Community Wellbeing grant program recipients

The Airdrie Urban Farm Collective is a non-profit, community farm that grows healthy, affordable food. They provide a safe and fun environment where anyone, of any age, can participate and learn how to grow food. Since opening in 2001, they donate large amounts of food to those in need every year. In 2023, they grew and donated just under 400 lbs of food to the Airdrie Food Bank, and in 2024, they donated approximately 760 lbs of produce.

The grant will be used to purchase equipment that will protect their crops against insects and pests as well as greenhouses to expand their production. Additionally, they plan to purchase a picnic table and comfortable seating for volunteers and community gatherings.

Calgary Veterans Services Society is a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders by providing access to nutritious food and essential services.

In addition to running a food bank, the society offers financial assistance and therapy services to help individuals navigate challenges and improve their quality of life. They also host tax and dental clinics a few times a year to provide further support.

While generous donations supply most of the food they distribute, some critical items are often missing. With this grant, Calgary Veterans Services Society will make sure veterans and first responders always have access to a nourishing food supply.

Since 1918, the CNIB Foundation has been dedicated to helping people impacted by blindness live independently. Through a range of programs, it supports individuals of all ages in areas like daily living, staying active, career development, skill-building and using technology.

The CNIB Mobile Hub brings essential services to rural and remote communities across Alberta, including job skills workshops, adaptive yoga classes, youth music programs and senior coffee chats.

Through this grant, CNIB will expand its reach and provide more opportunities for people with vision loss to connect, learn and feel supported.

For over 20 years, Highbanks Independent Living for Parenting Youth Society has been supporting young mothers in breaking the cycle of poverty, addiction and homelessness. The organization provides safe housing and essential support services, helping mothers improve their mental health, develop parenting skills and pursue educational opportunities.

The grant will fund a 10-week group addictions counselling program for approximately 20 mothers, led by an Indigenous social worker. This program will help them take further steps in their sobriety journey while strengthening their life and parenting skills. To remove barriers, childminding volunteers will be provided during the counselling sessions, so mothers can access the support they need without worrying about childcare.

For over 35 years, Hospice Calgary Society has been providing compassionate care to individuals and families navigating advanced illness, end-of-life and grief. Through three centres of care—Rosedale Hospice, The Children’s Grief Centre and the Living with Advanced Illness Centre—Hospice Calgary serves over 5,000 people across Southern Alberta each year.

One of their key programs, the Living with Advanced Illness Centre’s Companion Program, supports individuals facing advanced illness. Since launching in 2022, the demand for this service has increased significantly, with two to three new client referrals coming in each week. The grant will help expand the Companion Program, so Hospice Calgary Society can continue providing support to more clients and their families.

Made by Momma is a non-profit and registered charity based in Calgary that is dedicated to supporting families facing adversity and crisis.

For over 15 years, the organization has been providing healthy homemade meals, baby essentials, children’s items and in-home visits to help mothers cope. By alleviating some of the stress that comes with illness, injury or adversity, Made by Momma helps mothers focus on their health and their family’s wellbeing.

Demand for their services has steadily increased with over 100 families seeking assistance each week. This grant will help them provide essential resources, including emergency food, baby essentials, such as diapers, wipes and formula as well as NICU family meals.

Plants for a Purpose Canada is a registered not-for-profit organization based in Calgary, that connects plants, people and purpose. They raise funds for charitable causes and bring awareness to social issues.

The grant will help launch their “Gift-a-Plant” program, which provides free indoor plants to seniors and individuals in recovery. The grant will be used to cover the cost of supplies, such as potting soil, planters and trays, as well as support operational needs.

Starlings Community Inc. is a volunteer-run, nonprofit in Calgary that supports youth affected by the stress and stigma of a parent’s substance use. The organization’s mission is to promote the health and wellbeing of young people as they face emotional, social and systemic challenges. Through trauma-informed care, shame resilience and social-emotional learning, Starlings Community Inc. helps youth heal and restore their sense of identity and hope.

The grant will be used to pack and distribute hope kits to youth in Alberta. These kits include a peer-created healing journal filled with stories and resources, self-care items and handwritten letters from volunteers that share personal experiences.

The Bethany Care Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that provides care and affordable housing for over 2,000 seniors and adults with disabilities across Calgary and Central Alberta. Established in 2004, their mission is to enrich the quality of life for all their residents and provide personalized care.

The grant will be used to purchase new shower commode chairs for the Bethany Sylvan Lake location.

