Family Services Windsor-Essex receives funds to help boost operational efficiency

FWSE serves the great Windsor-Essex region as a not-for-profit organization that helps the vulnerable in the community. (Gary Archibald/CTV News Windsor)

Family Services Windsor-Essex (FSWE) has received a grant of $34,500 from the Trillium Foundation.

On Thursday, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh Andrew Dowie visited FSWE’s local office at 1770 Langlois Ave. to commemorate the grant with the organization, led by Ciara Holmes, the acting executive director.

It’s an economic boost that helps the in-demand organization improve its operational efficiency across the board. The result will be an enhanced ability for FSWE to serve individuals participating in their Trusteeship Program.

FSWE is a non-profit, charitable organization serving Windsor and Essex County.

The organization’s mandate is to help people in need regain their ability to choose their own place in the world through counselling and individual support services. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and wellness solutions are also offered for organizations large and small.

Bryan Rock is the manager of community programs at FSWE. Rock is grateful and encouraged by the grant and ongoing donations that are helping to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.

“Our trusteeship program especially, we have seen a rise in not only low-income people asking and requiring support,” said Rock.

“We’re seeing, many other people who are employed – just looking for some help, either budgeting, getting some financial literacy or working on their debt. So, we’re always looking to see how we can become more efficient to better serve a larger amount of people who are out there right now.”

Last year, FSWE took 55,000 calls to their office – inquires about financial support, those in need of housing, healthcare issues and the like.

The demand keeps growing for their support services from area residents.

“So, we joke around internally that we’re kind of the city’s unofficial secondary social services,” adds Rock.

“We pretty much try to offer support every single person that calls us if we, for some reason, don’t have a program that will fit their need. We will not just say, sorry, we can’t help you. We will find that referral that works for them and make sure they do get that support.”