United Way announces partnerships with Southwest Alberta organizations

United Way has officially announced 14 new partner agencies that will receive grants for their local programs and services in the upcoming funding year.

“We’re really excited to be partnering with these organizations whose programs make such a difference within the community,” said Janelle Marietta-Vasquez, director of fund development and operations for the United Way of Lethbridge and Southwest Alberta.

After receiving more than 30 applications from organizations across all corners of Southwest Alberta, the committee announced on Tuesday the final recipients.

A couple of these recipients include the Family Support Program from Food Special Needs Association for Parents and Siblings, and the Mindful Munchies program of the Lethbridge Food Bank Society.

Officials say they are excited to work with these new partners, whose programs are primarily focused on alleviating poverty, encouraging inclusion and promoting positive youth development in the community.

“The work that they do in the community is superior and fantastic and we’re really thrilled to support them in this capacity and to be a part of the work that they do in the community to support those who need it,” said Marietta-Vasquez.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The work that they do in the community is superior and fantastic and we're really thrilled to support them in this capacity and to be a part of the work that they do in the community to support those who need it," said Marietta-Vasquez.

However, that isn’t the only announcement the United Way made on Tuesday. A pilot program that will see a collaboration with the City of Lethrbdige to provide grant writing expertise to local non-profits was also unveiled.

“Giving these organizations the opportunities to think about measurements, to think about the impact that they’re making and be able to convey that back in order to secure that funding is a huge asset to any organization,” said Marietta-Vasquez.

This will enable organizations to better compete for funding in the future and will work with 30 organizations on a first come, first served basis

It’s a process officials say many don’t have, but one that’s vital in offering better preparation when applying for hopeful funding.

“We’re really excited to give organizations that might not have that expertise available to them to be able to grow those skills for our community and secure funding for non-profit programs in the Lethbridge area.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We're really excited to give organizations that might not have that expertise available to them to be able to grow those skills for our community and secure funding for non-profit programs in the Lethbridge area."