Animator: Cathy Price
Phone: 403-836-0632
Email: cathy.price@ghsd75.ca
Animator: Cathy Price
Phone: 403-836-0632
Email: cathy.price@ghsd75.ca
Animator: Kim Titus
Email: kim@thethumbsupfoundation.com
Animator: Marianne French
Email: frenchysangels@yahoo.ca
Animator: Sarah Titus
Phone: 403-554-1044
Email: sarah.titus@me.com
Animator: Lindsey Coyle
Phone: 403-831-2883
Email: connect@airdrieexchange.com
Animator: Abiola Ojo
Email: lonelybutnotalone5@gmail.com
This team was able to develop relationships with local businesses and churches who have direct access to our target population, new immigrants to the community. These connections were vital in providing food hampers to these families and hosting a guest speaker to present information on health and wellness and self care.
Abiola Ojo
$ 5,000 Microgrant
This project aims to support and empower youth and young adults who are newcomers to Canada by providing various workshops and mentorship programs. The food hampers will…
Meet Kim Titus Kim Titus, one of the Animators from Airdrie talks about her journey with the Rural Mental Health Project.
Animator: Tannia Juarez
Phone: 403-953-2015
Email: tanniaburelo1229@gmail.com
The action team initially was comprised of mainly helping professionals in the Bow Valley. Historically many of the social initiatives that are developed in the Bow Valley are based on the experiences or learning that these professionals make through their work and the communities they serve. Much of programming that is created is based on their own perspectives and well meaning observations. As a group we are developing a deeper understanding that the communities we serve are experts about what feels helpful and supportive. We are also creating space and time to invite community members to the discussion in a meaningful and collaborative way.
Tannia Burelo & Tanya Wood
$38,912 Multi Community Grant
The Bow Valley is a diverse community, with Banff being a…
Animator: Shannon Harris
Phone: 780-305-3456
Email: Shannon.Harris@bhssa.ca
Animator: Tim Griffin
Phone: 780-674-4944
Email: Tim.Griffin@bhssa.ca
Animator: Donna Hearn
Phone: 780-690-1137
Email: doahea@gmail.com
The team of committee members are committed to the progress of mental health education and continue to share the value they see in training with others.
Shannon Harris
$40,000 Individual Community Grant
In Barrhead, community members are eager to help each other, and having people that are ready, willing and able to help is more important than ever. The people that are most often approached for help…
Shannon Harris
$20,000 Individual Community Grant
Food for Healthy Community Garden project will be purchasing garden plots and offering a course for community members to learn how to garden and take a free course on food…
Animator: Dinah Melgard
Phone: 780-929-1006
Email: dinah.melgard@beaumont.ab.ca
Animator: Glory Przekop
Phone: 780-512-1529
Email: gdprzekop@yahoo.ca
Animator: Stephanie Young
Phone: 780-201-4386
Email: recprogram@beiseker.com
Stephanie Young
$5000 Microgrant
The Community Kitchen project will be to establish a community kitchen potluck with cooking classes hosted by a local business owner. This project has used a survey to determine…
Animator: Wendy Berg
Phone: 403-506-7263
Email: wendyberg1@gmail.com
Animator: Kristy Rees
Phone: 780-617-1176
Email: vberwynfcss@serbernet.com
Animator: Riny Tuithof De Jonge
Phone: 403-993-3422
Email: dejongetuithof@gmail.com
Animator: Susan Nagel
Phone: 403-933-4348
Email: SuzanN@town.blackdiamond.ab.ca
Animator: Sierra Fitch
Phone: 403-885-6253
Email: sfitch@blackfalds.ca
Animator: Jan Pocook
Phone: 403-600-9066
Email: jpocock@blackfalds.ca
Animator: Tara Haslam
Phone: 403-563-8400
Email: tara.haslam@ccssmvi.ca
The Men’s Shed project started off well in March 2021 with two men committed to facilitating and hosting meetings; due to unforeseen circumstances these two men were no longer committed to the project. We pivoted and created a Facebook page for the Men’s Shed that blossomed into an Odd Job Squad for men to experience community engagement and helping others. It challenges men to come together to do planning and are accountable to all members of the group that are counting on this opportunity to connect to others.
$ 15,510 Individual Community Grant
Tara Haslam
This project’s objective is to empower male community members and provide a place that rejuvenates their spirit, provides a sense of purpose, and improves wellbeing…
Animator: Jamie Saffa
Phone: 587-566-7231
Email: ladyjaysaffa_fd@yahoo.ca
Animator: Carrie Goldsmith
Phone: 780-826-0766
Email: ppvs@telus.net
Animator: Andrea Sandmier
Phone: 780-573-7130
Email: asandmaier@metis.org
Animator: Aleesha Cabay
Phone: 780-207-5465
Email: acabay@town.bonnyville.ab.ca
Animator: Rhonda Miron
Phone: 780-826-1025
Email: rmiron@town.bonnyville.ab.ca
Animator: Sasha Johnson
Phone: 780-826-3037
Email: byc@town.bonnyville.ab.ca
Animator: Gina Levasseur
Phone: 403-502-2972
Email: Glevasseur@metis.org
Animator: Deanne Young
Phone: 780-696-3688
Email: fcss@breton.ca
Animator: Ashley Williams
Phone: 403-501-1356
Email: ashley@brooksearlylearning.ca
Animator: Tara Stogre
Phone: 403-376-8272
Email: tara@brooksearlylearning.ca
The committee appears to have a renewed sense of optimism after seeing some action items already being completed since its inception in the spring. Many of the people at the table have been a part of similar groups in the past and have not seen action as a result, so there was some hesitancy at the start. I think there is an appreciation for funding and a project with dedicated time and ability to kick start some action within in the community, rather than it falling solely on the shoulders of agencies and organizations with other core missions/responsibilities.
Ashley Williams
$39, 982 Individual Community Grant
The community of Brooks is increasing their members’ awareness…
Opportunity for Animator - E-mail rmh@cmha.ab.ca to get involved.
