FCSS funding impacts 16 different organizations

LETHBRIDGE- LSCO Meals On Wheels hands out over 60 meals a day, each one delivered by a volunteer.  If it wasn’t for funding, the program wouldn’t be possible.

Earlier this week, city council approved $8.4 million dollars over the next four years for Family and Community Support Services. The money helps keep 16 not-for-profit organizations up and running.

“It’s really going to who needs it. FCSS didn’t support the LSCO, and didn’t support my position, I wouldn’t be able to help the people who really need it” says Marlene Van Eden with the LSCO Meals On Wheels.

FCSS is a partnership between the province and municipalities that focuses on healthy community development.  Diane Randell with FCSS says the boost in funding is critical.

“What that’s allowed us to do, is respond from a prevention perspective, and provide supports for our families that are living with low incomes.”

Just last month, a survey showed Lethbridge has  the highest rate of child poverty in the province.  Another example, Randell says, of why these preventative programs are so crucial, not just for individual groups but the entire community.

“The importance of Family and Community Support Services is so critical to building a healthy, resilient community and we are able to do that with this funding.”