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Celebrating Impact at the Parkland Mall, Red Deer
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On May 7 United Way Central Alberta gathered at the Parkland Mall to celebrate the impact created by its community investments, and to announce the programs that received funding for 2015. Almost $1.9 million was allocated to over 60 programs and projects across Central Alberta, an increase of 5.2% over 2014 investments. This year the Wellness area opened up and five new programs were funded, with particular emphasis on short term intervention and counselling, and supporting opportunities for residents who are facing challenges to build the skills and community connections they need in order to live independently. The impact created: Healthy People, Strong Communities. This investment in community impact was only possible because of the generous donations collected through workplace campaigns, individual donations, and fundraising events across the region. |
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Monica Morrison (Golden Circle), Gordon Wright (JHS),
Jennifer Vanderschaeghe (CAANS)
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Read the full press release here. |
 A Magnificent Milestone: Celebrating 50 Years with Catholic Social Services
Not many things last 50 years. Cars, electronics, TV shows, and fashion trends have come and gone. In Red Deer and Central Alberta, the partnership between the United Way and Catholic Social Services has lasted over five decades - a magnificent milestone.
Fifty years ago, Catholic Social Services employed a handful of staff, primarily in the areas of family and individual counselling in Red Deer. As time passed, the Agency's services expanded to include immigration settlement and programs for people with developmental disabilities. The United Way was there to provide funding as the young social services organization expanded to meet the growing demands of the region. Back in 1985...read more  Read the original 1985 article. Courtesy of the Red Deer Advocate.
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The City of Red Deer Adds Support for 2015 Campaign Leadership
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This year the 2015 Campaign is off to a great start with a second City of Red Deer leader as Co-Campaign Chair. Joining Councillor Lynne Mulder in her second year as Co-Chair is City Manager Craig Curtis.
The City of Red Deer has had a long history of support for United Way Central Alberta. In addition to running a strong workplace campaign, employees and Councillors have taken on many volunteer leadership roles over the years. Most recently, The City partnered with United Way to bring 211 phone service to city residents for the next three years.
Read the full press release.
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| | Lynne Mulder and Craig Curtis: 2015 Campaign Co-Chairs |
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What is Buffalo House?
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On May 6th several of us staff from United Way visited the Open House at "the Buffalo." This is one of the programs that your dollars support.
The Buffalo is an old Red Deer hotel that has been converted into housing for homeless men and women. Each tenant has a private room with a bathroom, and humble though it may be, it is a safe and independent living space for those who agree to "play by the rules of the house." Lots of one-on-one support is provided by the staff to ensure tenants are directed to support services they need in order to turn their lives around. The tenants also have their own community organization and leadership that creates a forum for resolving issues or discussing new ideas.
Why does United Way support the Buffalo? Because the Buffalo provides the structure and community support people need to get to that turning point where they can begin to make changes in the conditions that led them to homelessness in the first place.
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Support workers Cynthia Perreault (left) and Derrick Callan (right) with tenant Papino (centre) at the Buffalo Open House.
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The Buffalo is making an impact on many lives, helping close the gap between members of the community. We were inspired to meet some of the support workers who are so passionate and care deeply about the Buffalo tenants.
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