A Portrait of Community Rocky View Rocky View County Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) 2011 Community Report This volunteer opportunity is truly one of the best experiences I have been a part of in my life. Because I was fortunate and had an amazingly happy childhood, it is my wish to help other youth have a similar experience, or at least a memory of someone who worked hard toward making a difference for them.
Introduction Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is an 80/20 funding partnership between the Government of Alberta, and municipalities or Metis Settlements. Provincially, the FCSS Program receives its mandate from the Family and Community Support Services Act and Regulation. The Regulation sets out the service requirements that a municipality or Settlement must meet to be eligible for funding. Under FCSS, communities design and deliver social programs that are preventive in nature to promote and enhance social well-being among individuals, families, and communities. The programs depend on community resources, often involving volunteers in management and delivery. The FCSS philosophy is based on a belief that self-help contributes to a sense of integrity, self-worth and independence. The programs developed are intended to help individuals in their community to adopt socially healthy lifestyles, thereby improving the quality of life and building the capacity to prevent and/or deal with crisis situations should they arise. One student had trouble identifying ways to help. We had some conversation and he came around to the fact the world would be a better place, if everyone treated people with empathy. Teacher, Roots of Empathy In Rocky View, not-for-profit organizations are invited to apply annually for FCSS funding. The FCSS Board reviews all applications received and makes recommendations to Council based on FCSS Funding Policy 131. With your support we are able to effectively continue our efforts in making this community a positive place for families to call their home and be active participants. Bragg Creek Community Association Mission Cultivating caring communities that enhance social well-being through prevention, volunteerism, collaboration and community development. Vision Inclusive Communities Strong Families Resilient Individuals Prevention Definition Prevention is a proactive, intentional process focused on strengthening the positive conditions that contribute to the well-being of children, youth, adults, seniors, families and communities; and building upon the personal attributes and skills that are required to ensure healthy lifestyles, especially for those who are at risk. Modified from The Promise of Prevention (February 2005) Edmonton Community Services Advisory Board
Chairman s Message Bob Thomson On behalf of the FCSS Board, I would like to thank all the volunteers in our community and neighbouring communities for their unselfish commitment and dedication to improving the quality of life in the county. Without your community spirit, the county would be just another place to live, not the home many of us make it. Manager, Recreation and Community Support Patti Murray The FCSS model of transfer of knowledge and experiences builds on practices of learning forward. The important goal of retaining and sharing knowledge is about creating value through access and reuse of knowledge, not just capturing intellectual capital. The stories you are about to read demonstrate the value and the difference the programs are making in the lives of Rocky View County residents and how positive influence has occurred because someone dared to care. We continue to salute our many partners throughout Rocky View County for your dedicated efforts building social capital and building collaborative interactions that ultimately build stronger communities. Thank you for your dedication, passion and vision in making Rocky View County a better and more compassionate place in which to live and grow. FCSS Coordinator s Message Randy Ell In 2002, I joined the Rocky View County FCSS program as the first FCSS Coordinator. Ten years later, I have witnessed changes in not only the way we fund programs and partner with other social agencies, but the truly remarkable differences we have made in the lives of residents and the positive influences we have in communities. Rocky View County does not provide any direct service delivery. It is all contracted out on application by non-profit societies, agencies and municipalities throughout the county. This has enabled us to leverage dollars, provide enhanced services, and meet the preventive social needs in ways we could not without our partnerships. We are large geographically and diverse economically, socially, and culturally, but we all share in our basic social needs. There is an innate need to belong to something, to have positive relationships with one another, and to build upon the trust and reciprocity that community brings. FCSS is one way social capital is built and this report shares the successes taking place throughout the county. It s fun for kids to come to. we can look back at it when we get older. Youth Participant, Irricana Youth Centre FCSS Board Members Bob Thomson, Chairman Colleen Janssen Hood, Vice-Chairman Chloe Cartwright, Community Representative Anne Reinhardt, Community Representative Della Wise Whelan, Community Representative Kim Magnuson, Rocky View County Council Member Al Sacuta, Rocky View County Council Member
3,563 687 5,772 217 2,585 26 618 16,374 54 3,003 2011 Highlights Individuals served Families served Contacts Groups Group participants Projects/services funded Volunteers Volunteer hours Community initiatives Community initiative participants Outcome #1: PREVENTION Help people develop independence, strengthen coping skills and become more resistant to crisis. 93% of participants reported their knowledge of resources increased. 90% of participants reported an increase in coping skills. 89% of participants reported they are personally taking action to improve their lives. The society has given me the opportunity to grow into a better person. Volunteer Advocate, Airdrie and District Victim Services (ADVS) Having a mentor has helped me to talk about problems I am facing with my family. Mentee, There is always someone I feel comfortable to ask questions of and I know I will always be learning. It s made me more positive and I have a better outlook on life. Mentee,
