(rdnewsNOW/Troy Gillard)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

STEPS Society

Red Deer getting Family Resource Centre funding

May 10, 2021 | 12:04 PM

The Alberta Government says it’s investing $1.5 million to increase access to family resource centres.

These centres provide tools, resources and information, the province says, to help families and individuals navigate disability services.

Grants to open new centres and expand existing services have been awarded to four organizations, including STEPS Society in Red Deer. The others are Gateway Association in Edmonton, Inclusion Alberta and Autism Society Alberta.

“The addition of a family resource centre is anticipated to assist 1,100 individual/families and will augment existing services offered through the STEPS Society of Red Deer by strengthening families through delivery of a full range of services to all age groups,” says Cindy Jensen, STEPS executive director. “Services will provide families with access to multiple resources and increase families’ capacity to maximize independence and inclusion.”

Minister of Community and Social Services, Rajan Sawhney, is excited to see these services help family members of all ages now and in the future.

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“We’re opening new centres and also focusing on innovation like providing more virtual services,” says Sawhney. “This means Albertans across the province will be able to get the help they need regardless of where they live.”

Family resource centres provide services through both the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) and Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) programs.

More than 2,500 families utilize the PDD program, and more than 15,000 access FSCD services. These resources will be offered online and over the phone across the province.

Family resource centres are located in Red Deer, Grande Prairie, St. Paul, Chinook/Medicine Hat, Fort McMurray, Lethbridge, Crowsnest Pass, Calgary and Edmonton.