Animator: Giselle Messer
Phone: 780-915-3407
Email: gjm1977@aol.com
Animator: Amanda Spurgeon
Phone: 780-919-3590
Email: aspurgeon68@gmail.com
Animator: Leah Mcdonald
Phone: 780-985-3604
Email: Lmacdonald@calmar.ca
From the support of the Town and the promotion of the project on social media, plants were donated to garden.
Amanda Spurgeon-VanLooy
$5,000 Micro grant
Being around plants and working a garden can help people feel…
Animator: Carley Dolan
Phone: 780-878-4809
Email: dolan.carley@gmail.com
Animator: Michelle Hauser
Phone: 780-679-8833
Email: hauserassociates20@gmail.com
Animator: Tanya Wood
Phone: 403-679-8611
Email: tanya.wood@albertahealthservices.ca
Animator: Stacey Wells
Phone: 403-679-5000
Email: stacey.wells@canmore.ca
Animator: Laurianne Hewey
Phone: 403-821-0461
Email: laurianne.hewey@ghsd75.ca
Animator: Jeremy Prete
Phone: 403-360-7181
Email: jeremyprete79@gmail.com
Animator: Tyree Shaw
Phone: 403-512-6119
Email: beyondcurves@outlook.com
Animator: Deedria Shaw
Phone: 403-317-7766
Email: deedriashaw@hotmail.com
Jeremy Prete
$5,800 Individual Community Grant
In the community of Cardston, the Indigenous and non-Indigenous…
Animator: Mandy Fuller
Phone: 403-882-2115
Email: castordistrictfcss@telus.net
"An event was planned for youth, due to COVID-19 restrictions not many youths could attend, it was decided to open the event to the larger community – it was a success! In speaking to the diverse groups about the project and the purpose of offering opportunities for people to come together and to have fun. I have seniors from the community, lodge and manors telling me how much they learned from their care packages they received during the COVID isolation times. Some have stated how it has them thinking more about mental health and even asking others in the building how they are doing, they want to know more about their neighbors just saying they are fine."
Mandy Fuller
$ 23,000 Individual Community Grant
This project aims to build and improve community members’ mental health through reconnection, including events specifically for youth, young adults, and seniors. The…
The group/community are realizing this is something with substance and will continue to grow and support programs that bring mental health information to everyone.
Mandy Fuller
$33,900 Individual Community Grant
The community of Castor is seeing a renewal of people wanting to be involved in offering community activities, so this project is following up on a community survey that identified the mental health…
Mandy Fuller
$20,000 Individual Community Grant
Project Community Connections! Together Again! Is meant to bring people together for learning and socializing. Mental wellness will be discussed with target groups - youth…
Animator: Catherine Rooke
Phone: 403-501-4634
Email: sk8coachcatherine@gmail.com
Animator: Jamie McElgunn
Phone: 403-667-8414
Email: Jamiemcelgunn@gmail.com
The “Mental Health Street Guide” has been a valuable resource that we were able to adapt to are local area and print for distribution. The guides highlight that we have local supports available within the area. The community has begun to shift from a “not us” mentality to a “yes us too” mentality. People are supportive of the project but chose to participate in their own ways – engaged to participating from afar but not yet ready to participate in the conversation or activities.
$ 27,200 Individual Community Grant
Catherine Rooke
New to the RMH Network, Cessford is located within Special Area No. 2. The Special Area Rural Mental Health Committee plans to address the stigma associated with discussing…
The Special Areas Rural Mental Health Network has been able to connect 20 individuals/organizations from our area to work together to bring awareness to Mental Health and Wellness. Together we are trying to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and create positive connections to professionals, resources and training.
Catherine Rooke
$34, 100 Individual Community Grant
This was the second year that Cessford was successful in receiving a community grant. To read about Cessford’s first year grant,
Catherine Rooke & Jamie McElgunn
$18,750 Individual Community Grant
The Cessford Rural Mental Health project hopes to address mental health stigma in their community to promote positive mental health, provide updated resources with accurate…
Animator: Coralee McIntosh
Phone: 403-212-0242
Email: coralee@yoursynergy.ca
Animator: Tracy Weicht
Phone: 403-796-8158
Email: tracyweicht@gmail.com
A key factor in the success of this project was gaining approval from both the Rocky View Schools and the Calgary Catholic School Division. We were fortunate to receive approval from both School Boards to conduct the Youth Survey in local schools as this is the first community-based survey of its kind to be delivered in our community. The data collected from the Youth Survey is a major asset to the community, one goal of the Youth Safer Communities Survey is that the results and recommendations will guide the actions of making our community a safer place for youth now and in the future.
Coralee McIntosh
$ 30,000 Individual Community Grant
Based on an ecosystem-based approach, the Chestermere and Area Community Coalition’s project aims to promote student mental health, specifically focusing on the prevention…
As we have moved through this project, starting from the beginning of year one, we have noticed a change in relationship between the local Catholic schools (elementary and secondary), the Catholic School Division and our community.
Coralee McIntosh
$40,000 Individual Community Grant
This was the second year that the Animators of Chestermere was successful in receiving a community grant. To read about Chestermere’s first year community grant,
Coralee McIntosh
$20,000
The Spring Forward project is following up on the past two projects Chestermere received, using a phased approach. They will be focusing on reducing stigma, educating the…
Meet Coralee McIntosh Coralee McIntosh is a Community Animator in Chestermere, Alberta. She describes how her community is reaching out during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rural Mental…
Circles provided community members with a way to de-stress safety and within guidelines during the COVID19 Pandemic. Community relationships were nurtured & growth among community individuals. Each circle opened with a discussion around mental health and overall well-being, throughout the eight sessions we noticed an increase understanding of what health, mental health and mental well-being are and what is involved.
