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Central Alberta non-violence coalition recognized by province

Central Alberta Regional Vision for Non-Violence Coalition receives Inspiration Award
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A coalition addressing domestic violence and bullying in Central Alberta was recognized by the province during Family Violence Prevention Month.

Last week Central Alberta Regional Vision for Non-Violence Coalition was one of three groups to receive an award for leadership in family violence prevention at the 2016 Inspiration Awards ceremony held in Edmonton.

A total of 21 groups and individuals were recognized for leadership in family and community safety in the prevention of family violence, sexual assault, child abuse and bullying.

Coalition communities include Benalto, Bentley, Blackfalds, Bowden, Delburne, Eckville, Elnora, Innisfail, Lacombe, Rimbey, Rocky Mountain House, Stettler and Sylvan Lake.

Coalition co-chair Alissa McDonald said the coalition has only operated since March 2015 so it was exciting and a huge honour for the coalition’s work to be noticed.

She said there’s a lot of people to organize with so many communities involved, but working together has allowed resources to be shared to increase public awareness and provide training for volunteers and staff.

“A lot of the smaller communities had barriers to being able to meet the demands of domestic violence and bullying issues. They had small budgets. There was a lack of funding and training resources in their areas,” McDonald said on Monday.

“As agencies we’re dealing with the same complex issues so we’re able to support each other as well.”

She said the coalition hosts an annual conference in November that attracted more participants this year so interest has grown.

szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com