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Hope Resource Centre exploring merger options

With both the Hope Resource Centre and Family and Community Support Services facing financial pressures, a possible solution being bandied about is to have the two organizations fall under one banner.

With both the Hope Resource Centre and Family and Community Support Services facing financial pressures, a possible solution being bandied about is to have the two organizations fall under one banner.

'We're looking at lots of different options, and that's certainly a good one," said Linda West, a member of the Westlock Women's Association, which oversees the HRC.

However, West cautioned that any such merging of the organizations would need to be approved at the board level first, before actual negotiations could begin. That approval has not come from the Westlock Women's Association board, nor has it come up at the association's board meetings. FCSS director Jayme Baxter, who also sits on the WWA board, was not present at the most recent meeting.

When asked about a possible coming together of the two organizations, Baxter said she could not comment.

She explained she did not want to speak about any potential realignment of services because she did not want to risk having the arrangements being discussed fall apart. However, earlier this month Baxter hinted that FCSS could possibly take over running some of the HRC's programs.

'We could pick up that program and run it under FCSS should something happen to them," she said. 'Run outreach workers, like run family violence outreach services. It's a possibility for us."

Baxter did admit something is in the works at FCSS that will benefit the community as a whole.

'It is important and it will be exciting for the community," she said.

West said the idea of possibly combining FCSS and the HRC was originally brought up when she approached the town for funding. She was asked about whether or not the HRC could work together with FCSS.

The HRC recently received a $50,000 grant from Alberta Culture's Community Initiative Program to help pay for staff, rent and utilities. However, that money is only able to help fill the hole in the centre's books after it did not receive a federal Status of Women grant this year - a grant that has been crucial.

As a result of losing the grant, the centre's director Heidi Magus said there have been a number of cost-saving measures put in place, including cutting back on hours and increased fundraising efforts. At FCSS, the organization has been limited financially because the province has not increased its contributions over the past few years.

In her recent budget presentations to Clyde and Westlock County councils, Baxter requested the municipalities contribute 25 per cent of the organization's budget, much like they have done in the past. She explained if she received 25 per cent, she would be able to maintain services already in place.

• With files from Doug Neuman

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