Annual Interagency WFCSS luncheon

Time Contributor

 

Sharon Tibeau, Coordinator for Wheatland Family and Community Services addressed representatives of community social service agencies at the Interagency Luncheon held on Sept. 11.

The Town of Strathmore is developing its own programs to address Strathmore resident’s needs. 

She wanted to reassure agencies that coordinate their services with WFCSS that programs will continue.

“The remaining board is very supportive of our staff and programs, and are concerned what this will look like in the future. They are looking at all solutions and will come up with something. They are anticipating all programs will be fine,” said Tibeau.

WFCSS has been administering, coordinating and operating the social service programs in Wheatland County for 34 years. With that comes experience on smooth operation of programs and wisdom from past mistakes made and remedied. 

With the split, she said the line is practically drawn in the sand that Strathmore residents will be utilizing Strathmore programs and rural residents will utilize rural programs. It will mean approximately 50 per cent decrease in WFCSS support funding and 85 per cent of the clients come from Strathmore.  Tibeau felt there would be extreme impact to clients served by the programs. Staff roles will remain in effect until Dec. 31, when reorganization will take place. Last year there was $160,000 given out to the various programs. The programs might require statistical breakdowns to help in the reorganization process.

The town is waiting for a new coordinator to be hired, before commenting on the situation. While Tibeau said they would be supportive in the changeover, she said she has concerns about how fair it is to the new coordinator to start in an undeveloped program.

She hopes the community will assist them as best as possible. 

There are many unaddressed questions. Tibeau said dealing with volunteers requires a delicate hand. They are a valuable resource and their contribution to the community is enormous.

Staff also go above and beyond and hold positions on community boards such as Secretary or Treasurer. 

She gave examples of the various services that had helped clients. Some are: Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Disaster Services, Step One Housing, Rural Health Partnerships, Resource Centre, Home Support, Interagency Council, Christmas Hamper Emergency Medical Transport fund, Transient Services, Bridging the Gap, Family and school resources, Junior achievement support.

Currently WFCSS staff is the first line of response. People walk into the office for information, referrals and immediate help. 

“Our office is the glue for the cracks that people fall through,” she said.

She said that community member’s need to advocate for clients who are in vulnerable positions and cannot speak for themselves. 

“The people effected by this do not have a voice, so you are the voices for them,” said Tibeau.

She encouraged people to direct their concerns directed to Linda Nelson at the Town, speak to their area councilors and the mayor. 

“To say things won’t change is not realistic. They will change. Make them accountable for your programs and the follow through,” Tibeau said. “It is up to the community to say ‘we need these programs to continue.’” 

Dwight Stanford expressed regret that he could not attend, but indicated the Town would have more information after the new FCSS Coordinator was placed.