Zero Food Waste is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing food waste and alleviating hunger. They work with a network of local restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores to collect surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away. They deliver the donated food to shelters, food banks and other humanitarian agencies, where it is distributed to people facing food insecurity.

The grant will be used to expand their operations and raise awareness of the program.

The Nina Project - 2465437 Alberta Society aims to enhance mental health awareness and increase access to services for youth struggling with mental illness.

The grant will be used to provide first care kits to support their clients during challenging times. These kits include first aid supplies, some sensory items and a list of resources for additional support. They also include a personal note in each kit, ensuring the individual who receives it feels seen, heard and loved.

The Alberta First Responders Association is a nonprofit that brings first responders together through shared experiences. They offer free training to first responders in the mental health and suicide prevention aspects. They also host events for first responders, including an annual appreciation gala, racing events and career fairs.

The grant will be used to supply more free mental health and suicide prevention training to first responders and their families.

Breaking The Chains is a community-based initiative that supports individuals on their journey towards healing and transformation. Their mission is to empower Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members by providing a space that promotes healing through traditional and contemporary practices. Their programs focus on holistic healing by addressing mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing through a variety of culturally rooted practices, ceremonies and activities.

The grant will go towards enhancing their cultural programming and purchasing program materials.

The Breton Youth Center provides a safe, supportive place where youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.

The grant will help them continue to support the activities at the youth center such as purchasing art supplies, equipment and games. It will also help provide food for events and purchase personal hygiene bags for youth.

Brighter Futures Family Resource Society provides parental and caregiver support in their drop-in, outreach and in-school programs. They help parents prevent or resolve problems, develop new skills and learn to participate more effectively in their children’s development.

The grant will be used towards the Baby's Essentials program, which provides families with essential items such as diapers, formula, supplements for breastfeeding mothers and more. This program helps approximately 20 clients each month.

Caroline Meals on Wheels is a charitable organization that provides 50 meals twice a week to people in the community who are struggling to get access to food, elderly or people that need temporary help with meals. They also deliver the meals and do a wellness check when the meals are dropped off.

The grant will be used to purchase food and containers to continue the delivering of this important program.

The Gibbons Youth Center is a non-for-profit organization that provides a vital space for youth to connect with their peers and community, access essential resources and build positive relationships. It provides a variety of services, programs and opportunities designed to help youth access essential resources and enhance their social wellbeing.

The grant will be used to purchase program supplies and food for the youth that visit the center.

The Grande Cache Municipal Library offers a variety of free resources, including memberships, programs for all ages, Wi-Fi and faxing services. They also offer a free pantry and personal care packages that anyone in need can access.

The grant will be used to support the free pantry and personal care package programs.

The Lacombe & District Family Community Support Services offers support to individuals, families and seniors by providing preventative social programs. They work closely with other agencies within their community to organize events, programs and support.

The grant will be used to create hygiene kits for all schools in the organization’s service area. These kits would include personal hygiene products, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner and more.

The LoSeCa Foundation is a non-for-profit organization in St. Albert that provides residential and day program support for adults with developmental disabilities.

The grant will be used to make one of the organization’s buildings wheelchair accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.

OPTIONS HIV West Yellowhead was founded in 1988 to promote health, safety and wellbeing across the West Yellowhead region of Alberta. As a harm reduction agency, they are committed to supporting individuals facing complex health and social challenges by providing services and supplies that help them lead healthier lives.

The grant will be used to provide essential winter items, like warm clothing and blankets for clients who are experiencing housing instability.

Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting road safety. Named in memory of Shea-Lynn McGaw, a vibrant young woman whose life was tragically cut short in a vehicle collision, their mission is to honour her legacy by sharing her story and educating the public on seat belt compliance.

The grant will be used to fabricate an interactive seat belt display. It will act as an educational tool, providing a hands-on, visual way for community members to learn about the correct use of seat belts. The display will be utilized at local events, school presentations and community gatherings.

The Soaring Eagle Support Society provides housing stability to people who are homeless or hard-to-house, giving them the opportunity to transition to a better life.

The grant will support the purchase of wellness supplies and equipment for program rooms operated by the organization, including the physical wellness, serenity, community kitchen, friendship and resource rooms.

The Community Association for Lasting Success offers programs and services that support families and enhances the development and wellbeing of children. One of their initiatives is to help address food insecurity in local elementary schools. Since 1998, the organization has supported a breakfast club that provides a mid-morning snack three days a week to more than 600 children in Vegreville.

