentorship program at all Nanaimo high schools, the press release noted.
For more information, visit http://cvi.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/mindful-mentoring/.
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