The need for assistance with recreational programs continues to grow in Penhold.
Since its implementation about a year and a half ago, the Community Services Fee Assistance Program has seen an increase in use, said Jennifer Blaylock, FCSS coordinator for the Town of Penhold.
“The economy has changed, we're seeing the need more and we just want to try and help out our community more,” said Blaylock.
The fee assistance program pays full or partial fees for programs or events located in the Town of Penhold, noted Blaylock, pointing to examples such as skating, library programs or others in the community.
“It is recreation focused,” she added.
The program was first introduced just over a year ago to help break down barriers for residents and families wanting to participate in various recreational programming and events.
“It helps with programs within our community. It doesn't all have to be programs that we put on as a town,” explained Blaylock. “It's not just for families and kids. It can be Penhold residents of any age as well, including older adults.”
She said the program has been steadily used over the past several months.
“It's fairly new but we feel it's being used more now,” she said, noting how the program operates. “This program is solely run by donations -- that's the only way this program is supported,” explained Blaylock, adding they collect needed funds at a charity checkstop event in November and others in the community throughout the year, including the Community Christmas event.
Blaylock said the town also works to ensure other programs are looked into as well before applicants are approved for the fee assistance program, including KidSport and Jumpstart.
“We really, really appreciate those donations,” said Blaylock.
To qualify for the fee assistance program, users must be a resident of Penhold and must be low income, unemployed, on Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) or they have to be currently receiving income support through the provincial government.
For more information contact the Town of Penhold Community Services Department at 403-886-4567 or via email at [email protected].
Jennifer Blaylock, FCSS coordinator for the Town of Penhold
"The economy has changed, we're seeing the need more and we just want to try and help out our community more."
