A local Nanaimo organization is seeking money from the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) to support its alternative classroom education program for at-risk youth.
Zoe Lauckner, manager of philanthropy with Take a Hike Youth Mental Health Foundation, presented to the RDN board on April 9 about the current need for mental health support for youths in the community.
Take a Hike Nanaimo is an organization that offers 35 at-risk youth aged 15 to 18 an alternative classroom education program that offers mental health and emotional well-being programs.
Lauckner told the board by supporting the program, it is investing in the future community of the regional district.
“For every dollar invested in our programs, society recognizes a return of between $5.60 and $13.40 through participants increased contributions to society, as well as significantly reduced reliance on health and social supports, such as hospital and health care, as well as policing and the criminal justice system,” she said.
