Nothing can be more important in our communities than the health and welfare of our children. They represent our future, and investing in them will result in positive health, social and economic outcomes for today and tomorrow.

The Hope & Area Transition Society is promoting the development of a safe and healthy society everyday through the services, advocacy and education programs they provide for individuals and families affected by social issues. Most recently, through funding from the Envision Financial Community Endowment, they have developed the Violence Prevention Program, a nine month in-school initiative aimed at breaking the cycle of violence in children’s lives.  

We believe that all children are entitled to protection from abuse, neglect, harm and the threat of harm,” said Gerry Dyble, executive director, Hope & Area Transition Society. “Thanks in large part to a $20,838 grant from the Envision Financial Community Endowment, we can deliver the Violence Prevention Program, a key step in helping students identify healthy and unhealthy relationships, develop an understanding of family violence, and equally importantly, learn how to safely report abuse.” 

Launched in September 2011 in the Fraser-Cascade school district, the Violence Prevention Program is aimed at educating a wide range of students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Age-appropriate material on a range of related topics, including bullying, safety plans, media awareness and self-esteem, are presented through small and large group discussions, lectures and educational videos.

Additionally, the program helps students develop a sense of social responsibility as well as tolerance and respect for the ideas and beliefs of others. “The First West Foundation profoundly believes that education is a vital element in helping eliminate violence and abuse in our communities,” says Seline Kutan, executive director, First West Foundation.

“The Violence Prevention Program is an inspiring example of how we can proactively take steps to help break the cycle of violence before future generations are affected.”To date, the Violence Prevention Program has visited seven schools and benefited an estimated 450 students. By the end of the school year in June 2012, the Hope & Area Transition Society’s goal is to have reached an estimated 850 students.

Providing programs and services to individuals and families affected by social issues since 1995, the Hope & Area Transition Society is passionately committed to promoting the development of a safe and healthy society through services, advocacy and education. For more information on the Society and their programs or to make a donation, please visit www.hopetransition.org.