FCSS and seniors funding maintained in Budget 2019

By Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean Times Contributor

Minister of Community and Social Services Rajan Sawhney announced on Oct. 31 that Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) funding will remain at $100 million for 2019-20.
“We value the long-term relationship with FCSS programs,” Sawhney said on Nov. 1. “We know they will continue to provide efficient, targeted and results-oriented programming in Alberta communities.”
For municipalities like Strathmore and Wheatland County who opt into the program, the province provides 80 per cent funding with the municipality responsible for the other 20 per cent.
“The FCSS program is designed to provide preventative community-based services, planned and delivered with a strong volunteer component to address community needs,” reads a statement on the Town of Strathmore website.
Strathmore FCSS director Linda Bernicki presented the Community Access Card program to council which was approved in September. The program allows low-income families to obtain access to Town of Strathmore programs and services at a reduced cost.
Swimming lessons, activities at the sports centre, family centre, programs at the Child, Youth and Family Hub and FCSS are covered under the Access Card.
Wheatland County FCSS helps fund local libraries, playschools, caregiver support and the Growing Families Society, as well as other programs available throughout the county.
Funding for seniors’ benefits will also remain steady for the coming year with an increase in funding for seniors housing.
Seniors or family of seniors in the area interested in learning more about local community supports, or Alberta seniors’ benefits programs, can contact FCSS in Strathmore at 403-934-9090 or Wheatland County at 403-934-5335.