United Way - Cochrane & Area Partnership

Big Hill Haven is designed to meet the needs of women and children who live in rural Alberta. Big Hill Haven provides emergency housing, community outreach and case management programs to women in Cochrane and surrounding areas. 

Big Hill Haven is committed to working with community partners to build a collaborative community response to domestic violence ensuring we are able to expand the circles of support for those seeking help.

There are no short-term solutions when fleeing domestic violence. Working alongside those seeking support requires long-term solutions, including aftercare services, wrap-around supports and connections to community programs.

Contact

Phone: 403-796-6564

Email: bighilloutreach@gmail.com

Website: www.bighillhaven.com

Empowering victims and restoring hope for a brighter tomorrow. Providing crisis response, support, information and referral services to individuals, families and communities.

Impact Stories

When I retired it was very important to me to seek out an opportunity that gave me three things; a meaningful purpose, was a direct help to my community and it had a positive impact on others. Being a volunteer victim advocate for Cochrane and Area Victim Services (CAVS) has provided me that opportunity. As a victim advocate we are asked to stand alongside people in our community who are experiencing some of the worst moments in their lives. When called, we go with the expectation that by just showing up to be available to hold a hand if needed, or be a listening ear, or maybe just provide some information to help them with their questions, we bring to that awful moment a small but bright light of hope that tomorrow may be better. That feels to me like an opportunity that has a meaningful purpose, that is about community and has all the potential of having a positive impact on others and it has been the opportunity I had hoped for.

I live my life with the motto that every day has the potential to be the best day ever. But I know that can be a real challenge to experience when something bad happens to us. I know it is in those dark moments that we need someone else to show us the potential that there is hope for another best day ever tomorrow. It has been an amazing blessing and opportunity for me to be part of CAVS and to have the opportunity to be part of their vision of “empowering victims and restoring hope for a brighter tomorrow” in my community so those who are not having a best day ever, just maybe will see hope for one tomorrow.

Being an advocate and being able to support and be with someone often during their most difficult time is truly an honour. Those experiences have changed who I am; they’ve made me a better person!

Contact

Phone: 403-851-8055
Email: RCMP.KCochraneVSU-KCochraneSAU.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: www.cochranevictimservices.ca

We connect newcomers and immigrants to the essential services and resources to help them navigate the challenges of settling in the community of Cochrane.  

Our goal is to promote diversity by organizing events and activities that encourage newcomers and immigrants to participate and feel a sense of belonging. Through our initiatives, we invite them to engage and become part of our community.

Contact

Email: cisccochrane@gmail.com

Website: www.cochraneimmigrantservices.ca

The Teen After Hours program offers free and fun activities for youth, while facilitating positive connections with other teens, the Library, and the community. It encourages safe and healthy youth development and fosters foundational assets, such as connecting with positive peer influences, creative activities, and decision making.

Contact

Phone: 403-932-4353

Email: info@cochranepubliclibrary.ca

Website: https://www.cochranepubliclibrary.ca

Cochrane Society for Housing Options is the sole Affordable Housing Provider within the Town of Cochrane that is not Senior’s specific housing. We provide truly affordable rental units that are substantially below the regular market rental rates within the community. Our rent is calculated by charging 80% of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporations (CMHC) average market rent for Calgary and surrounding area. The impact we have on our community is that we increase people who are living on modest incomes monthly spending power by providing them with a home that they can truly afford. 

Home Reno Heaven is a Social Enterprise owned and operated by Cochrane Society for Housing Options. The retail store accepts and resells used building materials and tools. It is staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers and all of the proceeds from the operations are reinvested into promoting and providing more affordable housing within Cochrane.

Contact

Phone: 403-851-2261

Email: kevin.mcdonald@cochrane.ca

Website: www.csho.ca

The Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area is a volunteer linking organization and registered charity. We link people who help with people who need help. Our volunteers fill unmet human needs and strengthen community.

Impact stories

A newly single mother of three stopped by the West Shed, shy and uncertain of our very relaxed processes. She introduced herself and asked how it worked and what she could take. It was explained that she could take whatever she needed for her family, she was shown around, and offered  a grocery bag or two to shop the Shed -  at that point she broke down in tears thanks. It was a great day for her to be at the shed as, that day at that time, it was a fairly full Shed and she was able to get milk and yogurt and pantry staples. 

Working collaboratively with FCSS, we supported a client to secure food resources. During conversations with the client we realized that they required much more than food. The client was in severe pain and living in unsafe accommodations. We provided rides to medical appointments and helped secure safe living accommodations. Our moving team helped move the client into their new home. The client is now thriving and continues to use our volunteer driver program.

Contact

Phone: 587-580-9448
Email: info@helpinghandscochrane.ca
Website: www.helpinghandscochrane.ca

Right Hand Support was established to address the needs of people experiencing the repercussions of past or present trauma. The program is designed to create healthy, safe connections for people struggling with isolation and life's many stresses and difficulties. 

Volunteer mentors are trained and supported to walk alongside and encourage individuals and families of all ages as they navigate life’s hurdles. If more acute trauma related issues come to light, we also offer professional trauma informed counselling. 

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light."
Helen Keller

Contact

Phone: 403-932-6100 ext:113
Email: rhslead@cochranealliance.com
Website: Right Hand Support

Providing resources for building intergenerational relationships between youth and seniors, thus improving the quality of life for both groups.

Impact stories

Senior Comment: A connection with a child is crucial to their development but also to mine, in fact I think I learn as much as they do.  The impact for the child would be that they realize they are listened to and are being heard and therefore they must be valuable.

Student Comment: I like grandparent program because we get snacks! I can learn my listening and patient skills.  I also love learning about my grandparent! School grandparents also make me like coming to school more.

Contact

Phone: 403-861-4558
Email: info@seniorsforkids.ca
Website: http://seniorsforkids.ca