REGINA — A local organization that has been dedicated to helping at-risk Regina youth achieve their potential is receiving new funding support from the federal government. Street Culture Kidz Project will receive $253,599 in federal Skills Link funding to support its Community Project.

Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, made the announcement at the YMCA Street Culture Cafe on Friday on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. The Community Project will help 14 youth facing employment barriers to prepare for or find meaningful employment or return to school.

"It's a program that's going to benefit not only Regina, but all of Saskatchewan, and Canada generally," Boughen said. "When young people succeed, we all succeed."

As a youth Daniel Diment was involved with Street Culture. Now, five years later, he works for Street Culture and can speak to the success of the organization's programs. "Street Culture really gave me the opportunity to understand my potential," he said.

The organization offers programs in work experience and personal support.

"The time that we get to work with the youth, whether that's face painting, working our cafe or out on any functions, those are the times we get to build relationships. Those are the times when connection really happens and people decide that they want to change their lives," Diment said.

The new funding, he said, means long-term support and stability.

Samantha Maciag; Regina Leader-Post