United Way and MCFD allocate $354,000 for families in the Tri-Cities.

Twelve non-profit organizations providing support for children throughout the Tri-Cities recently received funding, totalling over $354,000, from United Way and Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

Through grants targeting Early Childhood Development, United Way of the Lower Mainland (UWLM) and MCFD have joined forces and integrated their investment processes to better support organizations that deliver social services in the Tri-Cities to children age 0-6 and their families and caregivers.

”By integrating our funding process, United Way and MCFD aim to strengthen our partnership and ultimately increase support for families with young children,” said Jeff Calbick, United Way Director of Strategic Priorities, Early and Middle Childhood.

“MCFD (Tri-Cities) is fortunate to be a part of a strong network of community partners committed to the health and well being of children and families in the Tri-Cities area.  This integrated funding model with United Way is a demonstration of that strength and collaborative spirit,” said Daniel Bibby, Tri-Cities Community Manager, Ministry of Children and Family Development.

As part of this three-year funding stream, UWLM and MCFD allocated $11,000 to Place Maillardville Society’s Family Drop-in Program to connect families to vital Early Childhood Development services and supports.

Approximately 20% of families in the Maillardville area are headed by a single parent. Many of whom work and are unable to attend family support programs during regular working hours. With this new funding, the society is able to offer a Family Drop-in program four times per week to suit working parents’ schedule, therefore, supporting more families to connect with their community and help their children succeed.

A real issue in Maillardville has been a recent decrease in Early Child Development programs, due, in part, to the closing of two elementary schools resulting in a loss of space. Place Maillardville Family Drop-in is the only one of its kind in the area, it is completely free, so cost is no barrier and the open and welcoming atmosphere has encouraged many otherwise isolated families to access these vital services.

“This funding allows us to better meet the needs of our community. Through these programs, we have connected with many families and have been able to introduce them to other community resources. This would not be possible without the integrated funding” said Richard Coulombe, President of Place Maillardville.