RADF Investment: $200,000

Other Investment: $102,164

Total Investment: $302,164

Project Period: November 2007–March 2009

T: 403.328.5465
E: [email protected]

Project Description

To streamline access to a large range of human services in rural communities as there have been problems in the past for these regions to access human services. Note: The proponent was one year into their business plan for implementation of 211 in southwest Alberta, when the national office of the United Way, changed the model for implementation of 211 services in Canada. The committee was concerned that the 211 services in large urban centres (Calgary and Edmonton) would not address the unique needs of rural communities. Therefore, the project continued with designing a "made in rural Alberta" 211 information and referral implementation and service delivery model.

Expected Outcomes & Benefits

All projects go through a selection process to ensure they will improve the quality of life for Albertans. This project meets this objective through the following outcomes and benefits:

• Enhance website to provide improved information for services in rural communities
• Develop resource guides tailored to specific communities A Booklet called "Getting Connected" is ditributed twice a year to communities.
• Redesign information delivery methods to better meet the needs of communities.
• Rural marketing strategy.
• The Rural Resource Directory Project has ensured that all of the rural communities in the southwest region are fully connected via the website, which includes online copies of the resource directories and community events calendar. Hard copies of the directory are also made available.
• For service providers, Community LINKS ties services with people in need and reduces time and effort.
• At the policy and planning level, this type of service facilitates the improvement of programs and services.