The United Way of Central Alberta wants to know how it can help to improve lives in Ponoka.
To do that, the United Way will meet with community leaders later this month to discuss its involvement in creating a stronger, healthier community.
Ponoka is one of six rural communities involved in this process; the others are Lacombe, Stettler, Sylvan Lake, Sundre and Clearwater County.
Rebekah Seidel, community engagement plan facilitator, explained the intent of this community engagement process is “to better understand the strength and uniqueness of Ponoka and to learn of the particular challenges that it may be experiencing.”
Information gathered from this dialogue will enable the United Way to identify what resources — both human and financial — may be needed in the future to support Ponoka’s priorities.
Seidel said the United Way of Central Alberta is working with local agencies and contacts to organize a community conversation with representatives of the various sectors and groups found in Ponoka. There is an open invitation to service clubs, churches, schools, social services, police, FCSS, government and other agencies to be a part of this dialogue here on March 25.
“This is really about learning for the United Way,” Seidel explained. “We want to hear from the community as to what is working well in the community, what are the priorities as to where they want to go with programming and what are the sorts of things the United Way could considering partnering with them on?”
“How can we collaborate, how can we be more of a partner at the table.”
If you want to participate, contact the United Way of Central Alberta office in Red Deer at 403-343-3900.