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Review of 2012

In 2012, we continued to enhance the social well-being of individuals, families and the community. Whether this is done by skill development, making connections, increasing accessibility, or through awareness, Vegreville & District FCSS is committed to contributing to making the community strong.

Overview

Staffing: This year FCSS hired 2 new staff with the M.O.D.E.L Project and 3 new staff with the Parent Link

Centre.

Marketing Decided to change our FCSS logo to coincide with the FCSS

Association of Alberta’s (FCSSAA) logo. Developed a new brochure and business cards. Updated the descriptions of our programs and services for the

FCSS brochure, we used the “Plain Language” training that staff completed this year.

Increased the amount of places or ways to promote an event, program, or service, such as the Town east and west entrance signs, the Municipal Scoop, mail-outs, school newsletters, Facebook, Town website etc.

Developed a FCSS visual guideline for staff to encourage consistency in all publications.

FCSS Facebook Page Assisted with the development of the Town of Vegreville, Social Media Guideline for employees Developed a FCSS Page, piloted it, and provided a report to the Town. Facebook was well utilized with our Sizzlin’ Summer program, especially when we posted photos

of the activities children were doing. Great conduit for sharing “Developmental Assets”. On average, we had 25-40 people reading

each one. Other agencies and individuals communicated that they see the value in our programs and

events that we post. This is also reflected by the amount that they are sharing our postings onto their personal Facebook pages.

Success: A young adult (under age 25) posted an inquiry on our Facebook wall asking about becoming a Friendly Visitor. One of the Community Programmers was able to connect with her and this individual is now part of the program.

Town of Vegreville Website 1 staff member participated on the planning committee. Designated 2 staff to learn how to use Joomla and then they were responsible for the

development of the following; FCSS, Programs for Children, Social Supports, Volunteer Vegreville within the Family & Community section within the Living Menu. In addition, they developed the Community Services Directory. These same two staff members are also responsible for any updating required.

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General Office

Rapport Building Coffee Talks – Crisis Association of Vegreville, St. Vincent de Paul, Alberta Health Services/

Health Promotions, The Rock Ministries, FASD, Jackie Fenske MLA, The Spur 97.7 FM, VTSS & Chamber.

Community Presentations: Rotary, Alberta Health Services (Public Health), ATCO Electric, Alberta Council on Aging, Case Processing Centre, Vegreville Interagency Group.

Community Engagement The Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) provided FCSS’s

with the opportunity to receive training on topic of Community Engagement by the Tamarack Institute.

We have applied the principles of Community Engagement and invited various members of the community to be a part of the development, planning, programming, or delivery of our programs, services and events.

Disaster Social Services This year we participated in the mock exercise that the Town facilitated. All FCSS, PLC, FDH and M.O.D. E.L staff have a role to play with Disaster Social Services Volunteer involvement was significant as they were both actors and workers. Following this

event some of these people took on new volunteer roles in town.

Family & Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) Calendar This year we submitted 2 pictures to the FCSSAA Calendar and one with the girls playing cards

was chosen!

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Programs

Aging Drivers – The Mature Motorist A partnership between FCSS, VegMin Learning Society and Alberta Health Services. Rented the Library. Seniors enjoyed a presentation from a representative of AMA, the RCMP, and an insurance

company. In addition, a humorous skit was done by Alberta Health Services. 62 members of our older community attended.

Success: Due to the success of this event, 14 older drivers signed up for a two-day course taught by an AMA trained instructor in November.

FCSS Outcomes - Individuals experience personal well-being and the community is connected and engaged.Indicators: Increased seniors’ ability to remain independent.

Seniors increased their ability to cope with the transition from driving to not being able to drive. The sense of loss can be very profound.

Seniors made new social connections at the event and Had the opportunity to socialize with others interested in the same topic, a

sense of belonging was developed. Learn what community resources are available.

Ranfurly Elder Abuse Presentation In March Heather was asked to give a presentation on Elder Abuse to the Ranfurly Seniors. There were about 19 participants from the age of 14 (he drove grandpa who was 101)! The presentation covered the different types of abuse and the help and resources that are

available. To further show how abuse can happen a 10 min video was shown.

