SASKATOON – Gang-related crime and drug abuse continues to be a problem on the streets of Saskatoon but one non-profit organization is helping young men and women break free from that type of life.
The STR8 UP program is proving to be so successful the provincial government is pitching in, investing almost $49,500 in support.
Organizers have welcomed the funding.
“There comes a point in time where people want to leave that lifestyle and there’s lots of people that want to leave it but they need to know there’s support out there,” said , Stan Tuianukuafe, STR8 UP president.
It’s a predicament 24-year-old Shane Taysup knows all too well. He’s an ex-gang member and struggles to talk about a life of crime, violence and drug abuse he had since the age of 12.
“It was a rough time in my life,” he said.
Even though he was desperate to get out, it was a frightening prospect.
“When you develop a certain reputation with some people or a group of people and you decide to change your ways they look at it as betrayal, like why you want to leave us now,” said Taysup.
“It’s the anxiety of what they might do to you, you know if they’re going to hurt you, if they’re going to hurt your family,” he added.
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It’s sadly not a unique story and that’s where STR8 UP comes in.
“Our hope moving forward is that we’ll be able to address the needs of the individuals who want to leave, address employment, addressing their addiction,” said Tuianukuafe.
The Saskatchewan government knows the cause needs to be addressed.
“From a violence in community stand point we’re very concerned and we will support these types of programs that are based on evidence and measurable outcomes,” said Christine Tell, corrections and policing minister.
The announcement couldn’t be more timely, as police continue to investigate multiple shootings in Saskatoon early this week which left 4 people in hospital.
“I think it’s very relevant to what’s happening here in Saskatoon,” said Saskatoon police Chief Clive Weighill.
“A substantial amount of our violent crime is attributable to the gangs, of course the drug trade is well involved with what’s happening with the gang activity,” he added.
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