Six organizations in Maple Ridge have been selected to receive funding for their efforts in making the community better.
Grants totalling more than $436,000 were divided between the different organizations as part of the Community Prosperity Fund, a $25 million initiative launched in May by the provincial government, for organizations in B.C. that advance poverty reduction and social inclusion.
Locally the cheques were handed out by the Maple Ridge Community Foundation.
The Friends In Need Food Bank received the largest grant, $171,402, followed by Ridge Meadows Seniors Society at $92,500. Both Cythera Transition House Society and Ridge Meadows Recycling Society each received $75,000. Ridge Meadows Hospice Society received $12,750, and The Family Education and Support Centre received $10,000.
The funds, noted Kevin Nosworthy, president of the Maple Ridge Community Foundation, will enable the organizations to expand vital programs and services for vulnerable populations in Maple Ridge.
“We are honoured to facilitate the distribution of the Community Prosperity Fund to these organizations,” said Nosworthy. “This funding strengthens their capacity to continue addressing poverty and enhancing social inclusion throughout Maple Ridge.”
The goal of the fund is to help the non-profits that play a vital role in supporting communities across B.C., and enables them to implement sustainable, community-driven solutions, added the foundation president.
Cythera Transition House Society and the Ridge Meadows Recycling Society received their checks at the end of October.
"Thank you so much for your support! We are excited to use this funding to improve and develop our Employment Skills program," said Ridge Meadows Recycling online.
The Employment Skills Program at the recycling society is run in partnership with Community Living B.C. The program incorporates a supported work environment in order to teach job skills, train, and provide employment to people with diverse abilities.
It is specifically designed for them to experience success in a work setting.
The program currently employs around 25 adults at the recycling depot.
The Cythera Transition House Society aims to bring about the end to domestic violence and to create a balance of power to society which, the society believes, will ultimately bring about an end to violence and abuse of women and children. Their services include transitional housing, psycho-educational groups, and counselling services.
"Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for selecting Cythera," said the society online.