Both the Cold Lake & District FCSS and Elizabeth Metis Settlement are set to receive grants from the province’s Taking Action Against Elder Abuse Co-ordinated Community Response Grant program.
The program is aimed at fighting elder abuse through prevention strategies and increased safety measures. The idea is to have multiple organizations in the community working together on the common goal of protecting local seniors from financial and emotional manipulation, physical assault and other forms abuse can take.
“Seniors built this province and they deserve to retire in dignity,” says Minister of Seniors and Housing Lori Sigurdson. “To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, our government is funding $1.5 million to community organizations to develop response models to address elder abuse. This will make life better for vulnerable seniors.”
The FCSS will receive 50,000 dollars from the program, which will allow them to create a Community Response model that includes Cold Lake, Bonnyville, and Lac La Biche. While the FCSS will be taking leadership in the program, partners will include the RCMP, Cold Lake Seniors Advocacy, Victims Services and Hope Haven Lac La Biche.
The Elizabeth Metis Settlement’s funding of 47,500 dollars will go towards a staff position to co-ordinate meetings between the various partnered organizations, presentations, prepare resources, surveys, and evaluations. A consultant will be brought in to ensure a smooth implementation. Community partners in this project include Alberta Health Services, Cold Lake Victim Services, RCMP, the Elizabeth Seniors Group, and a Community Justice Worker.