This session may be the last for local youth employment program A Chance to Choose.

Program manager Evelyn Humphreys recently received word that federal funding will be cut by $40,000. As a result, the staff of four will be cut in half effective April 1.

"What that means is if somebody's away, we're here on our own. It's just not safe to run the program that way," Humphreys said.

"The big thing is we need the backup people. We need the staff in order to make sure that it's safe and our participants are safe so that we can deal with the issues as they come up."

The Port Moody-based program provides work skills to Tri-Cities youth aged 15 to 30 who have barriers to employment like homelessness and addictions. Program participants increase their odds of finding employment by completing work-related certificates and organizing projects to benefit the community.

"We've worked with a lot of people who really, really need it, and that's our focus. If we go down to two staff, we just can't service the type of clients we're dealing with right now. It's really too bad for everybody," Humphreys said.

"In the long term, we save thousands and thousands of dollars keeping kids out of jail."

In the last six years, more than 300 participants have taken part in the 15-week program, and completed 24 community projects.

"It's amazing, absolutely amazing. You would be shocked to look at where the participants have come from, where they've gone and how far they've moved forward in their lives. They've been connected to the community. They give back to the community," Humphreys said.

"There's virtually nothing like this. A lot of times, young people make silly decisions with their lives and they just need somebody to say, 'Straighten your life around and change directions.' That's what it's all about: every choice you make has a consequence."

The organization is appealing to the federal government, as well as to Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam MP James Moore. Humphreys encourages Tri-Cities residents to do the same.

As well, A Chance to Choose is hosting a reunion to celebrate the successes of past participants and their contributions to the community. Everyone is invited to attend the event on Friday, Feb. 3 from 5 to 7: 30 p.m. at Port Moody Legion No. 119 at 2513 Clarke St.

jmcfee@thenownews.com