WFCSS gets festive

Sharon McLeay

Times Contributor

 

A robust letter campaign to Wheatland Family and Community Support Services (WFCSS) held a well-attended, festive open house, set in Wheatland County Council Chambers on May11. They were welcoming the community in and giving a grand send off to some valued staff members. The council chamber was transformed with spring colored table settings, festive balloons and a tempting buffet of appetisers and desserts.

“Thank you for being here today and helping us move through a new stage of our journey,” said Lynn Walker, program coordinator.

She outlined the some of the many service programs which help Wheatland residents in need. As an example, she said a few seniors had been in the office seeking help filling out forms for their old age pensions. She mentioned there are a lot of programs that benefit seniors and the whole community. A partnership between the County of Wheatland, Rockyford, Standard and Hussar has been formed to address needs in those municipalities. A needs survey was developed and sent out with the County tax forms. She encouraged people to return the forms.

“We feel it will give us valuable information about the community needs and it is a chance for residents to come in at the grass roots level with suggestions for programs in the area,” said Walker. 

There were gifts and presentations given to honour employees who were leaving. Susan Gates, Branka Kuljanin and Sharon Tibeau. Tibeau was the previous Program Coordinator for 17 years and worked with the agency for 24 years.

“We have such a good team here,” said Walker. “We are more like a family and a team.”

“It was a joy to come to work every day, but I am looking forward to the next new fun phase of my life,” said Tibeau. 

Kuljinan and Gates received wrapped gifts and Tibeau received a patio bench set to enjoy in her retirement.

Board Vice Chair, Ron Corbiell stood and thanked the County councillors and staff for making those involved with WFCSS welcome and accommodating their office needs. He tracked the WFCSS office from its first office in Standard, moving to the Town of Strathmore office, then to where Getz law office is now situated, another move into the building next to the library in Strathmore and finally WFCSS taking a home in the County office. It was bantered that Tibeau would be well prepared for any travelling she would do in retirement. 

“We want to sincerely thank for all your years of service and hope that you enjoy your times off,” said Corbiell.