Family and Community Support Services

Drayton Valley and District Family and Community Support Services

endeavors to enhance the well-being and resiliency of the community of Drayton Valley & District by providing information, education and funding for organizations who provide preventative services. By coordinating, networking and partnering with local service agencies, Drayton Valley and District FCSS helps people to develop independence and resistance to crisis while creating an awareness of social needs and providing tools and resources to build a strong community.

Connect with us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DraytonValleyandDistrictFCSS

In order to meet the needs of our community, Drayton Valley and District FCSS focuses on three main areas for program delivery:

1. Preventative social programs, where people gain new skills and knowledge that will create a community that is resilient to crisis. Drayton Valley and District FCSS  offers forty one in house programs and services and have provided funding for twenty programs offered by ten different agencies so far this year.
2. Resilient Communities work together to prevent social problems and provide opportunities for children, youth, families, adults and seniors to fully participate in the community. Drayton Valley and District FCSS has initiated seven interagency groups who are working in collaboration with one another.  FCSS has partnered with eleven additional community initiatives.
3. Volunteers make social programs and resilient communities possible by giving their time and expertise to others. Volunteers benefit from FCSS programs by learning new skills to make their job as a board member easier and enjoy the recognition they get when they attend the annual FCSS Volunteer Appreciation banquet.

FCSS Programs

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX PROGRAM: a tax preparation service which is available free of charge to individuals in the community who qualify for assistance.

MAKING FINANCIAL CENTS PROGRAM: a series of 8 free financial workshops facilitated by local professionals. The topics include: Budgeting Basics, Smart Shopping, Vehicle & Home Insurance, Financial Planning, Financing Your Vehicle, Financing Post Secondary Education, Wills & Estate Planning and Credit Bureau and Protecting Yourself against Identity Theft.

BOARD DEVELOPMENT and LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: helps provide local volunteer groups and agencies with training opportunities which will increase effectiveness of services offered in our community.

CLEAN COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN: encouraging community pride and increasing interest in creating a greener and cleaner community with four programs.

• “Operation Clean Sweep” is a community wide cleanup program – join us today!
• “Adopt-A-Block” invites businesses and organizations to adopt a part of town and keep it clean on a regular basis.
• “The Litter Bug” visits schools and the public & teaches about litter & recycling.
• “Graffiti Removal” free graffiti removal kits are given to various businesses and organizations to help stop the spread of vandalism.

INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMMING: providing opportunities for seniors and youth to connect and to assist each other in understanding the lifestyles, contributions, and experiences that each generation has faced. We encourage seniors and youth to become actively involved in the community and to share each other’s experiences.

HOME SUPPORT: This program offers in home assistance to individuals who are unable to manage household duties due to age, illness, disability or r recent hospital discharge. The home support worker can assist with light housekeeping, meal preparation and is also knowledgeable about community resources.  The goal of the program is to enhance independent living, reduce isolation and promote safe, quality home life. Rates are based on income and scheduling is flexible. Call 780-514-2206 for more information.

Services include: Cleaning Bedrooms, Cleaning Kitchen, Cleaning Bathroom, Washing Floors, Dusting, Cleaning, Interior Windows, Cleaning Stove, Spot Cleaning of Walls, Changing Bedding, Meal Prep Assistance, Companionship, Packing and preparation for moving, Connection to other community resources, programs and activities

HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY REDUCTION – outreach for people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless as well as coordination of resources. For more information contact the Homelessness & Poverty Research Coordinator Emily Hickman at 780-514-2221 or  email homelessness@draytonvalley.ca

SPECIAL EVENTS: opportunities for children, youth, families and seniors to come together to enjoy community minded, cultural activities while having access to information about local resources and organizations. These events include: Seniors’ Week, Canada Day, Halloween Haunted House, Volunteer Appreciation Week etc.

Grant Applications

Each year funding is made available to groups that provide services within the community that fall within our guidelines for service delivery. The FCSS Advisory Board will review and recommend grant allocations bi-annually. There are certain criteria that must be met to receive a grant.

The following files will provide the necessary background for your application. The files reflect the Provincial FCSS Act and the regulation and guidelines specific to Drayton Valley and District FCSS funding practices.

Board Information

The FCSS Board makes recommendations regarding areas of programming and assignment of appropriate resources. The Board consists of one member from Town Council, one from the Brazeau County Council, one Region #4 CFSA member and four members from the community at large (one Drayton Valley resident, one County resident, one Senior resident and one Youth resident). If you are interested in serving on the FCSS Board, please contact FCSS.

Contact Information: Lola Strand, FCSS Coordinator 780-514-2204
We are located in Rotary House 4743-46 Street