Gabrielle Kirk
$ 4,300 Microgrant
A community survey indicated that although there are many services and resources available in Claresholm, community members are still experiencing feelings of isolation.…
Meet Gabrielle Kirk Gabrielle Kirk is the Community Animator for Claresholm, Alberta. Growing Roots in the Community Gabrielle…
Animator: Abby Notland
Phone: 403-505-4798
Email: abby@clive.ca
Animator: Mae Kroeis
Phone: 403-851-2955
Email: Mae.Kroeis@cochrane.ca
Animator: Kristen Immel
Phone: 403-681-0365
Email: Kristen.immel@cochrane.ca
Animator: Meghan Vornholt
Phone: 403-510-9444
Email: meghan.vornholt@cochrane.ca
Meet Kristen Immel Kristen Immel is a Community Animator in Cochrane,…
Animator: Jade Fleury
Phone: 780-996-8341
Email: jasmin.jade@live.com
Animator: Paulette Dahlseide
Phone: 780-812-9693
Email: pdahlseide@gmail.com
Animator: Joe Reid
Phone: 780-594-8030
Email: jreid@coldlake.com
Animator: Lyla Allan
Phone: 780-639-9842
Email: lyla.allan@portagecollege.ca
As an outcome of the survey the project is on the right track and moving along nicely.
Joe Reid
$5,000 Micro Grant
This was the second year that the Animators of Cold Lake was successful in receiving a community grant. To read about Cold Lake’s first year multi-community grant,
Joe Reid
$10,000
Read about Cold Lake's previous grants here. Building on the last two years…
Over 100 of the “Pick Me Up” baskets have brought joy and happiness to all that receive them. The public have been very receptive to this initiative, a noted outcome is people are able to open and share what is going on with their Mental Health.
Janice Pounder
$ 5,000 Microgrant
New to the Rural Mental Health Network, the Coleman RMH Coalition aims to support knowledge mobilization efforts to strengthen and expand available services. The Coalition…
Animator: Lacey Abt
Phone: 403-577-3011
Email: fcssconsort@gmail.com
Animator: Natasha Bozek
Phone: 403-577-3011
Email: neutralhillslearning@gmail.com
Lacey Abt
$10,000 Individual Community Grant
Stigma is a considerable barrier to positive mental health, which is why the project in Consort focuses on reducing stigma around talking about mental health. Understanding the priorities of the community,…
Lacey Abt
$18,020 Individual Community Grant
This project aims to provide opportunities for adults to be connected in their community using a collaborative approach to continue building awareness in their community.…
Animator: Kristy Thiessen
Email: kristy.que1978@gmail.com
Animator: Christina Sackett
Email: christinasackett@hotmail.com
-Connected and collaborated with different organizations in the community that are promoting wellness (i.e Library, 4-H club
-Increased conversations around MH; greater understanding of the importance of community connection and the connection between activities in the community and wellbeing
-Brought together a diverse group of people focused on the greater wellness of the community
Christina Sackett
$ 5,000 Microgrant
The Social Inclusion Series involved a variety of community events to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, reduce stigma, and promote existing wellness-focused…
Christina Sackett
$15,000 Individual Community Grant
The Crossfield Reconnections project will be enhancing a local park to create an outdoor space for reconnection and developing block party kits.
Animator: Heather Acres
Phone: 780-271-1189
Email: heather.a.acres@gmail.com
The increase in social connection improves safety in the 8 neighborhoods that have hosted a pop-up event.
Heather Acres
$4750 Micro Grant
Neighbourhood pop-up events provide an opportunity for people to meet for the first time or to deepen an existing connection between neighbours. This is why the Neighbourhood…
Meet Heather Acres Heather Acres is a Community Development Facilitator in Devon, Alberta. Heather has always had a strong interest in working with community wellbeing and recognizes…
Animator: Vyna Fluny
Phone: 780-847-2548
Email: vynamary@gmail.com
The team of Animators from New Dawn forged allies with local non-profits in their region to fulfil their mandate of strengthen the voices of their women citizens. This group of powerful Metis women accomplished this by volunteering and contributing at a MMIWG event to hosting learnings at the Metis Crossing for all members of the community.
Carrie Goldsmith, Jade Fleury, Rhonda Hodgson, Raylene Gunderson, Vyna Fluny
$ 34134 Multi-Community Grant
This multi-community project will provide opportunity for Métis women and their families across northeastern Alberta, Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 2 to…
“The Métis have always been a social people, some attribute this to the tribal strength of Cree foremothers and the “joie de vivre” (joy of life) of French-Canadian forefathers. Visiting is an important pastime and the Métis place a great emphasis on relationships - kinship and friendship.”
Vyna Fluny, Jade Fleury, Rhonda Hodgson, Raylene Gunderson and Carrie Goldsmith
$48,327 Multi-Community Grant
This was the second year that the Animators of New Dawn Metis Women’s Society was successful in receiving a community grant. To read about New Dawn’s first year…
Jade Fleury, Carrie Goldsmith, Vyna Fleury, Rhonda Hodgson-Gunderson, Raylene Gunderson
$30,000
New Dawn Metis Women’s Society have 5 animators from 5 different communities; Dewberry, Cold Lake, Marwayne, Lloydminster, and Bonnyville, that are working together…
Animator: Jolene Sanford
Phone: 403-335-7161
Email: jsanford@didsbury.ca
Animator: Lisa Nicholson
Phone: 403-507-2299
Email: founder@hope4mvckids.org
Animator: Gail Nowlan
Phone: 403-559-4661
Email: gailnowlan@gmail.com
Animator: Bobbi Isherwood
Phone: 403-883-2345
Email: events@village.donalda.ab.ca
Our Donnelly Animator also animates in McLennan. If you're interested in Animating in Donnelly please refer to our Training Info page!
Animator: Lesley Gigg
Phone: 780-542-1173
Email: lesleygigg@hotmail.com
Animator: Angel Rowe
Phone: 587-877-8671
Email: albertasexcoach@gmail.com
This team produced & distributed 2000 “Street Guides’, these guides are business card sized and are easy to share and contain details to local community resources. The team also educated, connected, and changed mindsets within their area by hosting Mental Health First Aid, Small Talk and Assist training.
$15800 Multi-Community Grant
Lorrenda Southern, Diana Rowe, Michelle Olsen
This multi-community project aims to optimize the mental wellbeing of community members in Drumheller and Starland County by increasing awareness and promoting positive…
I have noticed there is an increased participation with members becoming actively involved in the activities within the work plan; this is encouraging to see happening. RMHN Committee members have volunteered to support planning an upcoming event.
