Introduction

Welcome to the Heartland Training & Support Hub, formerly known as the Farm Safety Centre. As we’ve evolved, our mission has broadened, reaching beyond farm safety to encompass rural health, well-being, and support for newcomers. Our journey, rooted deeply in farm safety, has expanded our vision. Today, we’re dedicated to nurturing rural communities through diverse educational programs and initiatives. Our commitment to safety is now enriched with a focus on fostering a thriving, inclusive rural Canada. Alongside our foundational commitment to safety, we now offer a diverse array of programs:

• • Safety Smarts: Continuing our core mission of promoting farm safety education.
  • Sustainable Farm Families: Focusing on the health and sustainability of farm families.
  • Rural Health Initiative: Addressing broader health concerns in rural communities.
  • New Roots (Under Development): Aiding newcomers in integrating into rural life.
  • Drug Awareness Program (Under Development): Tackling the challenges of substance abuse in rural areas.

These programs exemplify our dedication to a thriving, inclusive rural Canada, blending our legacy in safety with new, holistic approaches to community support and health. Join us in this exciting new chapter, as we expand our horizons while staying true to our core values.

Our journey at the Heartland Training & Support Hub, once the Farm Safety Centre, is deeply rooted in our shared history with the rural communities we serve. It all started in 1989-1990, a time when farm safety was a growing concern. The Raymond & District Futures Society, operating as the Farm Safety Centre, emerged as a beacon of hope and guidance, focusing primarily on farm safety education. This charitable organization, dedicated to promoting safe agricultural practices, has been a major contributor to the welfare of farm families, who are the heart of Alberta’s agricultural industry.

In 1991, our organization was solidified under the Societies Act of Alberta, with incorporation number 505001545. By 1993, our commitment to social good was further recognized when we were granted charitable status by the Canada Revenue Agency (registration number 890566441RR0001). Since the 1990s, our farm safety extension programs have been a continuous presence in rural Alberta, evolving over time to meet the changing needs of our communities.

Our evolution has been a story of adaptation and growth, driven by our unwavering commitment to these communities. We’ve broadened our focus, addressing not just the physical safety of farmers but also the overall well-being and health of rural families. Recognizing the challenges faced by newcomers to rural areas, we’ve developed initiatives to facilitate their integration and success.

Today, as the Heartland Training & Support Hub, we stand as a testament to our dedication to the rural heartland of Canada. Our history is not just a timeline of events; it’s a narrative of our commitment to adapt, grow, and respond to the changing needs of the communities we cherish. The generosity of thousands has enabled the decades-long delivery of impactful programs. Detailed delivery information and contributor acknowledgments can be found in our “Programs” and “Supporters” sections, respectively.

Join us as we continue this journey, true to our core values and excited for the future we are shaping together. We are grateful for each dollar donated and every hand extended in support of our mission.”

• Mission Statement: “To empower and support rural Canadians and newcomers, providing them with the tools, resources, education, and safety insights they need to thrive in their communities.”
• Vision Statement: “A Canada where every rural individual, whether a long-time resident or a newcomer, has access to comprehensive support, education, safety resources, and opportunities to ensure their well-being and success.”