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This Friday!
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 s
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTO
Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely (centre with Plaque) presented retiring FFCS Executive Director Lynne Jenkinson (to Lovely’s right) with a certificate/plaque recognizing her “Selfless service to the constituents of Flagstaff County - Your contributions are deeply appreciated by all.” Jenkinson was joined on stage by her partner Austin Hansen, family members, and FFCS and FIRST board members.
MLA honours Jenkinson and others at community recognition night Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely held a recognition event on Tuesday, Feb. 4, honouring some extraordinary community members from all around her constituency. One of those recognized included Lynne Jenkinson, retiring Executive Director at Flagstaff Family and Community Services. FFCS board member Elaine Fossen introduced Jenkinson. Fossen said she first met Jenkinson in November 2017 when she joined the FFCS board, although Jenkinson had been working at FFCS since August 2009. She spent two years as Program Director, then in August, 2011, assumed the position of Executive Director. Fossen said, “She has always impressed me with her superb organizational skills, her wealth of knowledge about the organization and about the Flagstaff region. “She is a caring person and has been able to address the social challenges that we face in our communities. [She is} Always able to handle a thousand things at one time.” Fossen gave a quick description of FFCS and FIRST (Flagstaff’s Informed Response Sharing Team), saying
she could recall at least 10 different programs that have run through the organizations. “One that sticks in my mind is the YESS program or the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which Lynne coordinated through funding from the Federal Government. “The program was very successful and benefited many young people between the ages 15 and 30, learning job skills and gaining work experience. “A majority of these young individuals would not have been able to secure employment without this opportunity.” Fossen also referred to the Flagstaff Christmas Sharing Program as something that’s been a huge success due to Jenkinson’s diligence. “This past Christmas alone 220 families benefitted from this program.” Fossen talked about how Jenkinson introduced various speakers from across Canada and the USA to speak at county schools and community venues. “Names that come to mind are Harnarayan Singh, who spoke on antibullying, Jessie Thistle, on the story of the indigenous experience in Canada, Magician Steve Harmer, speaking on issues of self-respect, bullying, and self-confidence, Karl Suban on increasing potential, and Kim Phuc on resilience and survival. “Their messages were extremely uplifting.” Fossen also credited Jenkinson for organizing a very
successful two-day conference locally on family violence. She called Jenkinson “The Grant Queen,” saying, “Since I have been on the board, in excess of $2 Million dollars in grant funding has been received to assist with programs for our region.” She said Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek was so impressed with Jenkinson’s grant successes that he asked her to present a seminar on grant writing. Fossen said that in December 2021, FFCS, under Jenkinson, assumed management of the Flagstaff Food Bank. “Sadly, since that time usage has doubled, however Lynne and her team have persevered, finding ways to increase the donations to ensure that the needs of the community are met.” She talked specifically about Jenkinson and FIRST, which was started during her tenure at FFCS, and which has contributed to promoting healthy relationships for people of all ages since. “Several years ago FIRST purchased a van, known as the Care-A-Van, to assist seniors and handicapped individuals with trips to medical appointments. “The first andreopen second vans are nowAug. miled We will Tuesday, 6 out, at and we are currently purchasing our third van. 9 a.m. and our next edition “Lynne and her team coordinate all of the bookings will still be published Wedneday. Aug. 7 for the van, which is fully booked.” Ad deadlines will be noon Tuesday, Aug. 6 Continued on Page 9
The Community Press office will be CLOSED Monday, August 5 for the Civic Holiday.