Federal funding boost for Surrey charity tackling gang recruitment

A Metro Vancouver charity focused on gang prevention has received its largest-ever federal funding boost, and says the support is needed now more than ever.

Yo Bro Yo Girl Youth Initiative (YBYG) will receive $1.5 million from the federal government through the Crime Prevention Action Fund. The money will help create a new Youth Engagement Hub in Surrey, which is expected to serve up to 1,000 young people over the next five years.

Founded more than 15 years ago by Joe Calendino and Kevin Torkiv, YBYG works to keep youth away from gangs through mentorship, outreach and a variety of programming. The two co-founders have a unique backstory. Decades ago, they stood on opposite sides of the law.

“At the time, I was a member of the outlaw motorcycle gang unit with the VPD, and he was a member of the Hells Angels,” said Torkiv.

Calendino says his own experience with crime and addiction drives the organization’s mission. Torkiv and Calendino grew up in the same community, attending the same high school. Through the years, Torkiv would keep tabs on his old acquaintance, even when Calendino was behind bars.

“Just looked up at him and said, ‘I never want to see a child go through this,’” Calendino recalled.

The new hub will offer a safe space for youth, with programs ranging from arts and self-defence to leadership development.

“(It will be a) safe environment where they can come, where there’s going to be positive programs,” said Torkiv.

Gang recruitment, Calendino warns, is starting earlier than ever and social media is playing a major role.

“Sadly, the recruitment is now falling to elementary schools,” he said. “Everything that we base our programs on are having those critical discussions with children, hearing their words.”

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke applauded the investment, saying: “These investments are a critical part of helping families and our community steer youth away from gang involvement.”

The new youth hub is set to open in Cloverdale early in the new year.

“If we don’t have an upstream prevention approach, where are we going to get to next?” said Calendino.