Diana Rowe
$37,400
This was the second year that Drumheller/Starland County was successful in receiving a community grant. To read about Drumheller/Starland County’s first year grant,…
Meet Lorrenda Southern - Part 1 Lorrenda Southern is a community Animator living in Drumheller, Alberta with her husband. Lorrenda’s Connection to Mental Health…
Animator: Daryl Kimura
Phone: 403-501-4107
Email: darylkim@telus.net
Animator: Janeil Humphrey
Phone: 403-348-1992
Email: jj.humphrey@hotmail.com
This team was successful in engaging it is target demographic of men, with thirty percent of participants along with teens and seniors. In reviewing the feedback cards after the in-person attendees at their sessions the team learned that folks are going to reach for additional help and resources surrounding their mental health.
Janeil Humphrey
$ 4,900 Microgrant
This project aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, support the local services available, and promote social connection and decrease isolation. The project…
Animator: Lyndel Kasa
Phone: 780-672-0141
Email: cdss@telus.net
Lyndel Kasa
$7,800 Individual Community Grant
For a small village of 150 people, Edburg is very community-minded with many engaged, and motivated productive community members that make things happen. They are creative and tenacious and strive…
Lyndel Kasa
$6274 Individual Community Grant
The Creating Cookies and Kindness project will involve hosting ongoing community social cookie decorating events to promote inclusion, socialization, and connection. A local…
Animator: Kristin Fulla
Phone: 780-728-2171
Email: kristin.fulla@gmail.com
Animator: Sandra Cale
Phone: 250-859-5382
Email: sandamara@msn.com
The impact of the project leaves the community with the importance of mental health and wellness and no desire to stop learning and open to this necessity. It also continues to grow within the schools, influencing administration to continue then conversations in their classrooms, participate in mental health and wellness focused activities and provide resources to students.
$ 22,500 Individual Community Grant
Ali Broda
The Edson Rural Mental Health Project is looking to expand public education, sharing mental health kits for the workplace based on the Mental Health Continuum model that…
Sarah McDonald
5,000 Micro Grant
This was the second year that Edson was successful in receiving a community grant. To read about Edson’s first year grant,
Meet Ali Broda Ali Broda is a Rural Mental Health Animator who moved from an urban city in Ontario to the rural Alberta community of Edson five years ago. Ali’s educational…
Animator: Dallas Haywood
Phone: 780-884-3709
Email: canadiva@icloud.com
Animator: Robyn Robertson
Phone: 780-834-6835
Email: robertsonrob@prsd.ab.ca
Animator: Darlene Dube
Phone: 780-837-2220
Email: darlene@srfcss.com
Animator: Holly Bovencamp
Phone: 780-385-1446
Email: h.bovencamp@gmail.com
Animator: Lynne Jenkinson
Phone: 780-385-3976
Email: director@flagstafffcs.ca
Animator: Katelyn Willier
Phone: 780-215-8146
Email: kwillier@fortmckay.com
Animator: Krista Allan
Phone: 780-998-6200
Email: kallan@fortsask.ca
Animator: Brianne Staples
Phone: 780-662-3758
Email: crcsupport@foxcreekcrc.ca
"One positive change that the animator observed because of our Men’s Shed project is that the group of men that were coming was small, but they were a good group that included each other and began to support each other in small ways. Another positive change that we saw through these projects is that many of the non-mental health specific groups/agencies joined us in looking at things through a mental health lens to integrate their services/programs into a well-being sphere. A third positive change we have seen with our projects is that mental health support resources are easily accessible and advertised more widely than before. We hope that our projects have helped to spark conversations, and to change some of the negative discourse around mental health."
Brianne Staples
$ 17,000 Individual Community Grant
This project aims to promote community mental health with a multi-pronged approach. The initiative involves several different components, including posting signage with…
Brianne Staples
10,000 Individual Community Grant
Fox Creek is an active, community-minded town with a great potential for community-led initiatives. It is with this in mind that the project in Fox Creek is made up of 2 community events – an…
Brianne Staples
$20,000 Individual Community Grant
The Connect Fox Creek project will provide residents of Fox Creek with events and opportunities to socially connect. Events are created from input from community members…
Animator: Kellie Nichiporik
Phone: 780-812-1036
Email: knichiporik@gmail.com
Animator: Carla Day
Phone: 780-864-1801
Email: gday1802@gmail.com
Animator: Yvonne Rempel
Phone: 780-501-0759
Email: yvonne.rempel@albertahealthservices.ca
Animator: Sonia Paquette
Phone: 780-501-2257
Email: sonia@gcclerc.ca
Yvonne Rempel & Sonia Delorme-Paquette
$40,000 Individual Community Grant
This was the second year that Grande Cache was successful in receiving a community grant. To read about Grande Cache’s first year grant,
This community newspaper connected the community by it is Home Delivery Service has exceeded our expectations. This has become a key asset for keeping community connected and sense of belonging, being community driven means, we encourage the businesses, organizations, and local community members to contribute content so we can distribute it among the community. We are still changing the mind set of the community from “what’s wrong to what’s strong.” It is always great to hear that community has taken ownership of the newspaper and are calling “their community newspaper”
Yvonne Rempel Sonia Paquette
$ 39,760 Individual Community Grant
By starting a community newspaper, this project aims to promote a sense of community, enhance community engagement and connection, strengthen community partnerships, and…
Meet Sonia Paquette Sonia Paquette is a community Animator born and raised in Grande Cache, Alberta. She comes from a proud Rocky Mountain Cree Indigenous and Irish background. In the…
Animator: Lori Leitch
Phone: 780-219-9055
Email: leitchl@prsd.ab.ca
Animator: Monica Kreiner
Phone: 780-978-8616
Email: monica@moniyasko.ca
Monica Kreiner
$20,000 Individual Community Grant
This project will bring current Indigenous gravediggers together to address traumas related to digging up unmarked graves. Using the community members with lived experience…
Animator: Erin Ballhorn
Phone: 780-352-3321
Email: eballhorn@county10.ca
Animator: Cassandra Spellman
Phone: 587-877-8501
Email: firstaidcass@gmail.com
Animator: Bluebell Rivers
Phone: 403-857-8747
Email: riversyoga@gmail.com
Animator: Sherry Krozser
Phone: 780-878-0000
Email: krozsers@telus.net
Animator: Elaine Schow
Phone: 403-601-0053
Email: solerahealthquest@gmail.com
Animator: Elizabeth Vigueras
Phone: 403-336-2987
Email: elizavigueras@gmail.com
Saw a strong increase in youth from divers cultural and sexual orientation coming together to work on projects and establish friendships. High River community saw engagement with the youth who were very visible in the community through mural paintings, cultural events, music events and connecting with one another.
