A recent study to measure the impact the Bashaw Community Wellness Program is having on the community has found the program is providing a huge return on investment.
The Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis completed by Catalyst Research and Development Inc. shows the work the wellness team does have a social return of 11:1, according to a press release. An SROI indicates the impact on stakeholders and identifies areas for improvement.
“This means that the initiative has more than re-paid the investment,” stated the release. “Lasting change will take time and focused attention and this early evidence is promising.”
The wellness program was launched two years ago and is a partnership between many organizations in Bashaw. The four managing pillars of the program are Bashaw and District Support Services, Bashaw Adult Learning, Bashaw School and the Bashaw RCMP.
The team was created in 2018 and it aims to meet the needs of individuals and families through agency collaboration. Services provided include support while navigating the courts and health care system, referrals and one-on-one support.
In the two-year implementation period, similar programs modelled after Bashaw’s have been started in Donalda and Alix.
“I have personally watched individuals gain self-confidence, utilize mental health and addiction services for the first time, become involved in the community, make friends, connections and support systems … and completely shift their quality of life,” was a testimonial given by a service provider.
“Too often, rural communities sit and wait for government, agencies and institutions to provide services, funding and the supports they need,” stated a team member. “Our thinking must move from ‘Why don’t we have what we need?’ to ‘We will create what we need’ and request government and institutions to collaborate with our models of service … It is about building local, rural capacity to create and sustain positive change.”
Bashaw and area residents are able to access services at the Bashaw and Area Community Resource Centre located. For more information, call 780-372-4074 or email frontdesk.bdss@gmail.com.