F.C.S.S. (Family and Community Support Services)

For more information on the following programs and services please contact
Kelly Taylor, FCSS Director, (780) 923-3331 or email kelly at fcss@gibbons.ca

Family and Community Support Services - F.C.S.S. is a Municipal/Provincial cost shared program. Through F.C.S.S., many services, activities and programs are made available. These services are provided with the intention of promoting and enhancing family and community life. Volunteerism and prevention are emphasized, and F.C.S.S. helps the community help itself. Services and programs are varied, depending on the need. Present services offered with the support of F.C.S.S. include:

Information and Referrals - This is an important component of F.C.S.S.  Anyone who needs information, referrals or support on social, community or personal issues, may contact the F.C.S.S. office.  Although counselling is not available through our local office, the coordinator can provide information and assistance on obtaining counselling.  Confidentiality is protected.

Family Education For Everyday Living - Through F.C.S.S., a number of workshops to assist in Family and Community life are provided at low cost to the community.  Topics have included issues on Parenting, Personal Development and Career Development.

Active Living Events - "The focus of Active Living means participation by all, at any level.  It involves spiritual, mental, emotional and social as well as physical qualities, keeping our bodies light and our mind's alive, through holistic activities." Events include the Family Day Activities, and the Mayor's Walk and Treasure Hunt.

Teen Centre - The Gibbons Teen Centre operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights at the Lion's Den from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Staff ensure that youth have the opportunity to participate in activities in a safe environment.  Come on out and play, create friendships, share ideas and enjoy different activities.

Meals on Wheels - This service is available to community members who have difficulty in preparing their own meals due to health reasons. Hot, nutritious meals are delivered three times per week, by volunteer drivers. There is a small fee for the meals. More information is available through the F.C.S.S. office.

Group Photocopying - This service is available to all approved community groups in Gibbons. 500 free copies are allotted to each group with a reduced cost for each additional copy thereafter. This service helps to keep operational costs for non-profit organizations at a minimum.

Volunteer Organization Supports - F.C.S.S. provides assistance to volunteer groups in a number of areas, from assistance with board development, information and assistance with grant applications and leadership development.

Babysitting Registry - A list of both adult and teen babysitters is available for anyone looking for a babysitter. Adults and teens interested in babysitting may call the F.C.S.S. office if they wish to have their name on the list. This is only a registry; no references or recommendations are given.

Babysitting Safety Course - F.C.S.S. sponsors this Alberta Safety Council course, which provides a certificate upon successful completion. This course is available twice a year, and is primarily for babysitters age 12 years and older.

Youth Leadership - F.C.S.S. sponsors youth leadership and social development opportunities through a variety of programs.  DARE (Drug Awareness & Resistance Education) is provided to students in Grade Six.  F.C.S.S. sponsors materials for the program and R.C.M.P. facilitate this seventeen week program.  PARTY (Prevent Alcohol & Risk Related Trauma in Youth) provides youth opportunities to learn about impacts of high risk behaviors and strategies to reduce risk.  F.C.S.S. sponsors this program in partnership with a number of community organizations.

Transportation for Seniors and Handicapped - F.C.S.S. administers this provincial funding to eligible groups or programs.

Family Violence Project - One goal of the Community Services Board is to increase awareness of family violence and it's negative effects on the community.  November is Family Violence month. Each year a different project is undertaken to achieve better awareness of this ongoing problem.  Projects have included: sponsoring Azimuth Theatre's dramas on dating violence and alcohol abuse for local junior high and high schools, the donation of parent resource materials for the library, articles in the local newspapers and poster and essay contests in schools to promote a "bully free" community.

Community Access Program - Community Services, the Gibbons Library and the Sturgeon Learning Centre co-sponsor this program that provides Internet access to the community at no cost. To become a member, contact the Gibbons Public Library or Kelly Taylor at 923-3331.

Senior’s Grant Information - Information on Provincial grant programs is provided through an information session with Community Development. Volunteers are available to provide assistance to seniors with filling out grant application forms.

Creative Kitchens - In these difficult economic times it is important to make your money stretch as far as possible. Participants learn to stretch food dollars, shop smart and prepare delicious, nutritious meals to take home. Contact Families First at 998-5595 ext 221.

Creative With Kids - This program is geared for parents and caregivers and their preschool children.  This drop in program is an opportunity for adults to meet others in the community and learn creative ways to play with children.  This could include the use of songs, stories, games, rhymes and crafts.  This group meets Tuesday mornings at the Pooh Bear Preschool from Sept 30 - Dec 16, 2008. All are welcome to drop in between 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  To register contact Families First at 413-9153 or 998-5595 ext 221

Click here for more information on FCSS.