Hinton Receives Family Resource Network Grants

In November 2019, the Government of Alberta informed all Parent Link, family resiliency, home visitation, and family diversion programs that existing contracts would not be extended past March 31, 2020. In place of these existing contracts, the Province issued a new grant opportunity under a revised model, called the Family Resource Network (FRN).
 
On Tuesday, April 7, 2020 the Government of Alberta formally announced the launch of the new provincial FRN, including a list of the successful agencies receiving funding. The Network offers prevention and early intervention services and supports through a provincial network of community-based service providers.
 
The Hinton Friendship Centre Society (HFC) applied to deliver services under the new model and has been offered a grant to provide Home Visitation and Family Support services. The Hinton Friendship Centre in collaboration with all partners will strive to provide consistent programming throughout the region. The HFC will also be providing some Indigenous and trauma-informed training to the FRN workers. This will consist of support for the frontline workers.
 
The Town of Hinton also applied to deliver several services for the Hinton community through the new FRN and has been offered a grant to provide one service: Caregiver Education and Support.
 
The Town of Hinton was awarded a three-year grant for approximately $78,000 per year allocated to support the independent program budget and provide Caregiver Education and Support Services through one part-time position, a Caregiver Education Coordinator. The Coordinator is a part-time grant-funded position that offers education and support to caregivers to increase their capacity to create safe, responsive, and nurturing environments and encourage healthy child development. This role will involve: developing and presenting workshops; liaising with local, regional, and provincial partners; offering one-on-one support to caregivers; and offering education and resources to families. This position is currently being recruited to join the Town of Hinton’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) team.
 
The Town of Hinton and the Hinton Friendship Centre Society are looking forward to working with community members and agencies, in collaboration with the new FRN Hub out of Jasper Community Outreach Support Services, to support strong, resilient, and healthy families. For additional information, please refer to the Government of Alberta website, or contact the FCSS Office at 780-865-6036.                                                    

-30-