CONTENTS 50 YEARS FCSS of · 03 FAMILY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES • ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2016...

CONTENTS

50 YEARS FCSS Look How Far We’ve Come!

50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSSof50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSSof50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSSof50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS Look How Far We’ve Come! Look How Far We’ve Come! Look How Far We’ve Come! Look How Far We’ve Come! Look How Far We’ve Come!

50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSSof50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSSof50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSSof50 YEARS FCSS50 YEARS FCSSof50 YEARS FCSS

01 FAMILY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES • ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2016

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do

interfere with what I can do.EDWARD EVERETT HALE

“”

CONTENTSA LETTER FROM THE CHAIRPERSON

50 YEARS A Brief History A Changing Lethbridge

WHAT WE DO LIVES TOUCHED

OUTCOMES

STORY

SUPPORTING FAMILIES

STORY

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUTH

STORY

SUPPORT FOR OLDER ADULTS

AFFORDABLE COUNSELLING

VOLUNTEERISM

STORY

ON THE HORIZON

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM DIRECTORY

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EDWARD EVERETT HALE

LETTER FROM MANAGEROF COMMUNITY & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL

It is truly an honour and privilege to present the 10th Annual Family and Community Suport Services (FCSS) Outcome Report on behalf of Community and Social Development. It is an especially signi� cant release as Lethbridge and Alberta celebrate 50 years of preventive social services. We have a rich and proud history of supporting citizens of Lethbridge as

they become resilient individuals and families. Our community is growing to become more diverse, proactive and responsive to emerging trends, needs and strengths as we near one hundred thousand residents. We are proud that Community and Social Development’s vision, strategies and outcomes have resulted in the positive outcomes that are clearly articulated in this 50th Anniversary Report.

The outcomes demonstrate the impact that occurs when people and community take responsibility for issues that impact them. They do this by engaging individuals, groups, stakeholders and organizations to create a shared vision that improves lives and builds community. Positive social connections are strengthened, collective action is mobilized, and root causes are identi� ed and addressed. Lethbridge is known for collaboration as we build e� ective systems and partnerships with community leaders to work toward the shared goals of serving our Citizens.

We have anticipated and further responded to the many faces of change that have occurred in Lethbridge over the past 50 years. This continues. As we approach 100K, Community and Social Development recognizes the pace of change as more complex social needs, diverse resources; the diversity in our citizenry and new technologies and approaches pave the way for � nding new ways to work together toward our future. The Community and Social Development team and Committee of Council are well positioned to proactively respond.

This future includes preparing for an aging community and province. We are committed to ensuring that all people in Lethbridge have opportunity to fully participate in community life, where every person, regardless of age, ability, cultural background, identity or income level have access to programs and services. Bringing people and resources together builds a strong, healthy and inclusive community. Welcoming new citizens including our neighbors, refugees and all people to Lethbridge; builds better life for everyone.

Community and Social Development continues to lead and partner to prevent and or respond at the earliest opportunity to the challenges of complex social issues. We are committed to continue to improve our e� orts and remain vigilant to the changing priorities in community. Together we will continue to serve our citizens and community. We build Albertans.

Sincerely,

Diane Randell, ManagerCommunity and Social Development, City of Lethbridge

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

ANNE FRANK ”

FAMILY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES • ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2016 02

“


50 YEARS - A CHANGING LETHBRIDGE50 YEARS - A BRIEF HISTORY

The sixties were interesting years in Lethbridge. By 1961, the City had doubled in size with the “baby boom” young families and Dutch immigration as part of the Post World War II Program. To address growth, new roads, schools, churches, subdivisions and recreational opportunities were spreading the City in all directions. 1969 brought expansion of the City across the Oldman River.

A new driving culture brought drive-in theatres, fast food and much more tra� c. Colour TV arrived and, at the end of the decade, most homes had a TV in their homes. Women were starting to enter the work force and engage in politics. As the Junior College became more established and the University opened, post-secondary education opened young minds to new ideas and social causes. The 60’s o� ered some of the � rst protests against discrimination and a more global conscience resulted in walks to raise money for developing countries.

