Lethbridge Family Services is among 13 organizations in Alberta receiving funding to support the victims of sexual violence, April 6, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge Family Services to receive $210K for sexual violence supports

Apr 6, 2023 | 12:36 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta is increasing funding to support the victims of sexual violence.

A total of $3.8 million will be used to help address wait lists at 13 sexual assault centres across the province, while another $400,000 will be spent on developing an expanded service model to provide supports to survivors.

In southern Alberta, Lethbridge Family Services (LFS) is set to receive $210,570 in funding, while the government will allocate $96,170 to the Southeastern Alberta Sexual Response Committee in Medicine Hat.

LFS CEO Sandra Mintz said the organization is grateful for the province’s continued support of its sexual assault counselling program.

“This funding will have a significant impact on survivors of sexual violence and their families being able to access the counselling supports they need,” said Mintz. “The Alberta government continues to show its effort to strengthen and support Alberta and we commend them accordingly.”

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According to a news release from the province, Alberta’s network of sexual assault centres provides essential services to children, youths, adults, and seniors, regardless of gender. The services include counselling, police and court support, as well as programs to prevent sexual violence in both rural and urban communities.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Status of Women Tanya Fir said she is proud to support organizations who are providing much-needed care for the victims of sexual violence.

“I have spent time meeting with organizations and am glad to see that this funding is being used to address the immediate concerns of counselling wait-lists,” said Fir. “It is critical that when somebody reaches out, help is available. Our government’s response to this concern is ensuring that sexual assault survivors across the province can get the support they need and deserve.”

The full list of approved grants, as provided by the Government of Alberta, is available here:

• $140,170 to Association of Communities Against Abuse, Stettler
• $630,770 to Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse Society, Calgary
• $96,170 to Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre, Red Deer
• $52,170 to Dragonfly Counselling and Support Centre, Bonnyville
• $23,570 to Hinton Friendship Centre Society, Hinton
• $219,370 to Lloydminster Sexual Assault and Information Centre, Lloydminster
• $120,370 to Providing Assistance, Counselling, Education (PACE), Grande Prairie
• $166,570 to SAFFRON Centre Ltd., Sherwood Park
• $1,853,960 to Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton, Edmonton
• $96,170 to Sanare Centre (Southeastern Alberta Sexual Assault Response Committee), Medicine Hat
• $148,970 to Waypoints Community Services Association, Fort McMurray
• $41,170 to University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre, Edmonton
• $210,570 to Lethbridge Family Services, Lethbridge

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now