Nova Scotia's' Minister of Justice handed out money Friday to 15 groups that work to prevent young people from getting involved in crime.

Ross Landry said that even in tight financial times his government believes it's important to give teenagers the chance to make the right choices

Each of the 15 groups received $12,000 at a ceremony held at the Black Cultural Centre in Dartmouth.

Landry said the groups are from all over the province, and money was awarded to organizations that applied to start school recreation programs.

Not every organization that applied got funding, he said, but another $180,000 will be given out next year.

Landry chose to make the funding announcement in an area where neighbouring communities have lost five young men in recent gun violence.

"Coming to this facility here today, I am hoping that from a government perspective that we are saying we care, we are aware, and we want to participate and engage with the community," Landry said.

Yvonne Atwell represents the Community Justice Society, which is one of the groups that works with youth to encourage arts and story telling, and to help send a clear message to them.

"That they don't have to live a life of crime, they don't have to follow those who are involved in crime. So, I think this program will give people opportunities to know that they have choices, and that they can make good choices," Atwell said. "That's what I'm hoping this will do over the next 12 months."

Sarah MacLaren, who represents the anti-violence groups known as LOVE, said $12,000 isn't a lot of money, but any amount can be used to do a lot of good work.

"There are a lot of kids in our community that have a lot of pain and anger, and that is legitimate," she said. "We provide them with the means to outlet in ways that they don't hurt themselves or other people, such as photography, video and art."