–Credit: Belinda Crowson

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is a funding partnership between the Government of Alberta and the City of Lethbridge. In 1966, the Government entered into a partner-ship with municipalities under the Preventive Social Services Act; later replaced with the Family & Community Support Ser-vices Act. In our 50 years, FCSS has undergone many changes in both function and Ministry. In the early years, the municipal-ity delivered social assistance checks, ran childcare programs and o� ered counselling along with many other direct social services. In 1993, all direct services were contracted to the not for pro� t sector through negotiated funding agreements. In the early 2000’s the governments recognized that social needs were better identi� ed at the local level and responsibility for planning, development, contract administration and evalua-tion was granted to the local FCSSs throughout the province.

Our various homes within the Government of Alberta included Alberta Municipal A� airs, Alberta Family and Social Services and Alberta Children’s Services. Today the partnership is under the Ministry of Human Services. The Family and Community Support Services program is unique to Alberta. Nowhere else in Canada will you � nd a similar model of preventive social services.


WHAT WE DO

Under the Community and Social Development Group, FCSS funding allows us to work with our community to development preventative programs and initiatives that build and support well-being among individuals, families and communities. Many programs depend on community resources and involve volunteers in management and delivery.

These programs help our community citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles, improve quality of life and build skills and knowledge to prevent and deal with crises. They develop and strengthen interpersonal and group skills so that people may have positive relationships and be active participants in community.

City of Lethbridge, Community and Social Development Group is responsible for administering the FCSS funding for programs and services. Community development, organizational support, program planning and funding management are roles within this group. Through partnerships, initiatives and events we help people to learn about the social needs in our community and to work together to address them. Community and Social Development team is implementing the following strategies:

1. Creating programs, services and initiatives based on research and best practices.

2. Building a strong communication and marketing strategy to share our role and the results of our work in community.

3. Sharing educational opportunities, building skills and creating awareness with our stakeholders including opportunities for professional and organizational development.

4. Working with citizens and interdisciplinary groups to build a healthy, vibrant, safe and welcoming community.

These programs help our community citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles, improve quality of life and build skills and knowledge to prevent and deal with crises. They develop and strengthen interpersonal and group skills so that people may have positive relationships and be active participants in community.

Under the Community and Social Development Group, FCSS funding allows us to work with our community to development preventative programs and initiatives that build and support well-being among individuals, families and communities. Many programs depend on community resources and involve volunteers in management and delivery.

Under the Community and Social Development Group, FCSS funding allows us to work with our community to development preventative programs and initiatives that build and support well-being among individuals, families and communities. Many

healthy • vibrant •

safe • welcoming • c

ommunity

15Organizations: Organizations receiving FCSS funding for programs.

25Programs: Programs within organizations receiving FCSS funding.

13Support: Internal programs and initiatives supported directly by FCSS resources.

18,307Participants: Participants in all programs o� ered.

3,106 Volunteers Volunteers who provide unpaid support to programs and services.

82,060Volunteer Hours: All combined hours worked for programs and services by volunteers.

719Indigenous People : Program participants who self-identify as First Nations, Metis, Inuit People.

684 People with Disabilities: Persons who self-identify as having a disability.

667New Canadians: New Canadians (10 years or less) receiving programs and services.

LIVES TOUCHED - 2015


LIVES TOUCHED - 2015LIVES TOUCHED - 2015LIVES TOUCHED - 2015LIVES TOUCHED - 2015LIVES TOUCHED - 2015LIVES TOUCHED - 2015


OUTCOMESFCSS Outcomes Model

March 2012 8

The FCSS Outcomes Model: Chart of Outcomes and Indicators

Over-arching Goal:

FCSS enhances the social well-being of individuals, families and community through prevention.

