The City of Saint John sign is pictured in this file photo. Image: Brad Perry

A grassroots organization in Saint John is the latest Canadian group to win a major cash prize from the UCT Annual Convention in Columbus, Ohio.

ONE Change Inc. was awarded the first inaugural $5,000 UCT Bridges of Friendship Award, which is given out twice each year to one group for all of Canada and one organization in the United States.

Established in 2004 to serve residents in the Old North End of Saint John, ONE Change addresses issues like crime, poverty, unemployment, poor health and lack of education.

It serves around 15,000 people per year and provides services for all age groups.

The organization said the award money will help to expand its programs for youth to address the challenges faced in the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.