Grant enables Lacombe’s Broom Tree to Build Bridges

RDDCF approves $20,250 for the Broom Tree Foundation’s Bridges Program through the Fund for Gender Equality

Mentorship, counselling, education and employment supports for women, Two-Spirit and gender diverse individuals who have previously experienced poverty and related barriers will now be accessible in Lacombe and area, thanks to over $20K in funding through the Fund for Gender Equality.  

Bridges is a program facilitated by a newly developed non-profit located in Lacombe, AB called The Broom Tree Foundation, and is working to provide essential educational, emotional and social resources to local women.  

The program welcomes individuals who have experienced the isolation associated with gender barriers to join in weekly support groups, led by a trained facilitator to discuss how and where to access resources needed to enhance their quality of life.  

“We also have regular guest speakers in to discuss topics like boundaries, healthy living and parenting support,” Donna Abma, Executive Director of the Broom Tree Foundation said. “This program not only directly affects the women who are attending this program, but also their partners, friends and children.”  

Bridges is designed to work as a launching pad for those who have previously been unable to surpass the debilitating barriers they’ve experienced. “Registrants in the program have access to essentials including diapers, groceries, food, clothing and pregnancy care,” Abma said. “And if supports are needed for addictions or domestic violence, we ensure they have access to the resources they need.”  

According to Abma, the desired outcome of this program is that attendees will develop friendships, benefit from mentorship, feel supported as they move into employment and experience a sense of security and belonging within their community.  

“We help women gain the confidence and self-esteem needed to contribute and be leaders in their own lives and in their community,” Abma said. “Fostering and investing in women will positively advance the strength and cohesiveness in our community. We want young women to have positive, strong and dynamic role-models, who will inspire them to be driven in becoming leaders in their families, schools, employment, sports and the rest of their community involvement.”