My mentee told me that I had helped her in a few crises this year by sharing my point of view and personal values and beliefs with her. She said she also learned how to talk with friends or family when she had challenges with them. It has made me feel a little better about myself, knowing that my mentor accepts me for what I am. Mentee, Outcome #2: LOCAL AUTONOMY Help people to develop an awareness of social needs. 84% of participants reported their awareness of local social needs increased. We had a rural student wanting to be on the Town of Cochrane Youth Task Force. As she attends school in Cochrane, she was appointed to the committee and has been a valuable asset. Cochrane FCSS As a grandmother, mentoring keeps me current with today s youth and their problems. I feel really good as a parent knowing my daughter is armed with information to help not only me, but others. This has been more than a positive experience for our family. Parent, Chestermere Community Services It has helped me to grow as a person and given me pride that I m doing something for another. I will be able to leave my kids at home with more confidence and trust their abilities. Parent, Cochrane FCSS Outcome #3: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Help people develop interpersonal and group skills which enhance constructive relationships among people. 81% of participants reported they have improved relationships with others. I enjoy having the time to talk with other moms while my kids are making new friends at the same time. It makes for a fun outing for everyone. Parent, Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre As a parent of an only child I m always looking for local opportunities for my son to play with other children his age. Rumble and Roar is a program where he and I can have fun, get physical exercise and make new friends. Parent, Bragg Creek Community Association It is very wonderful and fun. I like that I have somewhere to meet my friends because I live on an acreage in Rocky View. Youth, Irricana Youth Centre
It was an amazing process to witness four young people learning a new skill, integrating it and then seeing it appreciated by an audience of their peers a remarkable growth experience for participants. Cochrane Youth Association I saw a change in his attitude about talking to other children and his excitement to come to school. He started mixing and talking to other mentees in the program. Lunch and learn is a lovely day to look forward to! I get excited to see my friends and the centre is a great central place for us all to get to. Well done! Senior, Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre I did not know anyone my age or older. Getting into senior years with all the changes and some health problems was scary. The program gave me a chance to learn from my peers, gave me more to think about and positive examples. Without this program, I would not have been able to make so many friends and would have remained isolated. Senior, KIK Senior Citizens Club Outcome #4: ACCOUNTABILITY Help people and communities to assume responsibility for decisions and actions which affect them. 82% of participants reported an increased ability to act on their issues. This 2012 summer, the eldest child intends to apply to be an employed member of the Boys and Girls Club as a Counsellor in Training. This family have become devoted members to the club and have created long-term relationships with community and Boys and Girls Club staff. Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie One of the members of YELL (Youth Encouraging Lasting Leadership) in the Langdon area has grown leaps and bounds. He has gone from a shy individual that would not give himself any credit, to someone who has purpose and direction in life. Chestermere Community Services She has become more driven to complete school and further pursue secondary education. It gave me a larger sense of support and control over my situation.
Our son is not an athlete, but feels his value as a performer. He has learned to be a team player and that his opinion does count. That is tremendous for a teenager! Parent, Langdon Theatre Association Let s all work together! Youth, Cochrane Youth Association My children, ages 10 and 12, benefited from the Home Alone Class attended last fall. My son gained much more confidence in himself and is no longer afraid of being home alone. Parent, Chestermere Community Services Outcome #5: VOLUNTEERISM Provide supports that help sustain people as active participants in the community. 93% of participants reported they make a difference in their role as a volunteer. 92% of participants reported they felt supported in their role as a volunteer. It s an easy way to give back to youth. It was the perfect opportunity for the church group to roll up their sleeves and use their gifts. A feeling of hopefulness and confidence replaced the family s previous despair. This story demonstrates the benefits of bringing community groups (faith leaders) together and the need to support our neighbours in times of need. Chestermere Community Services I take my commitment very seriously and plan my personal activities around my scheduled volunteer times. She has made a difference to me and I love spending time with her! I look forward to every Monday. Not only do the training opportunities prepare me for volunteer work, they also help me in my work relations and personal life too. I enjoy working with tools and showing my students the value of working to protect the environment. Senior, Seniors for Kids Society I am proud and excited to work as a Volunteer Advocate. It gives me great satisfaction. In the last nine years, I ve grown into a better person. I learned to accept myself for who I am, not what others said I should be. ADVS has changed my life and I have become a better volunteer.
2011 Funded Programs Airdrie & District Victim Services Volunteer Support Indus Preschool Preschool Program Bearspaw Glendale Community Association Family Life Enrichment Programs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area In-School Mentoring Program Bow Valley Agricultural Society Indus New Family Programs Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie and Area Youth Programs Bragg Creek Community Association Community Program Director/Youth Coordinator Chestermere Community Services General FCSS Programs 211 Information and Referral Cochrane FCSS FCSS Programs: Residents of Western Rocky View 211 Information and Referral Irricana FCSS Youth Centre Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta Rural Expansion Kathyrn ECS Preschool Program KIK Seniors Art Therapy Program Langdon Theatre Association Youth Theatre Project North Rocky View Community Links Counselling Program Family Resource Program Outreach and Communications Project Roots of Empathy Seniors for Kids Grandparent Volunteer Program Tapestry of Women Women s Conference Cochrane Youth Association Rural Youth and Family Strategy Volunteer Airdrie Volunteer Development Encharis Management and Support Services Intergenerational Project Western Rocky View Family and Community Resource Centre Family/School Liaison