Province provides funding to support family violence outreach program

The Saskatchewan government is putting up $1.1 million over the next three years to help the Family Intervention Rapid Support Team (FIRST) program expand in the province.

“Enhancing community safety and the well-being of Saskatchewan families is paramount,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said in a media release.

“The FIRST program effectively supports families at a higher risk for violence with early intervention techniques that help to mitigate potential crisis situations at home.”

Families living in the Moose Jaw, Estevan, Weyburn, Carlyle and Nipawin areas will get access to services under the expansion. The FIRST program launched in Kindersley last fall.

With the funding, Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc., the Moose Jaw Transition House and the North East Outreach and Support Services Inc., will be able to deploy trained outreach workers to help families in crisis.

“Offering families in-the-moment support through relentless outreach encourages positive changes and a healthier lifestyle,” Envision Counselling and Support Centre executive director Lynda Rideout said in the release.

“We believe building transformative relationships and providing ongoing support disrupts the cycle of violence and promotes empowerment within families ultimately leading to a healthier community as a whole.”