Projects support social well-being in the Columbia Basin

by Keith Powell — April 06, 2015

The Blue Lake Forest Education Society will be offering a summer camp for Basin youth with special needs, thanks to support from Columbia Basin Trust.

(Columbia Basin) – Twenty-eight projects that support social well-being have been approved to receive over $1.3 million in funding through Columbia Basin Trust’s Social Grants.

“These projects clearly illustrate the strength we have in our communities, with organizations of various sizes working on many levels to improve the lives of residents,” said Liz Gillis, Columbia Basin Trust Acting Manager, Social Initiatives. “We’re pleased to be able to support their efforts, which in turn helps us deliver on our goals of addressing systemic social issues, being responsive to community priorities and solutions, and strengthening social sector capacity.”

One of the successful recipients is the Blue Lake Forest Education Society. Its project involves piloting a four-day summer camp for Basin youth with special needs, which includes funding additional staff, providing additional training and developing a peer mentorship program.

“Blue Lake was approached by a number of concerned parents looking for specialized camping experiences for their children,” said Todd Hebert, Executive Director. “With few, if any, special needs outdoor camping facilities in the Basin, Blue Lake decided to pursue the opportunity to assist these families with a locally organized program.”

Since the program was launched in 2012, the Trust has been able to distribute over $3 million to improving social well-being in our communities. Granting decisions are made by the Social Grants Program Selection Committee, a volunteer group of Basin residents that includes individuals who have experience and expertise in the social sector and individuals who have broader community development experience.

For more information about the program.

The Trust also has a new Social Strategic Plan, which will guide all its social initiatives through to 2019.

Columbia Basin Trust supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives or call 1.800.505.8998.