$21,500 Individual Community Grant
Elaine Schow
The objective of this project is to provide a safe, inclusive space for all youth in High River and surrounding areas to promote mental health. The project will result in…
Elizabeth Vigueras
$20,000 Individual Community Grant
Project Spanish Mind, New Generation is proposing to continue the second phase of their original grant. This phase will include connecting with Mexican Hispanic and Filipino…
Elizabeth Vigueras
$20,650 Individual Community Grant
This was the second year that High River was successful in receiving a community grant. To read about High River’s first year grant,
Animator: Charlene Sitar
Phone: 780-223-8009
Email: csitar@hinton.ca
Animator: Janice Baxter
Phone: 780-865-4464
Email: info@bridgeshinton.org
Animator: Kylie Nein
Phone: 780-740-3311
Email: kylie@hintonhelp.ca
Animator: Trish Leduc
Phone: 780-817-4881
Email: tleduc@hinton.ca
The video project has been a way for us to draw out information on the untraditional ways we can seek support both individually and collectively as a community. The project has given our rural community an opportunity to be involved in conversations at a Provincial level and become part of the larger Rural Mental Health Network that spans across the province. It has put Hinton “on the map” in relation to what we have to offer and what we can do as a collective community.
$25,500 Individual Community Grant
Charlene Sitar
This project aims to promote community mental health with a multi-pronged approach. The first piece involves a locally produced video that will highlight community strengths,…
Changes within our Action Team have been a broadening of the scope of the work the group would like to accomplish. Beyond the grant funding project, the Action Team is looking for ways to make changes to systems affecting mental health in our community, ie. advocating for a Regional Rural PAC Team to assist people in mental health crisis.
Charlene Sitar
$34,430 Individual Community Grant
This was the second year that the Animators of Hinton was successful in receiving a community grant. To read about Hinton’s first year community grant,
Charlene Sitar
$15,410
The Second Act Project will develop a suicide prevention strategy for the community of Hinton. They will also be bringing in a keynote speaker to discuss men's mental wellness.…
Meet Charlene Sitar - Part 2 Charlene Sitar is a community animator for Hinton, Alberta. Community Futures West The organization Community…
Animator: Angie Stewart
Phone: 403-443-3800
Email: angie@krfcss.com
Animator: Sandra Baker
Phone: 780-512-5093
Email: sandybunse@gmail.com
Animator: Victoria Guettinger
Phone: 780-207-7847
Email: couchman.victoria@gmail.com
Gordon Graves
$5,000 Micro Grant
The community members of Iron River are similar to many other communities in that they believe the key to positive mental health is to just be strong and stoic. This project is aiming to move beyond…
Animator: Cathryn Hagel
Phone: 403-899-9554
Email: triplehfarm@hotmail.com
Cathryn Hagel
$20,000 Individual Community Grant
A Cup of Joy project is a weekly and monthly meet up for community members to gather for coffee or tea with a activity, workshop or craft is offered. This projects aims…
Lisa Riddell
$27,000 Individual Community Grant
While Jasper has a well-informed and engaged year-round population, the seasonal population has some challenges breaking into the community. To combat the risk of isolation and associated mental health…
Meet Lisa Ridell, Jasper, Alberta Finding purpose in the community Lisa Ridell is a Rural Mental Health Network Animator living in Jasper, Alberta.…
Animator: Kimberly Mohr
Phone: 780-995-4857
Email: kim.mohr25@gmail.com
Animator: Asma Ammouneh
Phone: 587-341-1835
Email: Asma.Ammouneh@strathcona.ca
Animator: Kimberley Krochak
Phone: 780-385-5086
Email: kimmyenergy@gmail.com
Animator: Jaclyn Jones
Phone: 587-432-0068
Email: Sonder.consulting@outlook.com
Animator: Kristy O'Hara
Phone: 780-980-7109
Email: fcss@leduc.ca
Animator: Michelle Mielnik
Phone: 780-446-2042
Email: mgmmielnik@gmail.com
Animator: Leanne Wurban
Phone: 780-919-2397
Email: l.wurban@hotmail.com
Eugena Maguire
$12,596 Individual Community Grant
Leduc County's project uses both visual and comedic arts to connect residents and to encourage meaningful conversation, emotional experiences and messaging about mental…
Animator: Jorge Santana
Phone: 403-593-0667
Email: jorge@lindenalliance.com
Animator: Barb Sijbrandi
Phone: 403-704-5088
Email: hansbarb@hotmail.com
Animator: Raylene Gunderson
Phone: 780-872-9038
Email: auntyraye@gmail.com
Animator: Chynna Floriano
Phone: 780-875-6184
Email: cfloriano@lloydminster.ca
Animator: Patrick Lancaster
Phone: 780-756-6184
Email: plancaster@lloydminster.ca
This enhanced interactive website allows individuals to directly access to services making it seamless to receive help when needed. This brings value to the community as there is access for all.
