Announcing the Community Prosperity Fund Recipients

Left to right - Tarni (Pacific Rim Hospice Society), Leah (District of Tofino) and Pangiota (Better at Home)

We are pleased to announce that $125,000 in funding was distributed to support three projects in the region through the Government of British Columbia’s Community Prosperity Fund. The Community Prosperity Fund is a $25 million investment from the Government of B.C. that advances poverty reduction and social inclusion. This fund is part of the Government of B.C.’s commitment to supporting the non-profit sector and empowering local communities to make decisions about what would most benefit them and their communities.

We would like to thank the Community Prosperity Fund Advisory Committee, comprised of dedicated local volunteers, for their time and efforts to review each application.

To learn more about the projects, or connect with the project leaders, email brooke@clayoquotbiosphere.org.

Community Prosperity Fund Projects

Regional Youth Capacity Building - Alberni Drug and Alcohol Prevention Services (ADAPS)

The funding will support the continued development of a regional role for a West Coast Youth Facilitator. It will also help advance work that focuses on ADAP’s regional youth priorities, Youth Leadership Group, and their Safe Spaces project. This project aligns with ADAPS's long-term mission to provide services to support youth as well as their awarding of a Foundry Center serving the west coast.

SMILE Program - Pacific Rim Hospice Society (PRHS)

With this funding, PRHS will be able to continue its pilot program in Tofino, known as the SMILE program—a prepared warm meal service in partnership with the District of Tofino and Eat West Coast (CBT’s Food Security Initiative). Plans are also underway to explore expanding the program model to other communities, beginning with Ucluelet.

Substance Use Outreach Program - West Coast Community Resource Society (WCRS)

WCRS will use the funding to strengthen resources and support individuals navigating substance use and addictions. Their substance use outreach program provides personalized advocacy, support, and education. There's a lot of flexibility in how services are administered, from meetings in the community, accompaniment to appointments and accessing treatment centers. This low-barrier approach is integral to creating an atmosphere free from discrimination.