Since 1992, PoCoMo Youth Services Society has been delivering innovative programs and services for disadvantaged, marginalized an at-risk youth. A community-based nonprofit organization, PoCoMo Youth services is a pioneer in engaging street-involved youth helping to reduce vandalism, violence, drug abuse and the sexual exploitation of street youth. Its primary program ‘Project Outreach’, is the first after hours mobile outreach program for youth in BC. The innovative and unique program actively seeks out and engages at-risk youth, offering a warm and safe refuge complete with hot meals as well as support and referral services including crisis intervention, street outreach and drug education.

PoCoMo Youth Services Society has made a difference in the lives of over 2000 youth in the Tri Cities and , in 2008, was awarded the ‘Group Crime Prevention’ award form the Ministry of Public Safety.The concept is simple. The youth bus travels to areas of the community where youth naturally hang out—parks, recreation facilities, convenience stores, drop-in centres, malls, and other hot spots—at times when kids in need are likely to be there. Then a team of adult youth workers, youth mentors and volunteers, actively seeks out and engages street-involved youth. “Through the use of a visible mobile outreach unit, we establish a consistent presence and make contact after hours when other resources are closed,” explains Bouvier. “We provide crisis intervention, drug prevention and education, brief ne-to-one support, referrals and follow-up support to at-risk youth.”

An estimated 3,000 Tri-City youth, aged 12-18, benefit directly from the program, or an average of 35 youth contacts a night. Research completed in early November indicated that 33% of youth said their drug use decreased, 90% said they avoid crime and vandalism, 81% felt a greater sense of belonging, and nearly 73% said they had a more positive attitude towards their future as a result of their involvement with the youth bus.

Project Reach Out and PoCoMo Youth Services were the recipients of the 2008 Community Safety and Crime prevention award presented by office of the Ministry of Community Safety and the Solicitor General.

http://www.pocomo.org/