Success: After the presentation, many questions were asked, and participants shared that they knew of victims in their community. This was an important discussion because it demonstrated that family violence is in every community. To support the participants, help line phone numbers and websites were provided. It was a great night.

FCSS Outcomes - Community social issues are identified and addressed.Indicators: Increased their knowledge of what elder abuse is.

Learned what resources and supports are available. Strengthened participant’s ability to connect an individual experiencing

elder abuse to the appropriate resources. New social connections at the event Community members discussed a social issue that is affecting their

community.Programs

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Friendly Visiting This year we have made 4 matches.

Success : We have a Volunteer Income Tax client who, since having his income tax completed, regularly calls or visits the office just to “chat”. He is a very social fellow who likes to help his neighbours and friends get connected to the services here at FCSS. In late October, we matched this client with a volunteer from the Friendly Visiting program. This volunteer is also part of the Volunteer Income Tax Program. They meet for about an hour a week. We now receive fewer phone calls and visits from this client.

FCSS Outcomes - Individuals are connected with others.Indicators: Increased the opportunity to develop social relationships

Increased the quality of social relationships Awareness of supports and resources available in the community Individuals sense of belonging increased

Roots of Empathy Has been offered in Vegreville for 8 years. Karlana Klammer-Eastwood, Family Day Home Coordinator, has been certified as a Roots of

Empathy Mentor along with her continued certification as a Roots of Empathy Instructor. Jodi Chadney, FCSS Community Programmer was trained in September as Roots Instructor. Laurie Haaland, Parent Link Center, Outreach Program Coordinator was trained in October as a

Roots Instructor. The Roots of Empathy program is currently being delivered in Grades 1 and 4 at St. Martin’s

Catholic School and in Grades 1 and 4 at A.L. Horton School.

Success: A current Roots mom reported that her son who is in grade 7, who received the Roots program when he was in grade 4, expressed concern for her when the baby would not stop crying. He offered to watch the baby because he knew from the Roots class that the caregiver could experience stress when the baby could not be easily comforted. How amazing to see this young man put what he learned in action to help his mom.

FCSS Outcomes - Children developing positively and healthy functioning within familiesIndicators: Children experienced warm, welcoming relationships with teachers,

caregivers, and peers at school. Parent(s) helped child grow in empathy, understanding, and with helping

others. Children continued learning how to resolve conflicts without hitting,

throwing a tantrum, or using hurtful language. Positive family relationships have been developed

Programs

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Snow Angels New program started this year. The month of December saw 22 people nominated

by their neighbours, and they have received a snow angel pin to wear on their jacket, a certificate, and a Tim Horton’s coffee card.

FCSS Outcomes - The community is connected and engagedIndicators: Positive attitude towards helping others

Increased the amount of encouragement and appreciation volunteers receive

Sustained people as active participants in the community Increased individual’s ability to remain in their homes

Newcomer’s New program for 2012. Planning and development committee was formed. From the committee, two different initiatives have

developed Newcomer’s Potluck Lunch and Newcomer’s Community Information Packages.

Welcome Wagon has requested newcomer’s packages on 2 different occasions.

Success Story: At one of our Newcomer’s Potluck Lunches, 3 individuals made a connection, and made plans to be swimming friends.

Success Story: 50 initial Newcomers Packages were distributed within 2 weeks. They were distributed through businesses, our office, other agencies and the Welcome Wagon.

FCSS Outcomes - The community is connected and engagedIndicators: Awareness of community supports and resources

Positive attitude towards others and the community Sense of belonging developed Relationships between individuals who are new to the community

developed.

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Programs

Meals on Wheels (MOW) Served 1767 meals to 35 clients, this is a 5-year high. About 30 volunteers do these deliveries, 11 of whom live

out of town.

Success: Two dialysis patients were able to access MOW program during their treatments at the hospital, then once they were finished, they also had a “take out” meal. Having healthy meals at home meant a lot to these elderly patients because of their frail health and specific dietary requirements. Without these specialized meals, more hospitalizations were imminent.

Success: Several clients are dealing with Alzheimer’s or mental health issues for whom using the stove could be dangerous. MOW allows them to continue to live in their own familiar surroundings. It could be, in the future, that a Community Social Worker might assist with recovery programs for shut-ins with similar health concerns.

