The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Board and United Way Partnership continues to support local nonprofit organizations that provide social support for the Cochrane area.

On Mar. 22, the Cochrane town council approved $120,000 in grants to 13 organizations made possible by the coalition.

Of that, $70,000 is from the United Way, and $50,000 is from FCSS. Both have complementing mandates.

FCSS board chair Margaret Stevens, who is also the United Way liaison, told council the pandemic has created additional challenges. She says the nonprofits have done a wonderful job and the board supports their efforts 100 per cent.

"The nonprofits exist to pad impact, and while most of our nonprofit groups have been able to adapt and innovate to continue to offer services and programs to their communities since the onset of the pandemic, the situation is really challenging."

She says through the pandemic, the  FCSS board has been determining its priorities and ensuring they guide their strategy.

"As we look at the future, we need to indemnify programs that ensure our nonprofits retain their value and impact for the community they serve."

"The board wants to focus on the value our groups provide to our community, to our health, to achieve positive change and build a strong community," she continued.

"We believe the funding recommendations outlined by our board are providing the value to is helping to address the complex social issues facing us."

The partnership works together to minimize the application and reporting process for agencies. An agreement is in place for the town to designate United Way funding. Recommendations require the approval of town council. 

A total of $156,675.47 in funding was sought. Adjustments were made to work within the $120,000 allotment.

The following funding was approved.

  • Cochrane and Area Victim Services: $9,500 for Victim Services
  • Cochrane Society for Housing Options: $9,000 for housing resource worker
  • FCSS: $2,000 for Community Access Resource Program
  • Big Hill Haven women's emergency shelter: $13,500 for expansion of domestic violence service hours
  • Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area: $13,500 for Helping Hands Society
  • Kindred Cochrane Pride Society, $2,500 for community inclusion events and education/awareness initiatives
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary & Area: $5,400 for virtual and in-school mentoring
  • Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane & Area: $18,000 for after school youth programs
  • Variety - The Children's Charity: $2,000 for disability awareness education program
  • Cochrane & Area Family Resource Network: $15,000 for FRN Supportive Counselling Program
  • FCSS: $19,000 for community support program
  • Seniors for Kids Society: $7,500 for senior mentoring project
  • Seniors on the Bow: $3,100 for A/V replacement of unreliable equipment