SD1help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills and become more resistant to crisis;

SD2 help people to develop an awareness of social needs;

SD3 help people to develop interpersonal and group skills which enhance constructive relationships among people;

SD4 help people and communities to assume responsibility for decisions and actions which affect them; and

SD5 provide supports that help sustain people as active participants in the community

Improved social well-being of individuals

Improved social well-being of families

Improved social well-being of community

Outcome 1: Individuals experience personal well-being. (contributes to SD1) Indicators: Resilience; self-esteem; optimism; capacity to meet needs; autonomy; competence; personal engagement; meaning and purpose

Outcome 2: Individuals are connected with others. (contributes to SD3) Indicators: Quality of social relationships; social supports available; trust and belonging

Outcome 3: Children and youth develop positively. (contributes to SD1 through SD5) Indicators: Developmental assets

Outcome 1: Healthy functioning within families. (contributes to SD1 & SD3) Indicators: Positive family relationships: Positive parenting Positive family communication

Outcome 2: Families have social supports. (contributes to SD1, SD3 & SD5)) Indicators: Extent and quality of social networks Family accesses resources as needed

Outcome 1: The community is connected and engaged. (contributes to SD1 through SD5) Indicators: Social engagement Social support Awareness of the community Positive attitudes toward others and the community

Outcome 2: Community social issues are identified and addressed. (contributes to SD 2 & SD4) Indicators: Awareness of community social issues Understanding of community social issues Agencies and/or community members work in partnership to address social issues in the community

Local FCSS programs and projects address local priorities based on social needs.

Strategic Directions (SD)

The FCSS Outcomes Model: Chart of Outcomes & Indicators

OUTCOMESOUTCOMESOUTCOMES


“Starting the SFI program as a soon-to-be parent was an entry point into a world of education and re� ection surrounding an enormous responsibility. I very much wanted to be a good father and a good husband (and still do), but in some ways I didn’t know where or how to start a positive and productive life as a Dad.

A STORY FROM A DAD – SUPPORTING FATHER INVOLVEMENT, FAMILY CENTRE

–SFI Participant

Seeing and sharing experiences with other parents enhanced my

ability to choose a more advancedand focused direction in my new

and exciting life as a parent.

““–SFI Participant

with other parents enhanced my ability to choose a more advanced

and focused direction in my new and exciting life as a parent. “and exciting life as a parent. “and exciting life as a parent.

As I, and many know, just being a husband or a Dad is much di� erent than being good at either. I have always wanted the best for my wife and child but found myself, in some ways, missing the mark on how and how I wanted to be and in some ways unknowingly ill-equipped to truly understand how to improve on my own.

SFI gave me the knowledge and ammunition I needed to begin a deeper exploration of myself in a supportive and comfortable environment. The program’s focus on self, partner and parent really opened my eyes to the impact of each role on myself

and my family. Seeing and sharing experiences with other parents enhanced my ability to

choose a more advanced and focused direction in my new and exciting life as a parent. Even when we covered topics I was relatively familiar with (like love languages), the method in which the topics were discussed, the speci� city of personal and role based impacts and the depth of the content was truly enlightening. Not only did SFI

teach me a lot and equip me to be a better spouse and father, it opened the

doorway to other controllable elements of my life that needed to be explored and

re-examined.

The program administrator, leaders and sup-port sta� are exceptional. The environment is kind, nurturing, non-judgemental and sup-portive. The introspection can and should be intense at times but if you are a parent who wants to be the best mom or dad you can be, if you’ve ever felt challenged and over-whelmed, if you want to be the best spouse you can be, or if you’d like to help other parents do the same, this is the program for you – highly recommended.” – SFI Participant

SUPPORTING FAMILIES & CHILDREN AS THEY GROW & DEVELOP


Families learn new skills and knowledge required to care for themselves and each other, build strengths, cope and address challenges. Programs build protective factors in families and reduce risk factors.

We are proud to partner with: • Family Centre• Lethbridge School District 51 – Making Connections

84.5% children and youth agreed that they had better interpersonal skills from participating in programs

89% of children and youth were making better decisions

96% of parents increased their positive interactions with their children

95%were better able to access community resources when their families needed them

“Love the Family Centre! My son really enjoys it and I feel really safe about the environment here. Lots of additional support and info which is appreciated.”

