Local projects aiding youth, women and those living in poverty will benefit from the United Way of the Fraser Valley (UWFV) grants, announced on Wednesday.
UWFV covers the area from Aldergrove and Mission, east to Boston Bar, and executive director Wayne Green announced almost $100,000 in funds that will go to programs in the area, with many benefiting the Abbotsford community.
The Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley received two $13,000 grants, one to fund an outreach worker at the Warm Zone, and another to provide counseling for women leaving transition houses in Abbotsford and Mission.
The Cyrus Centre in Abbotsford received $12,000 for skills development for youth living on the streets, ranging from laundry to healthy self-esteem. The program, Roofs 4 Youth Life Skills, is co-sponsored by Prospera Credit Union.
The centre also received $10,000 in funding for an expansion into Chilliwack, where a resource centre and emergency shelter for youth is in the works.
The Abbotsford Early Childhood Committee received $3,500 in funds for early childhood developmental screening to detect any delays in learning or difficulties in a child's development.
Abbotsford Community Services (ACS) received $10,000 for Autumn House, a transitional housing for youth at risk. The money will fund a youth worker position that will help provide skills one on one and through group settings for clients.
ACS also received $3,000 for the Abbotsford Child and Youth Forum, which is a biannual forum which provides professional development for early childhood and youth service providers.
Other funds went to projects in Hope and Chilliwack.
UWFV is located in the Sweeney Neighbourhood Centre at Abbotsford Senior Secondary, 33355 Bevan Ave.