Social work, counselling and budget services have been given a boost in the latest round of Central Lakes Trust funding.
A total of $187,250 has been allocated by the trust as operational grants to 10 community organisations in the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts.
"Central Lakes Trust has a strong commitment to supporting social service organisations that deliver valuable programmes and services in our region,'' the trust's chief executive, Paul Allison, said.
"Our latest round of grants is testament to that.''
Presbyterian Support Otago received the biggest grant of $62,000 to help it deliver a wide range of programmes including social work, counselling, parenting and budgeting.
PSO Family Works director Paul Hooper said it offered a different service as it worked with children, families, individuals and older people to strengthen families and meet individual needs.
"Rural families face a variety of issues which overwhelm parents and impact negatively on their ability to be effective parents. Our social work services in Central Otago address these needs through creating a happy home environment, improving community understanding of how to parent and protect children as well as increasing the skills of parents in the community.''
The service worked across generations to build positive change, strong families and healthy communities.
An annual grant of $20,000 was approved for an emergency heating fund administered by Central Otago Budget Advice Service.
The fund was set up to assist vulnerable people with heating costs. The Central Lakes Trust evolved from the Otago Central Electric Power Board.
The board bestowed the trust with assets valued at $155 million in November 2000 and the proceeds are used to fund community projects and services.
Grants approved by the trust in May and June were. -
Alexandra Community Advice Network $7000, Central Otago Compassionate Friends $10,000, Central Otago Victim Support $8000, Age Concern Southland $15,500, Anglican Family Care Centre $12,000, Presbyterian Support Otago $62,000, Sport Otago $27,500, Central Otago Budget Advice Service $17,000, Central Otago Budget Advice Service Emergency Heating Fund $20,000, Stroke Foundation NZ $2500 and Teviot Valley Community Christian Trust $5750.
