Grassroots counselling program in Foothills County seeks community support

An accessible and affordable counselling program in Foothills County is seeking sponsors and donors, so nobody is turned away from getting mental health support.

Foothills Community Counselling is a community program providing mental health counselling to Foothills County residents. Tax receipts are issued through a partnership with the Calgary Foundation, and fees are based on a sliding scale depending on an individual's income and circumstances.

“(It) doesn't matter what income level they are, what status they are in life, everybody should have an opportunity to have good mental health,” said governance lead Shannon Olson.

The service is safe, private and anonymous. Counsellors are highly trained, with master's degrees or equivalent qualifications, and they follow the highest ethical standards.  

Governance lead Brian Olson said every dollar received through donations or sponsorships goes toward paying counselling staff, who work at a reduced rate.

“Nobody is turned away if they cannot afford it,” he said, adding that insurance is accepted, if people have it. "(The counsellors) are doing this because they want to do something useful.”

In 2021, six counsellors and two practicum students provided over 2,200 counselling sessions. Clients of the program include children and youth, families, couples and adults of all ages.

“There's a percentage of our revenue (that) comes from fees. Let me be clear, no one gets turned away,” said Brian Olson. “We need to raise the money to keep us going that way.”

The program operates from the FCSS Resource Centre in High River, and the Town provides an in-kind donation of space and overhead items. There are no administration or operating costs.

“So what are we raising money for? Well, it's to pay counsellors,” he said. “This is a stripped-down model. There is no money (that) goes to administration.”

Donations are accepted by the Calgary Foundation through a Foothills Community Counselling Fund, and receipts are issued for donations of $25 or more.

This year’s fundraising goal is $100,000. With four levels available, organizers say sponsorship partners are a vital part of this rural solution to ensuring mental health support is available for everyone.  

“We're going out to the community asking businesses, service clubs, United Way, to get behind us and help us to provide this service,” said Brian Olson.

Individuals, organizations or businesses interested in becoming donors or sponsors of the program can visit www.highriver.ca or email [email protected] for more information.