The Sustained Poverty Reduction Initiative has a new name and look!
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This spring, under the direction of our co-chairs Jim Dinning and Nancy Laird, the Coalition launched a strategic planning process. Each of the committees has met to review their progress to date, complete an environmental scan, and identify strategic directions for the future... |
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The Poverty Reduction Coalition is a community collaborative, supported by United Way of Calgary and Area, aimed at reducing poverty in Calgary. We believe that poverty can be reduced in Calgary and that we have the human and capital resources to do it... |
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By working together with a common focus to reduce poverty in Calgary, we will achieve our ultimate vision: that all Calgarians have sufficient resources to live with the dignity, choice and power that support full participation in society. |
Changes Afoot
This spring, under the direction of our co-chairs Jim Dinning and Nancy Laird, the Coalition launched a strategic planning process. Each of the committees has met to review their progress to date, complete an environmental scan, and identify strategic directions for the future. We want to capitalize on this momentum – by mid-July we will have completed the process and will have a clear focus and direction for the upcoming two years.
On the Horizon
The Sustained Work Solutions Initiative is a comprehensive strategy for promoting progressive policies and practices in the workplace, focusing initially on lone parents and immigrants receiving social assistance benefits. We have engaged a social service agency, two employers and Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry to help us further this project. Phase one will be jointly funded by the Poverty Reduction Coalition and Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry. The evaluation will be completed by the University of Calgary.
The Survival-Related Crimes Initiative, a project focusing on women who commit poverty-related crimes, will map the process from violation to incarceration. Select service providers, a prosecutor, probation officer, peace officer, and an academic will assist in this systems mapping. We anticipate a series of policies and systems reform emerging from this process.
We have had a busy year so far and are looking forward to these and more future projects. Using social innovation as the vehicle for change, we believe we will reduce the incidence of poverty in Calgary.
Chris MacFarlane,
Director, Poverty Reduction Coalition