The grant will be used to purchase groceries for the school nutrition program.

Wetaskiwin Seniors Citizens Society is a non-for-profit organization that hosts many community programs for the Wetaskiwin area, such as pancake breakfasts, fun evening activities and a Meals on Wheels program.

The grant will be used to purchase a large freezer to help the organization preserve the food it uses for the Meals on Wheels program.

The Willingdon & District Recreation Centre provides a variety of services to the community, such as providing meals, transportation and helping seniors with tasks at home, like mowing the lawn.

This grant will help the centre expand its programs to help more members of the community. It will also support and sustain their existing services, like the meal program.

The Yellowhead Community Support Society offers seniors support at home and transportation services. It focuses on preventive care and helping seniors access community resources to improve their quality of life.

The grant will be used to strengthen existing services and create new offerings, such as mental health workshops and community engagement events. It will also help sustain transportation services for seniors.

Amy’s House provides free accommodation for families travelling over 100 km to Edmonton for cancer treatment. The organization has two homes located just 12 minutes from the Royal Alexandra Hospital, the University of Alberta Hospital and the Cross Cancer Institute, providing families with a comfortable place to stay close to their treatment centres.

As a registered charity, Amy’s House relies on community support to cover ongoing operational costs. The grant will help maintain their homes and ensure families can stay free of charge.

Autism Society of Edmonton Area is the oldest autism organization in Alberta and has been serving Edmonton and the surrounding area since 1971. The organization offers life-enhancing programs and services for autistic individuals at all stages of life and diagnosis. These include support groups for autistic adults, LGBTQ+ members and parents, along with respite, recreational and learning activities.

The organization is looking to enhance Autism Society of Edmonton Area’s environment and create a neuro-affirming space. They plan to use the grant towards purchasing new sensory-friendly features.

Beverly Towne Community Development Society provides programs that support vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals. They facilitate group programs for children, young adults, women and seniors that focus on developing life skills, building positive relationships and promoting healthy choices.

The grant will be used to purchase much-needed equipment and resources for their programs.

The Centre for Family Literacy offers a variety of free family and adult literacy programs that help improve basic reading, writing and numeracy. Their programs support thousands of adults and children develop their skills each year.

The grant will be used to create program kits that provide the essential tools and resources needed for participants to fully engage in and benefit from program initiatives.

The HIV Network of Edmonton Society is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. They aim to empower communities by providing the knowledge and resources needed for prevention and care through HIV education, support programs and outreach initiatives.

The grant will help establish a dedicated library within the organization that offers resources that illuminate the diverse experiences, impacts and understandings of HIV/AIDS.

HeartSpark is a youth-serving organization in Wood Buffalo, dedicated to empowering girls ages nine to 13 through free, inclusive programming that supports mental health, social development and community engagement. They offer weekly sessions where they discuss important topics such as bullying, anxiety, friendships and online safety to help participants develop skills in communication, teamwork and emotional resilience. The organization also provides opportunities for girls to volunteer, participate in field trips and attend workshops.

This grant will support the sustainability of the program, enhance resources and help expand community engagement initiatives, so HeartSpark can continue to provide their programs for free.

St. Aidan's Society is a social profit organization located in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Their vision is to help older adults experience improved quality of life as they age. To support this vision, they offer a variety of services that promote independence as people grow older.

The grant will be used to create initiatives that reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults in the region. Through special programs, St. Aidan's aims to increase social opportunities, enhance their connection to the community and improve the overall wellbeing of seniors.

Wahkohtowin Sports Circle Foundation’s mission is to ensure no child is left out of participating in sports while encouraging Indigenous youth to embrace their cultural identities and teachings. The foundation works to alleviate stress for Indigenous youth facing barriers, promote wellness through sports and provide new sporting gear, as well as funding for travel and meals.

The grant will be used to purchase hockey gear for youth in Fort Chipewyan, a remote rural community in Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. This initiative will help engage the youth, promote sports participation and strengthen community involvement in the region.

The Grande Prairie Palliative Care Society (GPPCS) is a registered charity based in Grande Prairie and the only palliative care society in the Northwest Region. They aim to enhance the quality of life for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses by offering compassionate support to patients and their families. Over 150 volunteers assist with respite, peer grief support, friendly visits and more, offering essential relief for families and individuals while easing the burden on health care services.