“Daddy & Me Program is an easy and a� ordable way for me to spend quality one on one time with my children and I � nd that we are bene� tting from it.” –Family Centre

“I am so grateful for the help I received. I feel stronger as a parent, understand better how to cope with my child’s anxiety and support her at school.” –Making Connections

“Making Connections has given me the help I needed when I did not know where I was going to turn or what I was going to do.”

were better able to access community resources when their families needed them

“Love the Family Centre! My son really enjoys it and I feel really safe about the environment here.

“Daddy & Me Program is an easy and a� ordable way for me to spend quality one on one –Family Centre–Family Centre

“I am so grateful for the help I received. I feel stronger as a parent, understand better how –Making Connections

“Making Connections has given me the help I needed when I did not know

were better able to access community resources when their families needed them

“Love the Family Centre! My son really enjoys it and I feel really safe about the environment here.

“Daddy & Me Program is an easy and a� ordable way for me to spend quality one on one –Family Centre

“I am so grateful for the help I received. I feel stronger as a parent, understand better how –Making Connections

“Making Connections has given me the help I needed when I did not know

–Making Connections

My girls are doing so much better. We talk more and do more projects together and we have less con� icts

and more compromise.

““


WHAT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB MEANS TO ME

I’ve been attending the Tuesday night drop-in since 2013. I was 14 turning15. The sta� has always been so very kind towards me since day 1. When I had some internal con� icts as well as other con� icts in my life, I knew that this was the place to go. Everyone there was always so supportive in helping me � nd ways to deal with others in a calm and respectful manner. They also showed me new ways on how to cope in ways that won’t a� ect my future or my living arrangements.

Although I was a very lippy child, you all taught me how to “bite my tongue” when necessary. I have become very close with the sta� and volunteers. Just to name a few, [these mentors] have been positive female role models to me, and showed me [how to be a strong woman]. These women in my life have not only been an amazing role model towards myself and my fellow

peers, they inspired me on which path to choose my career. They also showed me what it means to become a great friend and a young leader. But most of all, every single one of the sta� and volunteers helped me transform my whole life. I think its safe to say I know who I am, who I want to be, as well as who I’ve become.

It’s sad that I only have 5 months left to attend [the MAT]. The Boys & Girls Club has left an ever

lasting impression on me. Thank you!

MAT Youth Participant, Age 17

–Youth Participant

Every single one of the sta� and volunteers helped me transform

my whole life. I think its safe to say I know who I am, who I want to be,

as well as who I’ve become.

““

I’ve become.

It’s sad that I only have 5 months left to attend [the MAT]. The Boys & Girls Club has left an ever


my whole life. I think its safe to say


I know who I am, who I want to be, as well as who I’ve become.

Boys & Girls Club has left an ever lasting impression on me.

Thank you!

MAT Youth Participant, Age 17



my whole life. I think its safe to say I know who I am, who I want to be,

as well as who I’ve become. “


MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR YOUTH:

Through positive adult mentorship and safe, supportive environments, youth can build relationships toward the development of con� dence and life skills.

Programs that mentor youth include:• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District• Boys and Girls Club – MAT Youth Centre• YWCA GirlSpace

98% felt adults cared about them

95.6% learn about boundaries and expectations

91% felt that they increased interpersonal skills

Youth say:“The MAT is great because I can come to get away [from the negative things in my life] and it’s great seeing all the people that come.”

“I like going to MAT because I can meet new people and just be myself.”

“I have learned how wonderful your life can be with friendships.”

“I have learned how to be brave.” –GirlSpace

Parents say: “It is so nice to see the bond that has developed and the friendship has bloomed. I am very grateful to BBBS for the amazing job they do, the wonderful support the organization has been and care and kindness we have been shown.” –Big Brothers Big Sisters

“My daughter is an only child and this has given her a great way to express herself, learn new things and make new friends. She feels that she has a safe place to go.” –GirlSpace

Mentors Say:“The MAT and the Boys and Girls Club have been a part of my life for over 5 years. Being able to work with people who inspire me to be better has kept me motivated to be an agent of positive change in the world. The education I have received from working here has been unlike any other.”

