Family & Community Support Services

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is a partnership between the province, municipalities and Metis Settlements, developing locally driven preventive social initiatives to enhance the well being of individuals, families and communities.

The following are services that a Family and Community Support Services Program may offer in the community. This list is intended as a guideline only. Assessing the needs of the community is the responsibility of the municipality/Metis settlement. 

1. Services that promote the social development of children and their families, including:
   
   • Parent-child development activities
   • Temporary or occasional parent relief services
   • Support services for young school age children
     
     
2. Services that enrich and strengthen family life by developing skills in people to function more effectively within their own environment, including:
   • Parenting and family life education and development programs
   • Individual, family and group counselling services that are educational and not treatment oriented
   • Youth development services
     
     
3. Services that enhance the quality of life of the retired and semi-retired, including:
   • Home support services
   • Education and information services
   • Outreach and coordination self-help socialization activities
4. Services designed to promote, encourage and support volunteer work in the community, including:
   • Recruitment, training and placement services
   • Resources to support volunteers
   • Coordination of volunteer services
     
     
5. Services designed to inform the public of available services, including:
   • Information and referral services
   • Community information directories
   • Newcomer services, and interagency coordination

Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Grant

The Social Planning Unit administers the Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) grant.

2011 FCSS Grant Application

The City of Airdrie is accepting applications for the 2011 Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Grant Program. To be considered for funding, applicants must be eligible under the Family and Community Support Services Act and Regulation. Preference will be given to volunteer not-for-profit organizations registered under the Societies Act and meet the following service streams:  

• help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills and become more resistant to crisis;
• help people to develop interpersonal and group skills which enhance constructive relationships among people;
• help people and communities to assume responsibility for decisions and actions which affect them;

• provide support that helps sustain people as active participants in the community

  Grants cannot be used for:

• recreation;
• public health transportation;
• direct assistance, including money, food, clothing or shelter, to sustain an individual or family; rehabilitation;
• duplication of services provided by other government agencies.

All funding allocations will be approved by City Council.

Deadline for submission is 4:30 pm, Thursday, September 30, 2010.

For further information, please contact:
Social Planning Unit
400 Main Street SE T4B 3C3
Phone: (403) 948-8800 ext. 8457
Fax: (403) 948-6567
E-mail: social.planning@airdrie.ca

2010 FCSS Funded Agencies

• Airdrie & District Victim Assistance
  Airdrie & District Victim Assistance Society (ADVAS) is comprised of a group of dedicated community volunteers known as Victim Advocates who work under the guidance and direction of the Airdrie and Beiseker RCMP to support victims of crime or tragedy. ADVAS is a not-for-profit agency governed by a Board of Directors.
  Their Victim Advocates are highly trained to effectively provide support, information and referral services to help victims and their families cope with the impact of the crime or tragedy.
  
  Funded Projects: Airdrie FCSS funds their Volunteer Program.
  Programs Offered: Victim Information
  Hours of Operation: 24 HOURS CRISIS RESPONSE
  Telephone: 403.945.7290
  Email: lori.rehill@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
  Website: http://www.airdrievictimassistance.com
  
  
• Airdrie Boys and Girls Club
  The Boys & Girls Club of Airdrie offers high quality, low cost social, recreational and educational programs to children and youth ages 6-18 years old. Everyone is welcome to participate in their programs regardless of social, financial or family situation.
  
  

  Funded Projects: Airdrie FCSS funds their Volunteer Program, Children and Youth (preventive-based) Programs; and Community Development Initiatives.
  Programs Offered: Programs and Services Link
  Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 9:00AM to 6:00PM; some evenings.
  Telephone: 403.948.3331
  Email: info@bgcairdrie.com
  Website: http://www.bgcairdrie.com

• Airdrie Food Bank
  Provides short-term emergency food hampers to families in crisis. They also operate a referral system, and network with other agencies to give individuals and families the support they require in times of crisis.  This is done by providing information to clients about other resources available to them within the community.  Phone numbers are given and contacts made if required.
  

  Funded Projects: Airdrie FCSS funds their Volunteer Program.
  Programs Offered: Programs and Services
  Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 9:00AM to 3:00PM
  Telephone: 403.948.0063
  Email: http://www.airdriefoodbank.com/contact_us.htm  
  Website: http://www.airdriefoodbank.com
  

• Airdrie Meals on Wheels
  This program provides nourishing meals on a regular basis for people who live independently in the community. 
  
  

  Funded Projects: Airdrie FCSS funds their Volunteer Program.
  Programs Offered: Meal Delivery
  Telephone: 403.815.1400

• Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and Area
  Everyday, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and Area stimulates young people, empowering them to pursue their dreams. By matching Calgary's young people in one-to-one mentoring relationships with caring adults, they help Calgary's youth to reach their full potential.
  
  

  Funded Proje