HOW IT STARTED
In 2017, two Calgary-based funders (Burns Memorial Fund and Max Bell Foundation) came together to jointly fund a senior policy fellowship.
Dr. Suzanne Tough and Nancy Reynolds, two experienced and community-oriented public policy experts, were appointed as policy fellows. Together with their team, the fellows researched and identified policy opportunities to enhance natural supports for potentially vulnerable Albertan children 6-16 years of age and their families, with the goal of optimizing positive lifelong development. The work of the policy fellowship resulted in finding policies and practical options to help improve the lives of children throughout their middle years. The findings of this research resulted in a set of natural support indicators, a policy framework, and A Guide to Building Naturally Supportive Communities.
Why the name Connections First? Because people tend to turn to those in their community first when they need support. From family and friends to colleagues or acquaintances, connections are our foundations when it comes to forming meaningful relationships that optimize positive growth and development in all of us.
HOW IT’S GOING
Following the conclusion of their fellowship tenure, Dr. Suzanne Tough and Nancy Reynolds continue to be champions of natural supports and Connections First has become a hub for natural supports work in Alberta. This website hosts the findings of the policy fellowship, as well as research, training, and resources related to natural supports work from across Alberta. Organizations and individuals can use this space to learn more about natural supports, access resources and guides for promoting natural supports in their community or organizations and amplify the importance of this work through their own connections and networks.
By sharing this collection of common sources, information and resources, we hope Connections First both unifies and strengthens the natural supports work in the province and beyond.
Have any natural supports resources or projects you’d like to share?
Please contact Kendall Quantz at kendall.quantz@burnsfund.com.
We invite organizations to share or feature their own natural supports projects.
Disclaimer Note: The content on this website is created, compiled and sourced from many individuals and organizations. One entity is not responsible for the content or quality of the work being shared on this platform.