$ 39675 Individual Community Grant
Glenys Reeves-Gibbs
Building off an existing website, this project aims to connect individuals with available services directly through the website, allowing users to book directly on the site.…
Patrick Lancaster
$19,120 Individual Community Grant
The Collective Outreach Program will be utilizing the Lloydminster public library to host outreach agencies in a central location for community members. A community resource…
Animator: Carrie Hogg
Phone: 780-933-5796
Email: garoundu@gmail.com
Animator: Brittany Yuzicapi-Langer
Phone: 780-812-1515
Email: communityconnectorw@partner.psd.ca
Animator: Rae Michaud
Phone: 780-645-5263
Email: rae.michaudfarm@gmail.com
Rae Michaud
$20,000
The Stand Up For Mental Health project is aiming to start discussion of mental health in their community. They will also be hosting a free comedy event that will start the…
Animator: Vanessa Ristesund
Email: vristesund@hotmail.com
Animator: Judy Vandermark
Phone: 780836603778083
Email: jlvandemark59@gmail.com
Teachers reported that the students were very engaged in the creation of their videos. There was a good discussion on the importance of self-care and the many ways students can implement their own personal self-care strategies. Students were informed of the various important agencies such as the Kid’s Helpline and Child Abuse Hotline information. Students were able to determine which self-care strategies addressed their needs and which ones they felt comfortable participating in.
Judy Vandemark
$400 Microgrant
This project focused on youth mental health through a video contest for students in grades 6-12 in schools across Manning. Students were invited to create a video highlighting…
Animator: Luci Johnson
Phone: 780-585-2890
Email: mrs.lujo@gmail.com
Animator: Cheryl Isert
Phone: 780-837-1432
Email: theiserts@serbernet.com
Animator: Katarzyna Meijers
Phone: 403-492-2827
Email: katmeij@gmail.com
Animator: Rita-anne Fuss
Phone: 780-441-5340
Email: rita-annef@shaw.ca
Animator: Curtis Fuss
Email: curtisfuss@gmail.com
Due to efficiencies in building the Distancing Diamonds, we also designed and purchased two thousand Mental Health Wallet Cards. These cards contain information about the Mental Health Continuum model and provided local information and resources about when and where to seek additional supports and services when needed. We have fostered a foundational mental health committee, called SMILES of Joy for Rural Mental Health, which is enthusiastic and energized about strengthening the domains of mental health in the community.
Rita-Anne Fuss
$ 10,000 Individual Community Grant
This project will involve installing a second “Distancing Diamond” in Millet and hosting a community event. The Distancing Diamond comprises of a diamond-shaped…
Rita-Anne Fuss
$10,000 Individual Community Grant
This was the second year that Millet was successful in receiving a community grant. To read about Millet’s first year grant,
Meet Rita-Anne Fuss Rita-Anne Fuss is a Community Animator for Millet, Alberta where she currently lives with her husband, Curtis. Beginning the Mental Health…
Animator: Lisa Paton
Phone: 403-305-1806
Email: Okotoksanimator@gmail.com
Animator: Sydney Layden
Phone: 403-586-2827
Email: sydneylayden@gmail.com
Animator: Debbie French
Email: debbie.french5@gmail.com
Animator: Maryann Burns
Phone: 403-664-2255
Email: oyenfcss@telus.net
Animator: Pamela Stark
Phone: 403-664-2255
Email: oyenfcss.pamelastark@gmail.com
Maryann Burns
$2000 Microgrant
The Community Coffee Time and Conversation Cafes project is meant to provide an inclusive space for community members to connect and create social connections.
Animator: Marc Boychuk
Phone: 780-617-4124
Email: chukboy@hotmail.com
Animator: Jody Stark
Phone: 780-618-9357
Email: Jody.stark@nphf.ca
Animator: Robin Galloway
Phone: 780-617-4094
Email: lucky13yoga@gmail.com
Animator: Delena Tsang
Phone: 780-389-2436
Email: cabinorganic@gmail.com
Animator: Andrea Ramage
Phone: 403-704-4667
Email: ponokaneighbourhood@gmail.com
Animator: Robyn O'Connellbr
Phone: 403-963-1562
Email: oconnellrobyn8@gmail.com
Andrea Ramage
$5,000 Individual Community Grant
With a 7% Indigenous population and close proximity to
Andrea Ramage
$12,345 Individual Community Grant
The Community Wellness Cooperative Project will empower community members to work together and cooperate to remove barriers and make programs accessible to everyone.
Animator: Kathy Maconochie
Phone: 403-843-6906
Email: kmaconochie@rimbeyfcss.com
Animator: Dusty Anne Evans
Phone: 403-895-0553
Email: matika_chiyoko@hotmail.com
Animator: Angel Brunner
Phone: 403-846-6198
Email: angel@camroseopendoor.com
We have noticed more community members speaking about the cooking classes, free movie matinees, and monthly Peer Support meetings. The awareness of the Network has increased in the area because of these new activities that have been funded by the CMHA grant.
Dustyanne Evans
$40,000 Individual Community Grant
The Rocky P2P (Peer to Peer) Network- Mindset Kickstart is strengthening the P2P network and providing members the training they need to increase their resiliency in everything from cooking to suicide…
Dustyanne Evans
$7303.53 Individual Community Grant
The Rocky Peer 2 Peer Network is building off of their first year of establishing the network for community members to find support and resources regarding mental health.…
Animator: Elli Townsend
Phone: 403-431-9038
Email: ellijtownsend@outlook.com
Animator: Bernadette Bendfeld
Phone: 780-678-7950
Email: bbendfeld@atb.com
Animator: Kari Cameron
Phone: 780-679-7757
Email: casemanager@changing-ways.ca
Animator: Petrina Beale
Phone: 780-500-7166
Email: pet_butterfly@hotmail.com
Petrina Beale
$4,800 Micro Grant
Rycroft’s community project focuses on connecting community members with each other, as well as other community resources and groups. Rycroft will be providing in-person…
Animator: Samantha Giegold
Phone: 780-662-7067
Email: samanthagiegold@gmail.com
Animator: Cari-Anne Nickel
Phone: 780-898-5332
Email: cnfullstoneranch@gmail.com
Animator: Amy Easterbrook
Phone: 403-563-7526
Email: amyeasterbrook79@gmail.com
Animator: Deanne Wolf Ear
Email: deanna@abfnhc.com
Animator: Pearl Lorentzen
Phone: 780-691-6122
Email: slavelakementalhealth@gmail.com
Animator: Gailene Kazakoff
Phone: 780-805-0324
Email: gkaz40@hotmail.com
Animator: Joy McGregor
Phone: 780-805-1233
Email: timmytom@me.com
An outcome of the project was a successful " Wellness Fair" with over 40 vendors!
