Eleven projects in East Kootenay among 28 basin-wide to get funding

Early childhood support, community outreach and food security are some of the themes that stand out in the latest list of social sector projects receiving funding through Columbia Basin Trust’s Social Grants.

The Trust recently approved nearly $1 million in funding for 28 projects that address social wellbeing in the Basin.

“We are committed to improving the social well-being of Basin residents, and our grant program works with the social sector that brings about these positive changes. It’s really quite remarkable the work that these groups take on and how it contributes to the health of all of our communities,” said Liz Gillis, Columbia Basin Trust Manager, Social Initiatives.

The Entry to Early Childhood Education pilot project is one of the grant recipients.

The Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society (pictured) in Windermere will develop a 15-week program to help 12 students prepare for their Early Childhood Educator Assistant certificate. The project combines BC Child Care Occupational Standards with ?Akisq’nuk community values, beliefs, traditions, teachings and ways of being.

“This funding support is making it possible for individuals interested in early childhood education and related fields of study to step onto a career path that can enhance their lives and the lives of children and families within the Columbia River Valley,” said Kathy Bonell, lead instructor and owner of Rural Communities Early Childhood Institute.

“Students who have registered in the program are as excited as we are about this incredible opportunity,” added Carrie Rickards, general manager of the Little Badgers Early Learning Program, which is operated by Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society.

Other successful Columbia Valley projects include:

– Family Dynamix Association – Examine the need for child care in the Columbia Valley and create a sustainable business plan to access funding and increase child care capacity.

– Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley – Provide trauma and suicide bereavement training workshops and help establish support groups. (Includes Cranbrook and Nelson)

– Windermere Valley Child Care Society – Replace aging and deteriorating playground equipment to create an outdoor space for children to play, learn and grow together safely.

Successful Cranbrook and Kimberley area projects include:

–  Community Connections Society of SE BC – Address the lack of social supports for men by 
developing a resource centre and providing a range of community supports to improve the lives of 
men and their families.

–  Cranbrook Boys and Girls Club – Install commercial grade flooring at the daycare facility.

–  Community Connections Society of SE BC – Provide all first time parents in the East Kootenay 
with a New Parent Starter Kit with the basic necessities for a new baby.

–  Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley – Provide trauma and suicide bereavement training 
workshops and help establish support groups. (Invermere, Cranbrook, Nelson)

Successful Elk Valley projects include:

– Elkford Women’s Task Force – Provide a free drop in early childhood development program for infants to six-year-olds and their families in the Elk Valley.

– Fernie Women’s Resource and Drop-In Centre – Support the Elk Valley’s LGBTQ community with information and resources, events to reduce social isolation and an awareness campaign for the Elk Valley.

– Community Connections Society of SE BC – Provide all first time parents in the East Kootenay with a New Parent Starter Kit with the basic necessities for a new baby.

The Trust has distributed more than $5 million to improving social wellbeing in our communities since starting the social grants program in 2012. The Social Grants Evaluation Committee reviews the applications and makes the granting recommendations. The committee is a volunteer group of Basin residents that includes individuals who have experience and expertise in the social sector and individuals who have broader community development experience.

For more information about the program, visit ourtrust.org/socialgrants. To learn all the ways the Trust supports social wellbeing in the Basin, visit ourtrust.org/social.

Columbia Basin Trust supports the ideas and efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, and how it helps deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

CBT

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