COCHRANE— Ensuring local non-profits have the support and funds they need to assist the town's most vulnerable community members, Cochrane Council approved $120,000 in grant funding at the Monday (March 22) regular meeting.
Cochrane Family and Community Support Services executive director Kim Krawec and Cochrane FCSS Advisory Board chair Margaret Stevens were on hand to explain how the proposed grants would be delegated to 13 organizations in town.
The grants are made possible through a long-standing partnership between Cochrane Family and Community Support Services and the Calgary and Area United Way.
"This partnership has been incredibly successful and it simplifies the application and recording process for community groups and increases efficiencies," Krawec said.
Family and Community Support Services has budgeted $50,000 in grant funding for 2021 and United Way has budgeted $70,000 in grant funding for 2021.
Together the partners will provide $120,000 to local community groups that meet the mandates of the organizations.
The FCSS Advisory Board has been delegated the authority to allocate the funds. Krawec said the board is run by a diverse group of individuals who dedicate countless hours to supporting the needs of the community.
“They are truly committed to supporting the community,” Krawec said. “This past year was one of challenge and these members were incredibly supportive and flexible to ensure community groups have the support they required to meet the extraordinary needs of the community during the pandemic.”
The non-profits receiving funding support programs for young people, families, seniors and vulnerable populations. Krawec noted the funding requests coming before the board this year have been adapted to work in the COVID-19 world.
Stevens added there was a necessity to ensure non-profits maintain their value and continue to have an impact in the community. The majority of organizations have been able to adapt and innovate services and programs to the pandemic, but the situation remains challenging.
Krawec praised the non-profits for the role they have all played in providing critical services during the pandemic.
“Together these organizations are meeting a variety of needs across all demographics,” Krawec said.
The ultimate hope is the grant will help non-profits become self-sufficient, but the board does see organizations return year-to-year.
“Our goal is to build capacity … And help them diversify their funding,” Krawec said.
The uncertainty and demand created by the pandemic can be treated as a time of opportunity, she said, and this guided the FCSS Advisory Board in deciding how funds are being allocated in the community.
The board saw 13 funding application requests totalling more than $150,000 this year. All 13 applicants will be receiving funds. Krawec noted three of the applicants were approved to carry forward unused funds from 2020 to continue their work on providing critical programs and services that were paused during the pandemic.
The Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area will receive $18,000 in funding for after-school programs for youth.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area will receive $5,400 for virtual and in-school mentoring in Cochrane.
The Children’s Charity of Alberta Association will receive $2,000 in funding for a disability awareness education program.
The Cochrane and Area Family Resource Network will receive $15,000 for supportive counselling programming.
Cochrane and Area Family and Community Support Services will receive $19,000 in funds for a community support program and $2,000 for a community access resource program.
The Seniors for Kids Society will receive $7,500 in funding for a senior mentoring project.
Seniors on the Bow will receive $3,100 to replace unreliable audio-visual equipment.
Cochrane and Area Victim Services will receive $9,500.
Cochrane Society for Housing Options will receive $9,000 to help support a housing resource worker position.
Big Hill Haven will receive $13,500 in funding to expand its domestic violence service hours.
The Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area will receive $13,500.
Stevens said local non-profits have felt the impacts of the COVID-19 because they work closely with those who have been most affected by the pandemic.
“They [non-profits] protect the stability and health of our communities— The non-profits have an impact,” Stevens said. “The COVID-19 crisis continues to have a significant impact on demand, capacity and revenue.”
Every group that qualifies for a grant will report back to the FCSS Advisory Board providing information mid-way through the year and an overall final report on their programming.
As part of qualifying for the grant, all non-profits are required to do separate fundraising as well.
Manager of youth programs with the Boys and Girls Club Nola Hume said the funding from Cochrane Family and Community Support Services and the United Way will allow the club to offer its popular teen after school drop-in program.
"This is one of our most popular and needed programs for teens in Cochrane as it gives them a safe, judgment free fun place to connect with their peers," Hume said. "This program is offered for teens every day after school. Of course, right now this program is virtual but we still have had great success engaging teens in Cochrane and Area during this program."
For years after school programs have proven to be an effective way to help youth get together in a safe place that provides positive role models and keeps them engaged in fun and positive activities, Hume said. The hope is that through these activities young people will avoid fewer undesirable behaviours.
Currently the program is being held virtually to adhere to COVID-19 public health measures. Teens are able to visit The Club's Instagram page to learn about programming and find the links to join in on activities. As the weather warm ups, Hume said, they are planning to start hosting safe outdoor activities.
"We can’t wait for the day we open our doors again to in-person programming, but until then our Youth Team is doing an exceptional job engaging local youth," Hume said.
The Boys and Girls Club is the only space in Cochrane specifically dedicated to teens, she said, explaining the space gives local teens a sense of ownership and empowerment by knowing it is there for them.
"This program has helped countless teens work through difficult situations, reach out for further support, meet new people ion their peer group, find like-minded people and overall give teens a place that no matter what, they belong," Hume said. "If teens are finding themselves needing or wanting some extra support or just someone else to talk with who isn’t in their family or at their school, they can access our Outreach program ... Our Outreach program offers youth support ranging from needing someone to work though friend issues to requiring more intensive services where the Outreach Worker can ensure they are connected to the relevant services they require."
Teens aged 12-22 can reach out via text or phone call to 403-618-3149 to access this support.
Councillor Marni Fedeyko has served as the council’s representative on the FCSS Advisory Board for four years.
This year was unique and difficult, she said, because all board members were aware of the cuts many non-profits faced while demand for their services increased.
“We know how many different organizations are suffering and in need,” Fedeyko said. “The conversations weren’t necessarily easy but I think we came out OK, and we came out in a good place.”
To avoid any potential conflict of interest, coun. Tara McFadden excused herself from the discussion and vote on the grant funding because of her position as a paid employee with the non-profit Big Hill Haven.
