The services of a family counsellor in Rimbey are in danger of being discontinued unless more funding can be obtained.
At a Community Wellness Group meeting held recently, members learned the town had chopped funding for the program.
The program began in 2014 and since that time council has contributed $5,000 annually.
However, this year during the budgeting process, council agreed to discontinue the funding.
The Community Wellness Group, who identified the need for the service several years ago, is looking for other options as they believe the counselling service is very much needed in the community.
“We’re looking into other funding options or other ways of funding the program so there is no interruption of service,” saidLeanne Evans, facilitator of Community Wellness Group.
Committee members agreed the service needs to continue if at all possible.
“I feel very strongly that we need her here,” said committee member Helen Coers.
“I think she could be a full time person,” added Annette Peck.
However, Coun. Brian Godlongton said council had decided to increase funding to FCSS and cut the funding for the counselling service.
“I was not in favour,” he said.
However, he noted that providing funding for the counselling service would mean taxes could increase by another mill rate.
The Catholic Social Services counsellor comes to Rimbey once a week and her services have been very well utilized. Funding had previously been supplied by the town, FCSS and Victim Services.