Funding cuts for local mental health service organization force service cuts

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 7, 2025.

Our Collective Journey, a local organization that provides resilience coaching and recovery programs, has reported that operations to help individuals and families in Calgary and other parts of Alberta will cease at the end of March due to funding cuts.

The organization, which hosts the annual local Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival, will continue to operate in Medicine Hat.

In a two-page letter posted over social media Our Collective Journey says it is actively exploring alternative funding opportunities and partnerships to expand programming again in the future.

“This unexpected development has placed a significant strain on our ability to continue to prodigy the service and support that so many individuals and families rely on,” reads the letter posted by executive director Tara Schneider-Pichette.

OCJ is seeking any contributions from the community including funding, volunteer efforts and advocacy and says community support has been “instrumental in our success.”

“Now more than ever, your support is vital as we navigate this transition and work towards sustainable solutions,” reads the letter.

The News has reached out for further clarification on the funding cuts and more details on program cuts however did not receive a response before the time of publication.

OCJ says it will keep the community updated on any developments moving forward, and has provided contact information for anyone looking to partner with or support the local mental health service.

More information can be found on the Our Collective Journey Facebook page.

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