“The � rst meeting that we had this year, my “Little” from the previous year recognized me. Her entire face lit up and she ran over to hug me. The happiness that she received from our match was tangible. It made me look forward to new experiences and growth with our relationship.” –Teen Mentor Big Brothers Big Sisters

“Hands-down the most rewarding thing I have done in my life.” –Big (Mentor) at Big Brothers Big Sisters


STORY

My father, who recently turned 85, has been a member at the Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre for more than twenty years. Throughout that time it has been an essential part of his life that has helped sustain him. Back in his early years as a senior, my father visited the Centre daily, chatting with friends, read-ing in the library, enjoying a meal or participating in various activities – a good game of darts was a � rm favourite…

Like many seniors, my father’s children all moved away from Le-thbridge and Alberta. Yet we never worried about him because we knew that he was involved with the Centre, that he was ac-tive, happy and well. In fact, we knew not to bother calling him at home on a weekday because he’d be at the Centre. When we did reach him in the evenings, this was always con� rmed in our conversations.

Over the years, the Centre became a home away from home, and its employees and members became family. He was con-tented to spend his time there. It gave him a place to go, but more importantly, it gave him a sense of belonging. Whenever any of his children came home, he insisted that we have lunch at the Centre, partly to show us o� , but more so because it was his haunt and he wanted to share it with us. It matters that much to him.

When I moved back to Lethbridge in 2002 my father was still going strong and still spending the bulk of his days at the Centre. However, over the past few years his health has been failing. I am continually impressed with the array of services that it o� ers to seniors. It is a community within a community, and its members are warm and friendly. It is, quite frankly, an invaluable resource that provides critical services for seniors. The Centre gave my father a quality of life he would not have otherwise enjoyed. When he was still healthy, it gave him opportunities to engage in society in meaningful ways and a chance to continue contributing after his retirement. When his health deteriorated, the Centre gave him the assistance and support he needed to continue to live his life with dignity. It is impossible to truly articulate my gratitude to the Centre and its employees for giving my father more than twenty years of support, care and friendship.

–edited for space and anonymity


SUPPORT FOR OLDER ADULTS

Building knowledge, social connection and coping skills to thrive while facing the challenges of aging. FCSS funding fosters a vibrant community for older adults who are physically and emotionally healthy and socially active. Funded programs provide opportunity to remain engaged, active and as independent as possible through later years.

They include: • CBI Home Health (Homemaker Subsidy)• Lethbridge & Region Community Housing (Community Worker Program)• Nord-Bridge Senior Citizens Association• Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization

95% are more able to cope with the challenges faced as a senior-resilience

92% are helped to take action toward improving their lives

85% have quality of social relationships

94% feel a stronger sense of belonging to community

SENIORS SHARED SOME FEEDBACK

“I really appreciate the services you provide. This enables me to stay in my own home.” –CBI Greystoke

“Take care of me for as long as you can so I can stay in my own home.” –CBI Greystoke

“When I needed a con� dential sounding board, the Community Work-er was there. In my experience with both workers being on site, many negative situations or confrontations were channeled into possibilities of creative problem solving.” –L&RCHC

“Keeping me active, out of the house and creates friendships that would not be possible just sitting at home.” –Nord-Bridge


FCSS Subsidies make counselling more a� ordable for people with lower incomes. The purpose of preventive counselling is to strengthen coping skills and prevent more severe emotional and relationship problems.

Agencies providing short-term counselling services, support groups and educational sessions include:• Associates Counselling Services• Crossroads Counselling Services• Lethbridge Family Services

AFFORDABLE SHORT-TERM COUNSELLING

91% are better at handling whatever comes their way – resilience

92%are more optimistic about the future – optimism

89% say relationships with family/friends/co-workers are more enjoyable

“…the subsidy I receive allowed me to get help I may not have been able to get otherwise, because of � nancial issues. Seeing [counsellor] has been very important for me maintaining my mental health over the past few months.” –Associates

“Awesome. If I had this info. This time last year, my life would have been so positively changed! Thank you.” –Associates

“Crossroads Counselling has been the best decision I’ve made at this time of my life. [I] am thankful for [the] subsidy because I wouldn’t be here without it.”

