BARRHEAD –FCSS has bought the Ripple Connection assets and taken over the thrift store.
FCSS Executive Director Savannah Belyk provided an update on what is happening with the Ripple Connection to the County of Barrhead Council on July 15.
“The downtown centre is closed,' said Belyk.
The Ripple Connection mandate on mental health aligns with the Barrhead FCSS initiatives.
Belyk said there is no further government funding to offset costs associated with the acquisition of the assets and the thrift store.
In March, the Ripple Connection was shocked to discover that their funding had been cut and they would not be receiving the $80,000 grant that was the basis of their operating capital, she said. The surprise was the grant being cancelled in year two of a three-year contract.
They were funded by an Alberta Health Services grant, along with other fundraising activities, with the last payment from the grant received in May.
There were several initiatives to raise money, but the efforts were not enough to sustain the Ripple Connection in its current form.
By May 15 they announced they were closing the doors to the downtown centre with hopes it would be temporary.
A media release announced the transition to Barrhead FCSS.
“This transition ensures the continuation of vital community services that support mental wellness, social connection, and recovery,” said the release.
“The Ripple Connection has played an important role in Barrhead by providing a safe, inclusive space for individuals navigating mental health challenges and FCSS is committed to building on that legacy.”
Belyk told the Barrhead Leader in an earlier interview that they are in the reviewing process and are determining the type of programming that will be offered going forward.
The Ripple Connection offered services to support mental health and addictions for people in the community.
That mandate fits into the Alberta Government’s goals for FCSS offices across the province.
These services fit into what is called preventative programming.
Barrhead FCSS is restricted in using only provincial and municipal-based funding for these types of services.
FCSS plans to use any donations to the Ripple Connection to fund the Food Bank and provide mental health support.
They plan to expand the Food Bank programming.
Expanding the FCSS mental health programming for the Ripple Connection clients to regular weekly programs will aid in a smooth transition for those people who relied heavily on the Ripple Connection in the past.
FCSS anticipates relaunching parts of the Ripple Connection programming from the past this summer, focusing on the list of programs provided.
The Ripple Connection lunch program, Warm Your Heart, will not be continued.
FCSS does not have a commercial kitchen to provide this service, but it may be offered in the future.
The Thrift Store will continue to operate, and it generates enough funds to cover the costs of running the store.
