Last week, GSPS Const. Cheryl Kennelly and Chief Paul Pedersen presented Catherine Savarie of the Sudbury Youth Action Centre for Youth (SACY) with a cheque for $1,000 as part of the Bud Knight Award.
SACY provides at-risk youth in the community with new learning opportunities through connections with a variety of community partners. Youth are offered creative learning experiences in order to discover, strengthen, and celebrate their transition into adulthood.
“The Sudbury Action Centre for Youth greatly appreciates the support provided by the Greater Sudbury Police Services over the years. We look forward to continuing our long standing partnership and greatly appreciate the current financial contribution that was provided to our agency,” said Savarie, Executive Director of the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth.
SACY youth programs include:
- Peering Mentoring Program
- After School Program
- Positive Alternative to School Suspension (PASS) Program
- LGBTQ2 Group
- Youth Education Program
- Peer-to-Peer Program.
“One of our goals is to build trusting relationships with at-risk youth through positive interactions and community engagement. We understand that many of those who are at-risk see our Officers as law enforcement and not as allies," said Pedersen.
"We aim to change their point of view by working collaboratively with community partners like the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth in a neutral, friendly atmosphere to overcome the stigma for both our Officers and our at-risk youth."
Greater Sudbury Police Services School Resources Officer, Cst. Cheryl Kennelly was this year’s recipient of the Bud Knight Award at the Committee of Youth Officers Conference (COYO), held in Niagara Falls Feb. 22 – 24.
The Bud Knight Award is presented annually to an Ontario Police Officer who has shown interest, commitment and dedication above and beyond the call of duty to youth in their community.
