25th Annual Crime Prevention Guide - 25e Guide annuel de prévention du crime 47 Saint John / Saint-Jean DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAMS GROWING Youth Police-led initiative encourages healthy choices by building self-esteem APRIL CUNNINGHAM TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL SAINT JOHN - When Const. Cory Jamieson speaks to elementary school students across the city, he tries to help them understand how making the right choices will help them reach their biggest dreams. "I tell them how the world can be a negative place, but don't let anyone tell you that you can't achieve your dreams," said Jamieson, the co-ordinator for Fundy DARE Inc., a non-profit organization that offers drug and alcohol resistance education in Saint John and the Kennebecasis Valley. He tells them that if they choose to use drugs, alcohol or even tobacco, it could impede their education, involvement in sports and any other activities. They may become more isolated and veer off track from pursuing post-secondary education and finding a good job. But one of the first things those children need, Jamieson says, is a little encouragement from a good role model. From the very first day of the 10-week, once-a-week program for Grade 5 and 7 students, Jamieson tells the children that they're cared about, and he's proud of them. "Some of these kids need to hear words like that,"he said. Jamieson is one of several DARE officers from both the Saint John Police Force and Rothesay Regional Police Force who teach elementary school children. DARE stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. The growing program has made several improvements over the past few months, he said. One of the most noticeable changes is the addition of two vehicles donated from Loch Lomond Mitsubishi and King Mazda. The vehicles - complete with decals - mean that the DARE program will no longer have to pay for the use of police cruisers. Jamieson has helped double the number of corporate sponsors to fund the program, which is also funded by individuals, the school district and court fines. "It's really a community program," he said. Police officers involved in the program are paid by their employers, but the other costs are covered by sponsors. Other changes include increasing programming for French students, the purchase of a lion mascot, involvement in the Saint John Sea Dogs' recent teddy bear toss and increased advertising with new signs on transit buses and shelters. For National Police Week in May, Jamieson is organizing a special presentation for high schools from Sussex to St. Stephen. "I felt we needed to do more for that age group," he said. And looking ahead to 2020, Jamieson is working on a bid to host an international DARE conference in Saint John - an event that would draw police officers from 47 countries, he said. "It's huge,"he said."There's nothing our wonderful city couldn't offer." To Jamieson, growing the program and awareness is important. "All of it sends a strong message that our youth matter," he said."It's all about building relationships with young people." It comes down to giving youth the facts about drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence and how making choices impacts your life. Officers debunk myths about the "coolness"of engaging in such activities. "What's cool now is healthy choices,"he said. He tells students that classes such as math and science are important to building their lives and career options. But there are no other classes like the DARE program. "The stuff you learn in DARE could very well keep you, or someone you know, alive,"he said. Const. Cory Jamieson poses for a photo with the new DARE vehicle. Jamieson speaks to elementary school students across the city. PHOTO: KATHLEEN GAGNON/FOR THE TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL. What's cool now are healthy choices “ ”
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