Re-Integration Program

With funding from Human Resource and Development Canada, the John Howard Society and The Grande Prairie Catholic School District Prairie the Re-Integration Program began in 1992. This program is aimed at 13 -16 year old at risk youth who are recent or potential school leavers but who have the capacity and commitment to complete their education. Students are enrolled full - time and receive individual attention in academic support and tutorials with a large focus on personal development issues that may be affecting their success in the regular school system.

These students, in all likelihood would not have completed their education had this means of intervention not been available. We are very encouraged by the results that the program has shown and realize that by reducing the drop - out rate in our community, we can significantly decrease the possibility of involvement in the criminal justice system.

The program has received support from: The Grande Prairie Catholic School District, The Grande Prairie Public School District, The Peace Wapiti School District, The Community Lottery Board (Grande Prairie) and The City of Grande Prairie FCSS.

As well, in March of 1999 we received funding from Advanced Education and Career Development to conduct a 9 month pilot project with students in the Re-Integration Program. The "Youth Works" project is targeted at increasing the employability of at risk youth. The project is offered in three phases:

1. Life Skills and Job Skills Training

2. An in house community work experience project

3. Educational and career planning

4. Follow up and support