Organizational Information:

Comox Valley Family Services Association (CVFSA) has been providing child, youth, and family services since 1974. We are a non-profit, family service agency in Comox Valley with one satellite office in Campbell River. CVFSA builds on individual and family strengths which support growth and healthy lifestyles.

Campbell River Family Services Society (est. 1977) is a non-profit agency providing programs and services reflecting the changing needs in our community to enhance the well-being of all families and individuals. We provide young parents services, child and youth services, and specialized family services.

Program Description:

NIFSS is a 3-year project designed to help low-income families in the Comox Valley and in Campbell River to increase their self-reliance, employability, and financial stability. The program serves 10-15 families in each community.

Participating families work with a family advisor to identify and move towards achievable goals; develop new skills, access a range of services, and build a community support network. Financial advisors from Scotiabank assist participants with financial planning and budgeting. The program offers an Individual Development Account (IDA), where participants can deposit from $5.00 to $40.00 per month, which will be matched at a ratio of 2.5 to 1, with a total potential savings of $2520.

Funding for this ground-breaking new project is provided with assistance from BC Housing, Vancouver Foundation, Columbia Foundation, M'Akola Housing, Homalco First Nations, Comox Valley Family Services and a private donor.

Target Participant Criteria

Eligible participant families must have one or more dependent children, live in stable housing in good standing with their housing provider, and live in a low-income situation where their gross annual family income is below $28,000.

Program Contact Information:

In Comox: Cathie Hagenson
Phone: 250-338-7575 ext. 235
Email: cathie.h@cvfsa.org
Website: www.cvfsa.org

In Campbell River: Dawn Hamilton at
Phone: 250-287-2421 ext. 318
Email: dawn.hamilton@crfs.ca
Website: www.crfamilyservices.ca

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