“I didn’t know what to do anymore. I felt hopeless, helpless. [I] had no idea how to cope or manage my life or my problems. Though my problems have not changed, I do feel con� dent they will…” –Crossroads

CLIENTS SAY


VOLUNTEERISM

active. The nice part is, I can volunteer for as many hours as I am able and the areas of interest are enormous.”

Volunteer Lethbridge helps facilitate our volunteer growth, we do not have a volunteer coordinator and thus we appreciate that Volunteer Lethbridge facilitates this role in our organiza-tion.

“We can’t begin to convey to you how Volunteer Lethbridge made us feel when they came into our backyard to proceed to setup to redo our fence, it was a team of well-organized willing workers. We were taken aback to see their approach, skill and professionalism…We so appreciate the fact that there is a pro-gram out there for seniors, it enables us to remain in our own home if some of the bigger tasks are done that we could not otherwise a� ord to get done. A huge Thank You!”

Volunteer Lethbridge support builds the capacity of organiza-tions and community and helps people to be active members of the community.

97% of members agreed that through working with Volunteer Lethbridge, their organization had the necessary skills to help address community social issues

100% of volunteers agreed that they were more aware of the impact of social issues in their community

“Re� ection back on the various volunteer areas I have been privileged to participate in, I discovered what a learning expe-rience it is. As I cannot change careers frequently to experience my areas of interest, volunteering provides that avenue…Volunteering is a great way to keep me physically and mentally

VOLUNTEER FEEDBACK

“Being a volunteer helps me be a whole new person in the community and being a vol-unteer at Volunteer Lethbridge is the most AWESOME volunteer job I could ever ask for.”

“My experience with Volunteer Lethbridge has been great! I have learned leadership skills, event coordination skills, volunteer manage-ment skills, and many other skills! I have always had amazing support from all the VL sta� . It truly is an honour volunteering for VL.”


LETHBRIDGE & REGION HOUSING CORP. - Halmrast Manor Garden

In our world, we often use the analogy of a garden. We plant seeds, nurture, watch our e� orts and hope they bloom in com-munity. Not so long ago, a low cost housing authority building of about 110 residents was not much of a community. It was mostly a culture of “me and mine” with a wide variety of social barriers, mental health issues and a history of disappointing relationships. People did not make eye contact. A lot stayed in their apartments. Some took what they wanted and did not give thought to their impact on others. There were many con-� icts between residents, with sta� and in community.

FCSS started funding a community worker to build interper-sonal skills and engagement. Many situations were complex and soon Social Housing in Action (SHIA) added an eviction prevention case manager. Finally, we were able to retain two caring and dedicated sta� . They employed many strategies to engage people. One such initiative has been a remarkable Community Garden.

A full � fty percent of residents are involved. Fifty percent.

Some commit to plant seed and then disappear. Some weed quietly in a corner but smile at the chatter around them. Some are full-on gardeners, builders, landscapers and decorators. They are reminded of their skill and are back to feeling a sense of purpose. Others are problem solvers and planners. They are proud to use found objects, recycle, borrow and get donations for every project.

All have agreed that produce belongs to the whole building. Nobody poaches. The garden is sacred. Many are customers of the food banks. They have plans to expand and donate their produce back. They engage in other programming and discuss topics with greater trust. There is more patience and kindness. The biggest con� ict this month is with magpies.

The community garden has become a community that gardens. Oh yes, great things are growing here.


ON THE HORIZON

The Community and Social Development (CSD) Group is proud to present the FCSS Lethbridge Outcome Measures Report 2015. During this year and subsequently, our community has experienced signi� cant and consistent population growth. As the city approaches a population of over 100K, the emerging social trends experienced in 2015 have impacted Social Policy and the current identi� ed priorities.

Through strong and e� ective community engagement and development, the CSD Committee of Council committed to the continued building of these Social Policy priorities:

prevention • resilience • in

clusion • accessibility • � e

xibility

5. Building of developmental assets as protective factors across the community as part of an investment in building healthy and resilient children, youth and families.

