Central Alberta Immigrant Women's Association's (CAIWA) services will become even more accessible regionally - thanks to a significant funding injection last year.
Based in Red Deer, but serving families and many communities across the region, the organization landed $375,000 last year which will go towards a range of big technological upgrades. These run the gamut from data management, cybersecurity and service delivery, said Halima Ali, CAIWA's executive director.
The upgrades - as a whole - will also help to streamline and bolster CAIWA's administrative processes, organizational knowledge collection and retention, and data security.
And ultimately, it will all help, as mentioned, to broaden CAIWA's online reach, which is critical as this is increasingly how people access services and assistance these days, she said.
"We are very grateful for the funding, because without it, we wouldn't have the capacity we are looking to better organize ourselves in this digital era," she explained.
"When we are done with this project, we will have a way to (better provide) our programs online. It will help us so much with our reach to Central Alberta.
"If we don't have these kinds of equipment, the delivery would have to be in person. But now, with the digital era, you can easily teach people - even in their homes," she said. "So that is what we are looking for. We are very excited."
Ali said she's also proud that before she one day retires, she will have helped to see this digital infrastructure installed within CAIWA's operations.
"We are always grateful for the funding we receive from our donors, and from our governments. But this one is one step ahead. This is huge, and this is the future."
Meanwhile, CAIWA's programming is extensive, including a key program called the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY).
This works with families to support parents in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher, and includes home visits to help parents navigate a range of issues.
Other programs tap into topics as diverse as computer classes, employment preparation, and financial literacy.
