Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Vol. 43, No. 51
Deck The Halls!
$1 includes GST
YOUR LOCAL PAPER
FCSS director featured on front of industry magazine Patric Harcourt Editor
Although Dawn Chrystian has only been the Director of Viking/Beaver Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) for less than two years, she already has a great deal of community support in her role of advocating on behalf of others. Being from the local area doesn’t hurt, but her approach to the work also may have a great deal to do with the regard in which she is held. So it shouldn’t be any surprise to learn that she has been featured on the front page of the Alberta College of Social Workers quarterly magazine, “The Advocate,” in the Winter 2020 edition. Her image by photographer Jerry Cordeiro is on the cover and introduces a special series called “Rich, Rewarding and Diverse,” about what it is like to work in rural communities. She and two other social workers are included in “Part 3: Central Alberta” in honour of Social Work Week. They share “a glimpse into their northern and rural practices and their thoughts on their profession,” explained the prelude in the professional publication. Chrystian says she likes her work and its world view, which is to “work with people rather than impose a value system on them. I really loved becoming a social worker.” For her this means “working alongside people” to find solutions and help others. “FCSS is a great model in general as a preventative before needing a higher level of intervention,” she explained. Not all FCSS directors have social work degrees, which Chrystian received from a distance learning course out of the University of Victoria. She is also just one course shy of a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Alberta, and will soon have that as well. Before coming to Viking as the FCSS Director, Chrystian worked in Edmonton for Alberta Children’s Services. Previous to that, she was the
local FCSS Community Programmer in Viking and Holden, and started garnering experience by implementing a New Horizons Grant program for seniors. Her local connections come as no surprise as she was raised in Bruce and graduated from Viking School before going on to higher education. For her, the work in rural areas is different from what happens in urban communities. People know one another and often referrals come from others who are worried about their friends or neighbours. And especially now with the economic downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic, there are more people coming through the doors, she said. “We do have lots of folks coming in,” she said. “I’m glad people make their way here and they are often worried about other people, their neighbours or family members. “It’s so impressive from a community standpoint,” she said, for them to be worried about others who may be feeling down. “We can provide resources to the person,” so they can give them to that person who may be suffering. “We ask them to give us a call so we can chat with the person.” Chrystian said she grew up with the same values here in the local area and understands the approach may be quite different from a larger urban setting. In the magazine, she states: “There are no ‘typical days’ at VBFCSS. We are extremely responsive to our community and what we do on any given day may consist of working one-on-one with clients and referring them to appropriate resources, planning or hosting an event with our VBFCSS team, or meeting with the community partners to discuss emerging concerns. “The most rewarding part of my job is connecting with individuals and supporting them in evoking their own sense of determination. We as social workers are often meeting individuals on some of the worst days of their lives. I’m often deeply impressed by
the strength displayed by the individuals who I interact with, particularly in regard to their willingness and ability to act as advocates for themselves and their families despite difficult circumstances. Chrystian continued: “It might be a bit simplistic, but I hope that my work will better my communities in at least some small way. If the work I do walking alongside individuals is beneficial to them on their journey, then I feel I have accomplished something. Furthermore, I hope that the work I do encourages the further development of systems that are equitable, fair, and support the humanity of all people.” At this time of year, her work is con-
sumed by holiday-related activities. “It’s a busy year,” she said. “The Christmas hampers are a little bit higher this year.” So far they total about 70 with the last day being Saturday, Dec. 12, for putting someone’s name on the list. “We’re also doing care packages,” she said, for people who may be alone at Christmas. They include puzzles, tea and a card, as well as resource numbers that people can call if needed. For Chrystian the need comes in many diverse ways but the response is always based on respect and regard for the individual - and an honest attempt to be of service to her fellow man, woman and child.