Pearl Lorentzen
$3,500 Micro-Grant
Slave Lake is working on build trusting relationships in the community. They have formed the Slave Lake and Area Mental health Network and are working with a variety of community organizations to create…
Pearl Lorentzen
$4000 Microgrant
The theme for this project is healthy connections and positive activities, SLAM plans to promote these in the community by hosting events, mental health workshops and organizing…
Animator: Zakhelini Mhlanga
Phone: 289-931-5296
Email: zmhlanga21@gmail.com
Animator: Ela Kozakiewiscz
Phone: 780-521-0278
Email: ela.berglund@yahoo.ca
Animator: Rachelle Amyotte
Phone: 780-656-3674
Email: fcss@smokylake.ca
We were able to meet people in our community who are enthusiastic about projects in our community, receive their stories and hopefully be able to coordinate with them in the future to have them speak about their mental health journeys.
Cheryl Isert
$ 4,820 Microgrant
The project aims to reduce the stigma often associated with reaching out for help by connecting community members to mental, physical, and spiritual health resources through…
Animator: Julie Temple
Phone: 780-864-3500
Email: Fcss@mdspiritriver.ab.ca
Animator: Danielle Peyton
Phone: 780-962-7618
Email: dpeyton@sprucegrove.org
Prab Gill
10,000 Individual Community Grant
The community of Spruce Grove is supporting a holistic understanding of mental health in their community, particularly as it relates to youth by providing Wellness Kits. These kits intentionally address…
Animator: Katrina Breau
Phone: 780-686-7949
Email: katrina@healthybrain.ca
Animator: Jennifer Becker
Phone: 780-908-1173
Email: jbecker@stalbert.ca
Animator: Laura Charrois
Phone: 780-522-1072
Email: stalbertyspc@gmail.com
In our conversations with community members, we’ve noted the realization that mental health challenges are becoming a norm for everyone to experience during their life’s journey; and the opportunity to talk about mental health is opening up doors for acceptance and reducing stigma. The vast experiences of the population are requiring many folks to seek assistance to aid their challenges, and people seem more willing to access resources and supports.
Katrina Breau
$40,000 Individual Community Grant
The goal of St. Albert’s Reach Out, Discover, Connect, and Grow project is to utilize City infrastructure like transit stations, community message…
Laura Charrois
$2000
Learn about St. Albert's previous grant here. The project aims to…
Animator: Andrea Lee
Phone: 403-742-2337
Email: rmhstettler@stettlercsc.ca
Animator: Shelley Walker
Phone: 403-741-5258
Email: shelly.walker@stettlercsc.ca
The community reconnection event on July 1st, was an amazing opportunity to bring the community out of isolation and reconnect with family, friends and community
Andrea Lee
$39,958 Individual Community Grant
The aim of Stettler’s project is to reconnect our community while reducing the stigma and raising awareness regarding mental health and wellness. They are achieving this by developing accessible…
Andrea Lee
$19,995 Individual Community Grant
Community Enrichment project is aiming to reduce stigma, and raise awareness of mental health and wellness. They will do this by engaging with the community and hosting…
Animator: Stacey Maynes
Phone: 403-756-3572
Email: stacey.maynes@fcss.ca
Animator: Oksana Atwood
Phone: 780-299-0221
Email: albertamentalhealth@gmail.com
Animator: Brooklyn Bignell
Phone: 587-338-3802
Email: bbignell@stonyplain.com
Animator: Melissa Masse
Phone: 403-934-9090
Email: melissa.masse@strathmore.ca
Animator: Kiana Pollom-Smith
Phone: 403-934-9090
Email: kiana.pollom@strathmore.ca
"The accessible, friendly, and free nature of our events are seeing significant participants turn outs, with our largest having over 500 participants", - Melissa Masse
Melissa Masse
$33,290 Individual Community Grant
Through community engagement sessions, it was recognized
Melissa Masse
$12,950 Individual Community Grant
The Connected by Culture project will involve creating a sustainable wellness action committee to celebrate the diversity in the community. As a result of this group being…
Meet Melissa Masse Melissa is a Community Animator in Strathmore, Alberta. She has called Strathmore home for the last seven years. Melissa appreciates Strathmore’s close-knit community…
Sundre is a town in central Alberta, Canada that is surrounded by Mountain View County. It is approximately 100 km northwest of Calgary on the Cowboy Trail in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies
Animator: Sari Werezak
Phone: 403-638-1011
Email: sari@mygnp.org
Animator: Darlene Hoschka
Phone: 403-636-0999
Email: drmhoschka@hotmail.com
The Animator’s with the support of the Town, local churches, volunteers, and business have built a safe place for at risk youth of the area. The motto for the centre is “there is a place for everyone,” and everyone in town and outlying areas have noticed positive change since this facility has opened.
$ 40000 Individual Community Grant
Sari Werezak, Renate De Bruijn
The goal of the Youth Enrichment Project is to bring a full complement of programs and services for at-risk youth. By collaborating with community partners, stakeholders,…
Sari Werezak
$4,500 Micro grant
This was the second year that Sundre was successful in receiving a community grant. To read about Sundre’s first year grant,
Sari Werezak
$2350
The Youth Enrichment Project will be hosting an inaugural youth summit and then will host weekly meetings for youth to talk about mental health and establish connections.
