Grant affords more pro bono opportunities
A local woman, living with an intellectual disability, has endured unimaginable loss — first the passing of her infant child, and later the death of her long-term partner. With little family support and limited financial resources, she turned to Ehrlo Counselling to access pro bono services that would provide support, guidance, and a safe place to heal.
Thanks to renewed funding from the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation’s Anonymous Donor Fund, Ehrlo Counselling Services (ECS) will continue to extend this support, providing pro bono counselling to dozens of individuals and families who might otherwise be left without the professional support they need.
This marks the 14th year that the fund has supported ECS with an annual grant of $50,000, ensuring access to counselling for underserved populations in need of mental health care.
Additionally, this year, the foundation announced that the anonymous donor has committed to extending their support with anticipated annual grants of $50,000 for another five years, beginning in August 2025.
“Our longstanding partnership with the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation’s Anonymous Donor Fund has been a lifeline for the most vulnerable in our community – those with the least access to counselling services,” explained Natashia Schoenroth, director of ECS. “From individuals in low-income and single-parent households to people with disabilities and complex diagnoses, this support ensures they receive the help they need.”
“With the anticipated five years of additional funding support, we are hopeful that we can continue providing these critical service while exploring new ways to meet community needs,” she continued.
These funding dollars continue to enable people to focus on the necessary support and treatment they need without worrying about financial burdens. Over this last year, the $50,000 grant enabled ECS to provide close to 400 pro bono sessions. Some of the services provided included individual and family counselling in areas including mental health, parenting support, addictions, behavioural difficulties, identity work, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, psychoeducation, treatment planning, advocacy work, and training.
“Together Ehrlo Counselling and South Saskatchewan Community Foundation are making a difference,” said Natashia.