FCSS Outcomes - Community social issues are identified and addressedIndicators: Awareness and understanding that individuals in the community are unable

to cook for themselves due to disability or recent hospitalization. FCSS, St. Joseph’s General Hospital, Vegreville Lions Club, and volunteers

working in partnership to address this community need.

Babysitter Course Provided 3 classes in 2012 with a total of 53 participants. Spring 2012 we had to offer 2 sessions to accommodate all of the children wanting to take the

course.

Student Statements: (source: student evaluations May, 2012) “I am a lot more confident after taking this class” “I learned everything I need to know”

FCSS Outcomes - Children and youth develop positively and healthy functioning within familiesIndicators: Knowledge of how to stay home alone when parents are working, and how to

care for another child. Increased ability to be independent. Increased confidence. Provided the opportunity for children to interact and develop friendships

with those from different schools. Parents register their younger children after older siblings have completed

the course.

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Programs

Subsidized Housekeeping Program We currently have 5 housekeepers and 33 clients. Created a new logo

FCSS Outcomes - Community social issues are identified and addressedIndicators: Awareness and understanding that individuals in the community need

assistance with cleaning their homes. FCSS, the Provincial government, and housekeepers working in partnership to

address this community need. Awareness and connection to other supports and resources in the

community Increases the individual’s ability to maintain independence Positive relationships and supports have evolved between the housekeeper

and the client (primarily seniors)

Community Counselling We had 86 new clients for 2012 This year our Counsellor, Kevin Casey retired and Danielle Flatten filled his position. Community agencies are doing a great job with referring individuals to the appropriate

counseling services. Relationship enrichment, primarily the development of self-regulation skills are the majority of

what Danielle has been counselling. The top skills that are being developed are problem solving, effective communication, goal

setting, and self-discipline. Clients are accessing services to prevent divorce, family violence, relationship problems, and

poor parenting skills.

FCSS Outcomes - Individuals experience personal well-being and healthy functioning within families.Indicators: Awareness of community supports and resources

Increased individuals coping skills and resiliency Improved self-esteem, optimism, and competence Improved family relationships – positive parenting

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Programs

Volunteer Vegreville Provided 19 presentations to various groups and organizations Connections were made with 21 local businesses

Direct connections were made with 61 community organizations and the topics covered included:

Providing resources Recruiting assistance Fundraising assistance Registration (Spring or Fall) Volunteer appreciation Capacity building information (insurance, legal matters, training volunteers, board development,

event planning, risk management, employer-supported volunteering, marketing, sponsorships, etc.)

Start-up assistance Award nominations

Success: Vegreville in Bloom competed nationally in 2012 and earned 4 blooms out of 5. Special recognition was earned for “Volunteer and Service Club Generous Involvement”.

Success: Over 300 volunteers attended the Volunteer Appreciation Event during National Volunteer Week in April.

FCSS Outcomes - The community is connected and engagedIndicators: Developed people as active participants in the community

Increased the understanding that volunteering is needed in the community Partnerships were developed by community members to address the

volunteering needs of the community Positive attitude towards volunteering was increased Increased the number of volunteers being appreciated

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Programs

Volunteer Income Tax This year our volunteers completed 285 returns. We did not advertise this program; it was all word of mouth.

Calls are already coming in early January for 2013 The average turn-around time was 7 days for a return to be

completed. Each client was called, on average, twice to come pick up their

income taxes, and this totals 570 phone calls. To reduce the amount of phone calls being made, next year we are going to communicate to clients that their returns will be completed in approximately 7 days.

This year, we had an increase in phone calls after the tax season had ended. These calls were from clients who received a letter stating that their financial assistance would be cut off because they had not filed their taxes. Some individuals did not understand this and need one-on-one assistance. Our role was to help them understand why, provide reassurance, and arrange for their income taxes to be completed.

Success: – One of the income tax volunteers feels this is his way to give back to the community for all of the help and support he and his grandfather received when he was a child.

Success: “I got so much back from volunteering! I feel like I received more than I gave. I feel so good about helping”.