Animator: Trina Molnar
Phone: 780-333-4119
Email: fcss@townofswanhills.com
Animator: Carrie Rusoway
Phone: 780-333-4119
Email: carrier@townofswanhills.com
Animator: Becki Fleming
Phone: 780-333-5740
Email: beckif@townofswanhills.com
Animator: Alissa MacDonald
Phone: 403-887-1137
Email: amcdonald@sylvanlake.ca
Animator: Mandi Wisheu
Phone: 403-887-1137
Email: mwisheu@sylvanlake.ca
With the completion of the Healing Hub in early October and as a well-utilized trail system going through the Healing Hub, many people expressed their gratitude for the area and all those involved (parks, contractors, consultants, FCSS) in the creation and in how well it turned out. Community Support for the Healing Hub on Facebook and on our Town Website has been extraordinary.
Heather Sweetnam
$ 34,000 Individual Community Grant
Building off a New Horizon’s federal grant to support health and wellness for seniors, this project will enhance and expand the design of the park to welcome all members…
Alissa McDonald
$6150 Individual Community Grant
The Strengthening Community Connections project hopes to increase participation of community members in day to day social activities by buying and proving garden boxes to…
Animator: Renee White
Email: renee.white@fcss.ca
Animator: Carol Rempel
Phone: 780-777-8472
Email: carolrempel@icloud.com
Carol Rempel & Tami Tubbs
$50,000 Multi-Community Grant
Thorsby and Warburg are two communities located southwest of Edmonton. The project, designed collaboratively between these two communities, focuses on enhancing and illuminating…
Carol Rempel
$20,000 Individual Community Grant
The Homerun to Health project will gather and showcase local strengths and resources to help the community at large see and understand what assets are available to them…
Animator: Heather Pilva
Phone: 403-443-8474
Email: heatherpliva@gmail.com
Animator: Shelley Jackson-Berry
Phone: 403-443-3800
Email: shelley@krfcss.com
Animator: Jane Marsh
Phone: 403-489-0094
Email: janeclaresholm@gmail.com
Animator: Loretta Kroeker
Phone: 780-717-8151
Email: dkroeker@telusplanet.net
Animator: Tanya Little
Phone: 403-896-4319
Email: tblittle96@hotmail.com
Animator: Amy Boettcher
Phone: 780-603-3867
Email: thwellness2021@gmail.com
Animator: Erin Witty
Phone: 780-524-6539
Email: niredixon23@hotmail.com
Erin Witty
$15,525 Individual Community Grant
The Moving Mental Health Forward Valleyview project aims to create more spaces for community conversations on mental health and wellbeing. Along with creating spaces for…
Animator: Colleen Pidzarko-Armitage
Phone: 780-632-8823
Email: Colleen.pidzarko@telus.net
Individuals who are newer to the community and haven’t had an opportunity to meet others due to the community restrictions (Covid), are attending the program and have said that this has been a great way to meet others and not have any expectations placed on them. Individuals have been able to foster relationships and connections in a safe environment that they then access beyond the program hours. Individuals have become more ready to share struggles, challenges, and ideas with each other during the meetings.
Colleen Pidzarko-Armitage
$ 16,136 Individual Community Grant
Vegreville’s
Meet Colleen Pidzarko-Armitage Colleen Pidzarko-Armitage is a Community Animator in Vegreville, Alberta. When Colleen moved to Vegreville many years ago, she had anticipated the town to be…
Animator: Derek Collins
Phone: 780-853-8627
Email: derek.collins@lakelandcollege.ca
Derek Collins
$4800 Micro Grant
Through an already strong volunteer base in Vermillion, this project provides awareness, knowledge, and skills for seniors through social connectors in their neighbourhoods. Social connectors are identified…
Meet Derek Collins - Part 2 Derek Collins is a Community Animator for Vermillion, Alberta. Beginning the Mental Health Conversation Derek…
Animator: Rachel Mayko
Phone: 780-336-4024
Email: rmayko@ualberta.ca
Tracy Inaba
$5,000 Micro Grant
Vulcan has developed a 6-part workshop series that builds capacity in the senior population through building social connections and wellbeing skills. The 6 workshops will…
Animator: Shannon Fife
Phone: 780-842-0961
Email: sjay.fife@hotmail.com
The Mental Health Resource HUB was set up based on the eight domains and each resource is slotted under the most appropriate domain. We completed 23 Webcasts and 18 Podcast specifically focused on each of the eight domains of wellness, we researched each domain and paired each to local resources then highlighted them either on a webcast, podcast, both and/or on the Mental Health Resource HUB.
Shannon Fife
$ 27,500 Individual Community Grant
The overarching goal for this project is to create an access point for all community members to find the means to support their overall wellness. The Community Wellbeing…
"We believe that there are always opportunities to learn if you are willing to listen. As such, we have made it a priority to “go where the people are”. Instead of setting up separate meetings, we have focused on the events that are happening within the community. People have said time and time again that they are too busy to add extra meetings, but they are more than willing to access and hear about the project when we are at places they are already going."
Shannon Fife
$40,000 Individual Community Grant
This was the second year that Wainwright was successful in receiving a community grant. To read about Wainwright’s first year grant,
Animator: Shauna Schwindt
Phone: 780-848-2828
Email: fcss@warburg.ca
Animator: Megan Buskas
Phone: 780-312-6978
Email: mhopretty@gmail.com
Animator: Jeremy Watson
Phone: 780-262-0088
Email: Justice@SoaringEagleSupportSociety.ca
Animator: Tara Baker
Phone: 780-778-1194
Email: tara@kindnesssupport.ca
The changes and positive impact that can be contributed to our project is highlighting the importance of community wide conversations around Mental Health and Mental Wellness. Being able to provide the much-needed training to the public, agencies and community at large has ensured that this type of training and conversations will continue. One of the biggest changes noticed by many is how many resources there are available and the importance of removing barriers to finding help when you need it.
Jeremy Watson Tara Baker Bonnie Ryan-Fisher
$ 32,500 Individual Community Grant
The Community of Kindness project aims to normalize the discussion of mental health and mental illness in Whitecourt. Key activities include offering training (e.g., MHFA,…
Animator: Wendy Robinson
Phone: 780-325-3782
Email: wrobinson@yellowheadcounty.ab.ca
Animator: Lois Benedict
Phone: 403-631-2383
Email: dlfkje@gmail.com
Animator: Denise van Rootselaar
Email: dvanroot@outlook.com