The grant will support GPPCS’s efforts to recruit new volunteers, particularly from underrepresented groups, and expand their volunteer base. Funds will also be used to purchase materials and supplies, ensuring volunteers have the resources they need to provide comfort to patients and families across the region.

The Lethbridge Soup Kitchen provides healthy meals three times a day to the unhoused population and anyone in need. Open every day, including holidays, they make sure that the basic human need for sustenance and care is always met. In addition to their regular meal service, the Soup Kitchen shares surplus food with senior homes, schools and other local organizations that support families.

The grant will be used to expand their pantry space in anticipation of a higher demand for their services.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Medicine Hat & District supports youth by connecting them with dedicated role models who provide guidance and companionship. Through regular outings, mentors and mentees form meaningful relationships built on trust and shared interests. These connections create lasting, positive impacts for both the youth and their mentors.

Grant funding will be used to purchase activity supplies to keep youth engaged in the program.

The Boyle & District Senior Citizens Association provides a welcoming space for seniors. The organization strives to build an inclusive environment where all seniors feel valued and connected. They also offer a variety of recreational activities for both seniors and the wider community.

The grant will support a range of activities, including purchasing equipment for floor curling, exercise classes and card games. It will also be used to expand wellness programs, such as arts and crafts, cooking and more.

Located within the Municipality of the Peace 135, Brownvale Community and District Library is dedicated to supporting mental health and community connection. The library provides a welcoming space for individuals to socialize and build new friendships and offers a variety of free workshops and crafts.

The funds will be used to purchase crafting supplies to ensure that the workshops and drop-in crafts remain free for all participants.

The Centre for Young Parents is a non-profit organization that supports pregnant and parenting teens under 20. The centre provides a wide range of free services, including prenatal and postnatal care, life skills development and parenting support. They also connect families to training opportunities and community resources that promote healthy family relationships.

The grant will support the centre’s key services, such as free childcare for students, mental health support groups, wellness workshops and programs that address food insecurity.

Friends of Thorhild Library is a community-based organization that supports the Thorhild Library in delivering diverse programming for all ages. They help facilitate activities like Lego Club, seasonal reading programs, senior teas and craft days to provide activities for everyone in the community.

The funding will be used to launch the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and support early literacy initiatives. It will also help continue the growth of the Lego Club and seasonal reading programs.

The Hines Creek Seniors Drop-In Centre is a community hub in the rural village of Hines Creek. It provides seniors with opportunities to connect through a variety of activities such as monthly suppers, weekly cards and lunch-and-learns. The centre offers seniors a space to stay active, learn new skills and engage with others, helping them maintain independence and improve their overall wellbeing.

The funds will be used to enhance the centre by purchasing new chairs, a kitchen island and a bookcase.

Hope Haven Women's Shelter is dedicated to supporting women and children in crisis across Lac La Biche and surrounding communities. The shelter provides emergency accommodations, essential services and 24/7 intake to women and children fleeing abusive situations. Hope Haven offers a range of services, including initial counselling, safety planning and ongoing support through its outreach program.

The grant will be used to support Hope Haven’s programming and cover the cost of free childcare. This will allow parents to attend the evening sessions offered by the shelter, as childcare is a significant barrier to participation.

Lac La Biche Aboriginal Head Start organizes family and cultural activities that promote community engagement and build stronger family relations. Some of their organized activities include moccasin and drum workshops, among others.

The grant will be used to support the programs and purchase necessary supplies.

The Newbrook Public Library offers free programs for all ages and serves as a social hub for both seniors and children. It provides a variety of opportunities for individuals to interact and connect with one another.

The grant will help the library expand its offerings by purchasing new board games and launching new programs such as game nights.

The Fox Creek Community Resource Centre is the primary social service organization in the rural community of Fox Creek in Northern Alberta. The centre offers a variety of programs to support community members, including family and community support services, youth programs, community adult learning programs, affordable housing, career and employment services and the food bank society.

The grant will be used to fund programs that engage youth in the community and subsidize local transit fares and youth program registration fees.

Dress for Success Central Alberta empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, career development tools and a support network. The organization helps women break the cycle of poverty, achieve financial stability and thrive both in their careers and personal lives.

Their flagship program, Dressing Services, provides personalized suiting for job interviews, work and special occasions. Clients also receive a “Confidence Kit” which includes personal hygiene items, a certificate for a haircut and manicure and more.

The grant will be used to expand the availability of Confidence Kits and help more women in need.