As of March 2019, the Chatham-Kent Block Parent program will no longer be funded by the United Way of Chatham-Kent.
Local Block Parent officials said in a media release, since 1978, the Chatham-Kent Block Parent Program Inc. and the distinctive red and white sign have been a symbol of safety, providing a volunteer network of police screened, safe homes for all ages to use in times of distress, but that may not be the case for much longer unless new funding can be secured.
“Despite an ever expanding personal safety awareness and injury prevention education program, a newly developed ‘Seniors on the Go’ program and celebrating its signature event’s 10th anniversary glow necklace distribution ‘Light Us Be Safe’ this October 31, Chatham-Kent’s Block Parent Program has lost its chance at funding by the United Way of Chatham-Kent for the next two years,” Block Parent officials stated.
“As of March 2019, the Chatham-Kent Block Parent Program Inc. will no longer be funded by the United Way of Chatham-Kent. The Chatham-Kent Block Parent Program is currently funded by the United Way of Chatham-
Kent and has been for the past 17 years.”
Block Parent officials say base funding by the United Way of approximately $30,000 had been granted to the program for operational purposes.
“Enabling Block Parent to supplement funding to enhance three programs – outreach, education, registrar and volunteer engagement by applying for local and provincial grants to provide the public with up to date education, resources and initiatives,” officials say.
“However, the 40 year old prevention program has been recently denied funding opportunities through the United Way for the 2019-2021 years as the program lost eligibility, when it was determined that the agency did not meet the new ‘letter of intent’ criteria.
The agency has been invited to apply in 2021.
“The agency cannot sustain its growth and development on bingo funds alone,” stated Tanya Nooyen, chairperson for the group.
“Without operational funding, supplementary grants are unattainable.”
The United Way of Chatham-Kent, as part of its new investment framework, initiated an open call for proposals in May of 2018, and Block Parent didn’t get past the first step in the new proposal process.
“It is my understanding that we did not meet the criteria for funding as United Way has aligned itself with high impact programs to meet the changing needs of our community affected by addictions, poverty, mental health and physical disabilities,” Nooyen stated.
“Unfortunately, it has had to make cuts to prevention in order to have a greater impact in providing Chatham Kent families with what they need presently in those areas of concern.”
Nooyen said the Chatham-Kent Block Parent Program is grateful for this, and past years of United Way
funding as it has allowed the program security and growth becoming “much more than just a sign
in a window.”
Although the number of Block Parent homes and businesses in Chatham-Kent has decreased to 82 homes and seven businesses, the funding has allowed an increase in Outreach events to provide public prevention strategies to thousands of people at more than 24 events/fairs and festival annually, visiting almost all communities across Chatham-Kent, including: Blenheim Cherryfest, Wallaceburg’s WAMBO, Wheatley Idol, C-K Youth Festival and the IPM in Pain Court, to name a few.
“United Way funding had also supported, in part, an expansion to the Education Program with over 1500 students benefiting from curriculum based, grade specific safety awareness and injury prevention presentations annually,” Block Parent officials stated.
“These include partnerships with CKPS’ Elmer Program, Chatham-Kent Racing Against Drugs, and the C-K Safety Village’s Home Alone Program as well as Block Parent’s own age – appropriate classroom presentations.”
Much needed funding also provides police screening, additional fingerprinting and in formation
to current Block Parent homes and businesses, volunteers who make up the safety network of safe strangers, Block Parent officials say.
“Base funding is crucial to continue to cover day to day operations which includes part-time staff and office rental,” Block Parent officials said in a press release.
“Personal safety awareness and injury prevention is still needed now more than ever, as Chatham-Kent’s sex offenders list continues to grow, with well over 200 offenders registered. Just like fire and safety, tornado drills, etc. Children need to practice and be well-versed on personal safety and injury prevention.
Block Parent officials say the Board of Directors and staff want to thank all past and current supporters of Chatham-Kent Block Parents.
“It is the hope that this long-standing program will remain intact and continue to provide to all-generations for years to come.”
For more details, visit: http://ckblockparent.com/
