CORE Association headquarters - Photo by Charles Lefebvre

By Charles Lefebvre

CORE Association shutting down children’s services next month

Feb 13, 2020 | 12:29 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Children’s Services at the CORE Association in Medicine Hat will be ending next month, CHAT News has learned.

An email sent to parents from the association says the programs will be ending March 20, a date the association has confirmed.

The email says over the past year, the level of funding they have received from Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) has caused them to run a deficit, and says it was a difficult decision to do.

Tashia Macwhirter has been involved with the CORE Association for eight years, and say they’ve been a “life line” for her.

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Her son Kai, 9, was born with multiple disabilities, including autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and global developmental delay.

He meets twice a week with a case worker to help with his behaviour and teach him life skills.

“When this all started, when he was first diagnosed, I didn’t know anything, i didn’t event know about autism, I knew very little about global developmental delay, they’ve helped me learn and taught me the tools I need to help him.”

This week, Macwhirter learned about the decision from CORE and says it will hurt her family and other families in her situation.

“Honestly, it’s devastating, not just for me, but for my son, who has worked with these ladies for many years,” she said. “They’re like family to us.

“I’ve worked with them for a long time. It’s painful, it honestly hurts.”

The CORE Association has run children’s services in the community for 40 years.

Executive director Rita Bessant says the funding model for services with children with disabilities.

Instead of block funding under FSCD being provided to organizations, it is provided to families who can apply and find services for their children.

For the past three years, CORE says they have run deficits. The total deficit amount after three years was $130,000.

“We’ve tried many things to no avail, and we’re bitterly disappointed for the children, and also bitterly disappointed for the parents,” she said. “We have a wonderful group of families we’ve been serving.”

In addition to the impact on children and families, the decision will also have a direct impact on the 11 workers in the division, says Bessant.

“We’re going to lose some really good employees,” she said. “We’re trying desperately to place them in other areas of our agency, in other programs.”

With a month to go until the program ends, both Bessant and Macwhirter say they plan to advocate to the province to resume services to help families.

“I think we do good advocacy, and we will be, at least showing the minister, the premier even, how things have become,” said Bessant.

“I’m ready to go with both barrels,” said Macwhirter. “Whatever it takes. My son needs this help. I need to get this for my son, and other kids who need help.”

CHAT News reached out to the Ministry of Community and Social Services for comment, but were provided a statement.

“The province does not directly fund CORE or have a contractual relationship with them. Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) funding is provided to parents who decide how to use it,” wrote Diane Carter, a spokesperson for the ministry. “Community and Social Services staff will work closely with individuals and families who may be impacted by this change. We will help them find alternative providers and we encourage anyone with questions to speak with their caseworker.”