The successful recipients of the Alberta Community Justice Grant for the 2023-2024 fiscal year have been revealed.
Mickey Amery, Alberta’s Minister of Justice, was on hand for the announcement on Thursday at the Fort Foundation Community Justice Hub in Fort Saskatchewan.
According to Amery, eligible projects included capacity building, needs assessment, and the development of essential tools, training and research efforts for community justice programs. He notes that 39 organizations are receiving a total of $961,000 dollars in grant money to help them better deliver these important supports to their unique communities. Amery says “Some of the successful recipients deal with criminal matters, some with family matters, and others that cover multiple areas of law including criminal, civil, and family, so there is a wide variety of support out there for Albertans to access through this grant program.”
Sarah Spence, Executive Director of the Fort Foundation, says the Fort Foundation Community Justice Hub empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the legal system. She says “The grant enables us to enhance our existing services such as one-to-one consultations, legal workshops, and clinics. Ensuring that individuals have access to the support and resources they need to navigate the legal system effectively. In addition, we’ve incorporated a play space within our justice hub to accommodate parents attending legal clinics and workshops who may not have access to childcare. This inclusive approach ensures that the members of our community – regardless of their circumstances – can access the legal support they need.”
Spence adds, by expanding their capacity and operations they will also increase their outreach efforts ensuring that individuals across Fort Saskatchewan and nearby rural communities know the resources and support available at the justice hub.
The Alberta Community Justice Grants consist of one-time payments ranging from $5,000 dollars to a maximum of $25,000 dollars. Find out more details about eligibility and how to apply online at alberta.ca/alberta-community-justice-grant.