By Josh Hall

Alberta

Agency helping Albertans through separation and divorce could close doors

May 9, 2024 | 4:38 PM

An Alberta organization which provides support for families navigating divorce and separation is in jeopardy due to a lack of funding.

Next Chapter Alberta is now relying on philanthropists and Albertans province-wide, as well as the government, to help it ensure it can continue to offer its services — otherwise, “the risk of closing is very real,” they say.

Since 1998, the non-profit organization has helped over 5,000 individuals and families, including through its program which is aptly called The Next Chapter, and is available online. Its Rainbows program for children is available at 130 sites and organizations in 65 communities.

“We are at a pivotal moment,” says Wil Kunyk, executive director. “Our mission has never been more critical, yet without the immediate financial support of $250,000, our ability to provide these essential services is at significant risk of ending.”

The $250,000 would given them enough to operate for two years, and would be substantially more than what they’ve been able to access through the AGLC.

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Next Chapter currently offers its seasonal eight-week, peer-led and trauma-informed course for just $99, though the cost to run it is much higher.

Kunyk says an organization that deals with divorce and separation is a tricky one to get support for because so many still see the subject as taboo.

“People think talking about it is going to put it in people’s’ minds and they fear for the loss of a relationship,” they say. “Talking about it is still seen as a negative thing even though the numbers show a huge percentage of our population is faced with the subject on a regular basis.”

Next Chapter Alberta was originally known as Foundation for Families in Transformation, then became Starfish Family Resources, before transitioning to its current name