The long-term economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt across Canada. To help in the recovery process, the Government of Canada is pushing for a model of economic growth that is more inclusive and seeks to create opportunities for everyone in the country.
The vital work of community service organizations such as Families for Change and other charities, non-profits, and Indigenous governing bodies is being recognized through the government’s Community Services Recovery Fund.
Support is provided by a one-time $400 million investment to assist these organizations as they continue to recover. Funding is provided by three national funders: the Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada, and the United Way.
For Moose Jaw Families for Change, this grant provided a much-needed improvement of First Aid and CPR resources.
“During COVID we found that so many people had difficulty accessing different training resources that were required, such as CPR and First Aid, which is so crucial and important in our line of work,” explained Mike Bachiu, the programs co-ordinator at Moose Jaw Families for Change.
“We had reached out (to the government) and that was our proposal – to be able to provide that training in-house and provide the equipment and have AEDs on location. Basically, (our goal was) just doing better than we had (done) before.”
After submitting the request, Moose Jaw Families for Change Inc. was granted $18,320.60 by the federal government. The amount covered the total cost of licensing fees, CPR manuals and mannequins, AED training and devices, wall cabinets and alarms, and training for instructors.
“First off, it’s making sure that as staff onboard, they’re going to have all the tools they need right out of the gate to do their job effectively. (They provide) supports for these vulnerable people and (make) sure their health needs are addressed,” Bachiu said.
“And (it’s) for the community at large. People will know that when they see Families for Change staff, they have all the pre-requisite Red Cross training so they’re ready for action.”
Although training is provided in-house only and no courses are available to the public, the community will still feel the impact of the grant. All three group homes run by the non-profit and the Kinsmen Café and Kinsmen Inclusion Centre are included in the upgrade.
“If somebody was at our café or day program, of course we have the AED available and ready to go.”
Two of the organization’s staff members, Bachiu and Brooklyn Rice, have completed their Red Cross training through the City of Moose Jaw’s Parks and Recreation Department. They are now waiting for approval to deliver that training to others. Previously, training would come through a third-party provider, and now it can be completed in-house and paid for by the organization.
Founded in 2000, Moose Jaw Families for Change is a non-profit organization providing residential, day-program, and vocational supports for people living with disabilities in the community. The organization runs three food service locations and employs over 50 people in Moose Jaw.
“We’re really excited to be included in this project and we’re looking forward to delivering this training.”
Moose Jaw Families for Change is located at 335 Fourth Avenue Southwest and can be reached at 306-693-2271.
The affiliated Kinsmen Café is open to the public and is located at 431 Fourth Avenue Southwest and can be reached at 306-690-1484.
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