FCSS Outcomes - Community social issues are identified and addressed1. Awareness and understanding that individuals in the community are unable to prepare their

income taxes for themselves.2. Understanding that individuals are unable to afford the cost of having their income taxes

prepared

Indicators: FCSS, the Federal Government, and volunteers worked in partnership to address the community social needs.

Developed people as active participants in the community Continued supports to individuals so they can live in their own homes and

live independently Provided the opportunity for individuals (volunteers & clients) to be valued

by the community

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Programs

Sizzlin’ Summer Averaged 28 children a day and 99 different children accessed the

program. Hired 4 summer students (2 Post-Secondary and 2 High School). Created a volunteer position call Junior Leader for youth ages 11+. Model Project provided 1 employee each day Had an increased number of children with specific or special need,

which required a different child to worker ratio.

Success: One of the Post-Secondary Students was trying to decide if she wanted to pursue a career in accounting or to stay in Education. After her time with the Sizzlin’ Summer program, she decided that working with children was her passion and the right career for her!

FCSS Outcomes - Children and youth develop positively and healthy functioning within families. Plus, community social issues are identified and addressed.Indicators: Children ages 5-11 were provided a safe place during the summer while the

schools were closed. Young persons have developed empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills Parent(s) and other adults modeled positive and responsible behavior. Young person received support from three or more nonparent adults Children were welcomed and included throughout the community and they

were happy volunteers. Children communicated to the Summer Leaders and to their

parents/guardians that they had a great day at the program. Children requested to attend additional days. Pictures of children reflected the positive development that occurred. There was skill development observed in the Summer Leaders and Junior

Leaders.

Services

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One on One Services – Residents who need assistance with filling out forms or contacting agencies on their behalf. This service is available in the office or a visit can be made to the home for eligible individuals who are housebound.

There has been an increase in the need for one-on-one assistance. This service was primarily used by seniors in the past, this year we have seen a variety of ages

needing help. There has been an increase in individuals who are homeless or living in poverty requesting our

assistance.

Success: One such situation was regarding a senior who was not receiving his monthly income because of past debts to Revenue Canada. He was unable to navigate the system and was facing eviction from his residence. Through many phone calls, to many offices, we were able to have his debt reduced almost entirely and have his income reassessed and reinstated. This senior now has the security of monthly income and basic shelter.

Community Services Directory The Christmas Bureau requested 144 copies of the directory to

distribute with their Christmas food hampers this year.

Success: One of our Community Programmers received a call from a woman inquiring about our Volunteer Income Tax program in early Jan. This woman learned about it from our directory that she had received in her hamper.

Information & Referral Services We receive many phone calls from individuals looking for

information and many of these calls result in us connecting them to the appropriate individuals. On average, we receive 10-15 calls per day.

Success: A woman called looking for help with how to obtain maintenance support from her estranged spouse. We were able to respond by providing links to the appropriate website and help line phone numbers for her to start the process.

FCSS Outcomes – The community is connected and engagedIndicators: Awareness of community agencies was achieved

Connection to the correct resources and services Reduced the confusion of the individual Made connections occur faster or more directly The individual felt supported Stopped the situation from becoming more serious and requiring further

community resources or services.EVENTS

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Family Luau Held in November and had 150+ in attendance Family, young children and tweens attended

Success: This year our DJ brought his 2 yr old son with him because he ran into a child care challenges. Jodi, thinking quickly on her feet, connected two of the tween volunteers to look after the little fellow. The DJ would check on his son periodically and was delighted that he was having such a great time. After the event, we showed the DJ a picture (see below) that we had taken of him playing with his son during the event and he became visibly touched and emotional.

Outdoor Family Movie Night: (Partnership with M.O.D.E.L Project and Parent Link Centre) FCSS provided an activity with the Big Brothers Big Sisters

program.

Success: 100 children crafted “Super Hero Pops” for themselves and someone else. This was a very popular activity with children recognizing that their parents were heroes in their lives. Parents understood that they are vital to their kids’ lives.

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EVENTS

Bunny Hop A family favorite. Record attendance of over 208 people during a blizzard. Gave out 125 treat bags. 5 activities/crafts provided by Parent Link Centre, FCSS,

and M.O.D.E.L Project 99 people participated in the passport activity.

