United Way - Cochrane & Area Partnership | Town of Cochrane
United, we make the biggest difference
Every dollar raised in Cochrane stays in Cochrane.
We need your help to strengthen social-serving organizations that are working tirelessly to meet the needs of our community.
Cochrane partners with Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) and United Way of Calgary and Area to provide grant funding for organizations that support the social well-being of individuals and families. Each year, the Town appoints an FCSS Advisory Board to review applications and make funding recommendations to Council. This ensures that funds are distributed to local non-profit organizations that provide initiatives and programs addressing the needs of the community.
Over the last five years, FCSS and the United Way has provided over $500,000 to local organizations working to address complex issues such as poverty, mental health, social isolation, domestic violence, intergenerational trauma, and food security.
2025 funding recipients
Meet the groups that received funding in 2025 that are working to address the complex social issues in our community.
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.
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.
Teen Advisory Council (TAC) TAC at Cochrane Public Library empowers high school students (grades 9-12) to enhance library services for teens. Members collaborate on programming, events and outreach while developing leadership and teamwork skills.
Teen Summer Experience (TSE) TSE offers teens (grades 9-12) a chance to support the Summer Reading Club (SRC) while gaining valuable experience.
Participants will:
Assist with Activities – Help run events, engage younger participants and support program setup/takedown.
Promote Reading – Encourage young readers and foster a love of books.
Develop Leadership – Gain skills in communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Earn Community Service Hours – Contribute meaningfully while earning school credit.
Cochrane Society for Housing Options is the sole affordable housing provider within the Town of Cochrane that is not seniors-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 Corporation’s average market rent for Calgary and surrounding area. The impact we have on our community is that we increase the monthly spending power of people who are living on modest incomes by providing them with a home 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 proceeds from the operations are reinvested into promoting and providing more affordable housing within Cochrane.
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 of 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.
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.
Indigenous Family Wellness Workshop Over this three-day workshop they will explore concepts of wellness through an Indigenous lens and with an emphasis on indigenous ways of knowing. A certificate of completion will be given.
Indigenous Traditional Parenting Workshop Will foster positive traditions and knowledge to educate our peoples in best practices from and Indigenous lens for cultural support and successes. A certificate of completion will be given. The learning gives a positive Indigenous basis of knowledge sharing gifts of the spirit imbued in that sacredness and ways of knowing with intent to help our families. Learning ultimately supports the wellbeing of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits and the ancestors.
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed statutory holidays Extended hours: September to June on the first Tuesday of the month, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
