Alberta Law Foundation has funded Alberta 7th Step since 1981 for their Public Legal Education program which provides information to school students about the criminal justice system, the causes of crime, the treatment of offenders and the consequences of choosing a criminal lifestyle. The speakers are ex-offenders who have a desire and an ability to share their lessons learned with young people in both middle and senior high schools all over the province.

Here are some evaluations from the junior and senior high school classrooms that have received presentations to demonstrate the impact of this program:

• “We book him every year, his story is very impactful, and the resources create options for support for students.”
• One teacher wrote a student advised her he would “skip any other class just to see his presentation”
• We will absolutely rebook. “I think with the choices many youths are making, and with the increase of young offenders the story and information presented is very informative and helpful. It shows the true realities of poor choices.”
• His presentation allows students to know about legal issues by providing real-world experiences and what happens if peer choices are made.
• He is very clear about both choices and consequences. He continuously connects the two aspects throughout the presentation, which comes across effortlessly. The presentation is information about resources and the resource cards provided are highly appreciated.
• It is a powerful presentation for students as it demonstrates the reality of addiction and gives a great amount of hope to kids who many already be exposed to this lifestyle.
• He was clear about the impact of trauma and crime at a young age and how it affected him. He also explained thoroughly how addiction affects your ability to make positive decisions and outlined the consequences of those decisions.
• Very valuable presentation for Legal Studies students but also for students as a motivator not to live a criminal lifestyle and how to get support when needed.