Action for Prosperity is a bold and ambitious effort to make a lasting impact on poverty and affordability in Central Alberta by reaching past “business as usual” ways of working
The Journey
- The Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance (CAPRA) joined with United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) to lay the groundwork for this initiative
- Funding was provided by Red Deer and District Family and Community Services (FCSS)
- A community forum was held on May 8, 2024 to engage community on poverty and prosperity in Central Alberta and identify some potential initiatives or actions
- A Community Cabinet formed and includes business, social and public sector representatives. Cabinet met 4 times to identify, refine and prioritize initiatives.
- A second community forum was held on November 5, 2024 to share the four initiatives that the Community Cabinet had identified. Participants were asked to offer their insights and their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in ongoing efforts to reduce poverty and grow prosperity in the region. The four initiatives are
- Upskilling for Prosperity
- Prosperity Employer
- Prosperity Fund
- Financial Empowerment
- The final report on what was heard from both forums is now available – Action for Prosperity Final Report
What Are We Doing Next?
- The Community Cabinet will meet monthly to refine and drive the initiatives, and engage a wide network of support
You can contact lori.jack@caunitedway.ca if you have questions about the initiative or for the Cabinet.
Community Cabinet
The Community Cabinet is comprised of business leaders and leaders Central Alberta’s public and social sectors that will:
- Provide leadership: help decide what actions are needed and how best to go forward
- Be a champion: help get the word out and get others involved
- Learn together: we will learn together and from one another as we investigate practical solutions
- Take action: this is a hands-on initiative – we are not just planning but also making change happen
Poverty in Red Deer
13%
of the population in Red Deer are living on less than $30,000 per year
Specific needs identified in the “Poverty in Red Deer” report (2019):
- Community leadership on poverty reduction that encourages and inspires change
- Earlier support, and more support, to meet basic needs
- Fewer restrictions for those needing support
- Intercept points for people during life transitions (when a decline into poverty is more likely to occur)
- Neighborhood or place-based community development
- Opportunities for those experiencing poverty to connect (i.e. bridging social capital) with those experiencing greater prosperity
- Affordable housing
- Affordable childcare
- Education and literacy opportunities
- A focus on the most vulnerable – Children are more likely to live in low income households than any other age range in Red Deer
When you don't know
where to turn for help.