6. The Youth Advisory Council provides a voice and an oppor-tunity for youth to advocate for the needs of youth and toin� uence policy and planning within the city and community.

1. Strengthening of primary prevention programs for all ages through FCSS funding that is aligned with the investment priorities: building resilience, inclusion and increasing accessi-bility.

2. Reducing poverty by decreasing the impact of Payday Lend-ing, increasing access to � exible and a� ordable transportation, working with many sectors on food security and partnering to provide community education such as Poverty Simulations.

3. Building a community for all ages and abilities through a community assessment of aging, creating and implementing an action plan and receiving World Health Organization Age Friendly Community Status.

4. Continuing to be a leader in building welcoming and inclu-sive community through community development, education, experiential learning, policy and is recognized nationally and internationally as a best practice.


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Using a community development approach, our team works with individuals and community organizations to organize, advocate and collaborate on issues that matter to them. Through awareness, engagement, advocacy, planning and implementation we create a community where all citizens thrive.

The following are examples of those collaborations and initiatives:

• Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council

• Alberta Interagency Council On Homelessness

• Beyond Your Front Door

• Coalition of Canadian Municipalities Against Racism

& Discrimination

• Community & Social Development Committee of Council

• Family & Community Support Services Association of Alberta

• Intercity Forum on Social Policy

• Joint Action Team to Build a Welcoming & Inclusive Downtown

• Lethbridge Asset Builders

• Lethbridge Early Years Coalition

• Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network

• Regional Committee to Prevent & End Homelessness

• Seniors Community Forum

• Seniors Transportation/Go Friendly Committee

• Steering Committee to Welcome Refugees to Lethbridge

• Vibrant Lethbridge

• Youth Advisory Council


PROGRAM DIRECTORY

Community and Social Development Group Thanks the F.C.S.S. Funded Partner ProgramsWho Submitted Program Outcomes Information

Associates Counselling ServicesSubsidized short term counsellingPhone: 403.381.6000 associatescounselling.ca Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Lethbridge & DistrictChild and Youth Mentoring ProgramsGame On and Go Girls Group MentoringPhone: 403.328.9355bbbslethbridge.ca

Boys’ & Girls’ Club of LethbridgeMAT Youth Centre ProgramPhone: 403.328.9355 thematlethbridge.com

CBI Home HealthSubsidized Homemaker ServicesPhone : 403.320.0911cbi.ca

Community LINKSInformation and Referral ServicesPhone: 403.328.5465 community-links.ca

Crossroads Counselling ServicesSubsidized Short Term CounsellingPhone: 403.327.7080 crossroadshealing.orgFamily CentreParent Education, Family Support, Counselling, Early Childhood EducationPhone: 403.320.4232 famcentre.ca

Lethbridge Family ServicesSubsidized Counselling Outreach and EducationPhone: 403.327.5724lfsfamily.ca

Lethbridge Housing AuthorityCommunity WorkersPhone: 403.329.0556 lethbridgehousing.ca

Lethbridge School Division 51Making Connections Family Support ProgramPhone: 403.380.5320lethsd.ab.ca

Lethbridge Senior Citizens OrganizationPrevention, Engagement and OutreachPhone: 403.320.2222lethseniors.com

Nord-Bridge Seniors CentreMember SupportPhone: 403.329.3222 nordbridgeseniors.com

Volunteer LethbridgeVolunteer Enhancement and Organization SupportPhone: 403.332.4230volunteerlethbridge.com

YWCA GirlSpace, Girls with Tools, Girl to Girl MentoringPhone: 403.329.0088ywcalethbridge.org

Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.

RALPH VAULL STARR ”“

CONTENTS

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

ALBERT EINSTEIN ”“

The CSD Team sincerely appreciates the support and contributions of:The partner organizations delivering Family and Community Support Services funded programsCommunity and Social Development Committee of CouncilLethbridge City CouncilGovernment of Alberta Ministry of Community and Social Services For questions about this report and information contained within, please contact:Dawn VickersFamily and Community Support Services [email protected]

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CONTENTS 50 YEARS FCSS of · 03 FAMILY & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES • ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2016...

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