JACKSON, Miss. — Financial support from a Canadian railway company with ensure the Metropolitan Crime Commission can sponsor two summer youth programs, the Clarion-Ledger reports.
“Without their support, we could not have had either program,” said Crime Commission spokeswoman Jackie Smith, who is coordinating both programs.
Smith said the company, Canadian National, which owns the Illinois Central Railroad, has its Gulf Division headquarters in Jackson. The support of CN-IC, as the company prefers to be known, means the programs — C.O.P.S. (Caring Officers Provide Support) and KidsKare, a youth summer employment program — can be held for the next two summers.
Organized eight years ago, the Metropolitan Crime Commission has worked to reduce crime in the metro area.
“It went well last year. We’re pleased to host it again this year,” said the Rev. Ronnie Crudup of New Horizon.
Participants will be instructed on character-building traits, business development and critical-thinking exercises. The program includes reading, writing, language assistance, making good choices, critical-thinking activities, swimming lessons, field trips and other enrichment activities.