A delegation from West Country Family Service Association (WCFSA) attended the May 7 Rocky Mountain House town council meeting to request an annual funding commitment of $20,000.
Marina Kulich, executive director for WCFSA, says the organization is asking the Town to match a contribution already approved by Clearwater County, especially since most of its services are for Rocky Mountain House residents.
“Our services greatly benefit the residents of Rocky Mountain House,” says Kulich. “Last year, 968 trips of the 1,132 total were pickups from Rocky Mountain House. Our volunteer drivers travelled over 68,000 km and volunteered over 2,400 hours that were served transporting clients from Rocky Mountain House.”
Town council later passed a motion encouraging WCFSA to apply for its funding request via the Town’s Support Funding Policy.
The policy, which was passed early in 2024, says organizations may submit funding applications by an October 1 deadline to be reviewed by the Town.
Council also noted it will advocate on behalf of WCFSA for provincial support for its programs.
Kulich adds demand for services is growing, with a 128 per cent increase in completed rides since 2020.
Along with senior transportation to health care appointments, WCFSA provides programs for the region such as Meals On Wheels, Adopt-A-Senior, Lifeline, grocery delivery and home support.
Kulich says that currently 40 per cent of the organization’s annual budget must be fundraised.
WCFSA began in 2010 with only one vehicle, and they currently have three.
More information and the application form for the Town’s Support Funding Policy can be found here.
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