U13 Gas Kings season begins Inside Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Vol. 47, No. 47
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‘Precipitous increase’ in FCSS visits Over 2,000 come in need of help as funding fails to keep pace with the need
Attending the Family and Community Support conference in Edmonton last week were: from left to right: Judy Acres, VBFCSS Board Town of Viking representative; MLA Jackie Lovely; Dawn Chrystian, VBFCSS Director; Tricia Chrystian, VBFCSS Board Chair/Beaver County member at large; and Erin Hollar, VBFCSS Board Vice Chair/Beaver County member at large. Patricia Harcourt Editor
Last week local social service agencies attended the annual Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSA) conference in Edmonton. Over 400 delegates attended the provincewide function including Viking/Beaver FCSS. Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely acted as a
spokesperson for her government in explaining its role and that of the delegates at the convention. “They came together to share insights, collaborate and strengthen our collective mission to support communities,” said Lovely. “The FCSSA plays a crucial role in delivering programs that enhance the quality of life for Albertans, especially in rural areas,” she added.
Lovely emphasized the $105 million allocated in this year’s budget for FCSS programs, which she called “essential” to reinforce programs that meet local needs and address social challenges.” And she said the province works alongside FCSS to create meaningful, long term outcomes for Albertans ensuring everyone has access to the supports they need to thrive.”
FCSSA works to make Alberta stronger and more connected, she concluded. Local FCSS Director Dawn Chrystian indicates that all the funds provided by the province are necessary, and then some She also gave credit to local municipalities for providing extra funds over and above their official allocations. This was attributed to their recognition that there is an
increasing demand for their services that is not being met by provincial funding. “We are grateful for the provincial government’s continued support for the FCSS program,” she said. “Across the province, there are nearly 200 FCSS programs providing essential preventative social service supports.” But the needs are growing exponentially, she said, including local-
ly. “Like many such agencies, we are increasingly being asked to do more with less. For example, in the Viking area, we have seen a precipitous increase in the amount of visits to our office, and expect to reach over 2,000 visits for the first time this year.” Plus, she said the types of concerns individuals are presenting with are also increasingly Continued on Page 6