Success: As part of the passport activity, participants had to answer the following question - “What is one thing you learned from completing the passport activity”. Below is some of the responses. 3 responded “eat 5 fruits & veggies a day” 2 responded “safety” 1 responded “mom can dance” 5 replied “how to hop like a bunny” 7 replied “dance moves” 7 replied “how to have fun” 2 responded “how to hopscotch with an egg on a spoon”

Family Day 2012 – Had Something for Everyone! Was held this year in one central location with more activities 240 participants Free swimming and skating Family Photo booth Concession stand operated by VTSS Hayride sponsored by PLC Jr. B classic street hockey – 10 Jr. B players and 25-30

participants Results of survey – 48 people learned more about

programs and services available in Vegreville.

Success: One of our goals this year was to increase our partnerships with service clubs. We were able to engage the Rotary Club with the planning and delivery for Family Day 2012. They enjoyed the experience so much they approached us about participating for 2013.

Success: Service Clubs value family day events and sponsored free swimming and skating. This sponsorship helped to eliminate any financial barriers families experience when trying to spend time together.

EVENTS

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M.O.D.E.L Project: Movie Night Partnership with the M.O.D.E.L Project FCSS provided an activity called “What Angry Birds can teach you about Virtues”.

M.O.D.E.L Project: Making Memories Winter Event Partnered with the M.O.D.E.L Project Outdoor event at the Elks/Kinsman Park FCSS provided hot chocolate to the families.

Front Yard BBQ New event The concept behind the “Front Yard BBQ” was that each

neighbourhood would organize their own mini block party. This activity would encourage individuals to become connected with others.

Success: One neighbourhood had 40 people come out. This event reminded them how much they enjoyed getting together as a neighborhood and they are already planning for next year.

FCSS Outcomes for all FCSS events - Children and youth develop positively and healthy functioning within familiesIndicators: Parent(s) and child experience friendly neighbors who affirm and support the

child’s growth and sense of belonging Families were communicating with each other in a positive manner Families were enjoying each other’s company Families were networking with other families Provided the opportunity for children to interact and develop friendships

with others.

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Contracts FCSS Manages

Parent Link Centre (PLC) From April 2012 to December 2012, 200 children ages 0-5,

39 children ages 6-17, and 175 parents / caregivers accessed PLC services. For a total of 414.

Started a Parent Advisory Committee 14 hours of drop-in-time were offered each week. Thursday mornings from 9-12pm was for Family Day Home providers. The first Friday of the month, the home school group used the play centre. Family events: Play Day at the Park 5 adults and 13 children, Ice Cream Social 4 adults and 8

children held at Vegreville Care Centre, Halloween Party 20 adults and 24 children attended. Christmas Party 16 adults and 25 children attended. Summer Year-End BBQ party that was held in June for PLC that was well attended by families.

Collaborated with agencies to deliver the following: Little Explorers (1 staff member provided), Luau, Family Movie Night, Family Day, Bunny Hop, and Beach Party.

New Event - Reindeer Lane. Partnered with FCSS, Family Day Home, Community Association for Lasting Success and the Vegreville Preschool Association. Approximately 100 children purchased gifts for a family member.

Outreach Services (Two Hills, Andrew, Burderheim, Lamont and Mundare) Gymboree is a physical movement program that is offered in these outreach communities,

which leads to parent engagement and participation with children. Built positive relationships with families in these communities. In Burderheim 8 families attended the Gymboree program weekly. Lamont formed a partnership with the United church to use their gym. 9 families attended the

Parent & Tot group. Andrew - Gymboree program and 10 families attended. Since September 2012, 5 new families

have attended the parent & tot group. 2 Triple P discussion groups were held and 3 families attended.

Two Hills- Carnival Party was held in partnership with C.A.L.S. 10 families and 15 children came to the event.

Mundare – Gymboree program offered May & June, 12 adults and 16 children attended. Triple P – There was one-on-one parenting programming provided to 4 families. Partnership with C.A.L.S. to provide 3 discussion groups for Triple P topics; 5 parents came to

the groups.

