New resource hub supports families

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The system of supports serving Strathmore and Wheatland County families is expanding, with the establishment a new family resource hub to serve the region, thanks to a new provincial initiative.
On April 7, Aspen Family and Community Network Society, a non-profit community organization, announced that it is a newfound partner of two family resource hubs: one serving the Calgary Southwest region, and one serving the Chestermere/Strathmore region, effective immediately. Wheatland County communities served include Strathmore, Carseland, Gleichen, Hussar, Rockyford and Standard.
Family Resource Networks (FRN) are a provincial initiative to provide early intervention and supports for families dealing with a range of issues, including poverty and trauma, through a group of community-based service providers.
The networks will promote child safety, well-being and development, said Rebecca Schulz, Alberta’s minister of Children’s Services.
“Our new Family Resource Networks will provide programs, services and supports to build stronger, more resilient families and communities across the province,” said Schulz.
Each hub will provide a “wide spectrum of prevention to intensive services for families with children,” from newborns to teenagers, according to a press release from the organization.
These services will work to support families, caregivers and the community for a better tomorrow, said Shirley Purves, chief executive officer of Aspen.
“We recognize that Alberta’s future rests with the children and youth of today and we look forward to supporting the resiliency and well-being of families in the Calgary Southwest and Chestermere/Strathmore regions” said Purves.
According to the organization, positive experiences in early years can create the foundation for strong and healthy children and youth.
“We recognize that children and youth are the future and we are committed to helping young people have a healthy start in life so that they can thrive in adulthood.”
Examples of services the organization provides includes foster care, individualized support for parents and caregivers, play-based learning for children, information and referrals, and helping youths transition to adulthood.
The Chestermere/Strathmore family resource hub is in Strathmore, at 419B 2 Street. For more information, visit their website (aspenfamily.org/programs/frnchestermere-strathmore).