The executive director of Abbotsford’s Cyrus Centre has been named among five recipients of the provincial government’s Community Safety and Crime Prevention Awards.
Les Talvio has received the Youth Leadership Award, recognizing his exceptional commitment to working with youth.
A street outreach worker with Abbotsford Community Services for many years, Talvio has helped vulnerable and homeless youth to transition off the street, reducing their risk of exploitation or involvement in crime to meet their basic needs.
In 2004, Talvio opened Cyrus Centre, a local emergency shelter that has served more than 1,000 youth.
Cyrus Centre now provides services in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, including food, shelter, access to showers and laundry, employment counselling, life skills training and education programs.
The awards are presented each year to acknowledge the efforts of volunteers, non-profit organizations and other local public safety partners in reducing crime, violence and victimization and providing critical support to the law enforcement and others in the justice sector.