Triple P Positive Parenting Program Three PLC staff members are now trained in the Triple P Positive Parenting Program. Since April 2012, PLC has offered 1 seminar group series for parents of children ages 0-10yrs, 3

parents have attended one or more of these seminars. Since April 2012 to December 2012, 6 parents have accessed individualized Triple P services Group Program held October 2012, had 8 parents who finished the course. Since April 2012, we have offered Tip Sheets, which are a brief consultation that takes a parent

through a tip sheet to address a specific challenge or parenting topic 57-tip sheet.

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Contracts FCSS Manages

Family Day Home Agency (FDH) Our agency currently has 8 providers contracted

The Government of Alberta has legislated training requirements for child care centre employees. The 3 levels of certification for child care staff in Alberta are:

1. Child Development Assistant: This first level is required for all staff of licensed and approved child care centres. Requires the completion of the Child Care Orientation Course (Alberta Government sponsored course).

2. Child Development Worker: Qualifies one to work as an Alternate Program Director. Requires the completion of a one-year Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Certificate program offered by an Alberta public college or university.

3. Child Development Supervisor: Qualifies one to work as a Program Supervisor. Requires the completion of a two-year Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Diploma program offered by an Alberta public college or university.

Success: All providers have received their certification as a Child Development Assistant. One provider

has completed their Child Development Worker Certificate. The FDH Coordinator, Karlana Eastwood-Klammer, is currently working towards the completion of her Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC), Diploma through Lakeland.

Success: The Alberta Association for the Accreditation of Early Learning and Care Services offers on behalf of the Alberta Government a province-wide accreditation program. We have successfully completed one term (3 years), and 2 years of the second term.

Provincial Community Outcomes - High quality child care contributes to well-functioning families and builds social cohesion in communities. It enhances community partnerships and supports appropriate linkages across children’s services.Indicators: Providers accessed the PLC, Library and other programs in the community

Increase in parents taking a positive approach to parenting. E.g. the use of redirection over time-outs and physical punishment

Children stay in care with the same provider for many years Providers are staying with the FDH program

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Contracts FCSS Manages

Mentors Opening Doors Enriching Lives (M.O.D.E.L. Project) From July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012, the M.O.D.E.L. Project

helped facilitate 80 different programs, presentations, or activities in Vegreville schools and the community. Some of the larger events/activities that M.O.D.E.L. has helped plan and implement are: Pink Shirt Day, True to Myself Girls Group, Loop the Lake, PARTY Program, Sizzlin’ Summer, Lil’ Explorers, Outdoor Family Movie Night, 2012 Teen Conference, Home Alone Safely Course & Teen Movie Nights.

The majority of M.O.D.E.L. Programming includes one or more community partners.

Partners the M.O.D.E.L. Project have worked with over the last year include: FCSS, Elk Island Public Schools, Elk Island Catholic Schools, Parent Link Centre, CALS, Veg Al-Drug Society, Alberta Health Services (Public Health, Health Promotions, Community Nutritionist, Mental Health), Children and Youth Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Vegreville Centennial Library, KidSport Vegreville, the ROCK Ministries, Volunteer Vegreville and the RCMP.

FRIENDS: The FRIENDS program from Australia is being implemented in all four schools. This program is based on cognitive behaviour theory, and focuses on emotional literacy and

resiliency building. 174 students completed the FRIENDS program in the first half of the 2012/2013 school year.

Summer Programming (Little Explorers, Sizzlin Summer and Teen Corner) Partners included CALS, PLC, Centennial Library and FCSS At Little Explorers: Built relationships with pre-school students and

their parents, as they prepared to transition into the schools. Connected with 30 children.

Sizzlin’ Summer: Strengthened relationships during summer with school students and their parents.

Teen Corner : Connected with 25 teens

Success: A Success Coach developed a relationship with a little boy and his father at the Little Explores Program. As the Dad got to know the Success Coach, he shared that his wife had committed suicide last year, and that his son was the one who found her. The Success Coach continued to work with this father and son when the new school season started by giving them support and referrals to other community resources. Dad has embraced these referrals and as a result, he is proud of the positive relationship he has developed with his son and his accomplishments as a parent.

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