FCSS provides grants to local groups
By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A total of $59,000 will be doled out to seven community groups in Strathmore as the recipients of Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) 2021 grants.
The grants align with Strathmore town council’s strategic plan of addressing community and social issues via partnerships and collaboration, and supporting inclusivity and diversity, said Catherine Walsh, the town’s community and social development manager.
Growing Family Societies is receiving $34,100 for Growing Opportunities, an in-home visitation program providing support to individuals during their pregnancy. The funding was established through a memorandum of understanding developed between the society and the town that will see funding continue through to 2023.
The Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society is receiving $4,500 to support its Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Prevention and Awareness Program, designed to promote alcohol and drug-free pregnancies. The program focuses on public awareness and safe discussions to provide the community understanding of FASD causes and strategies for prevention.
Accredited Support to the Community is receiving $4,500 for its Healthy Families program, which provides free and voluntary home visitations for families with children up to age six. The group provides in-home support and information referrals related to child development, parenting, family support and community resources.
A $5,700 grant to Golden Hills School Division will support its Family School Community Resource Counselling Program, which provides support to 2,850 children and their families across eight schools through counselling, coordination with other agencies and referrals. This program helps with at-home or at-school difficulties to help family, child and school relationships.
The Strathmore Municipal Library is receiving two grants, including $3,500 for its Visiting Library Service, which provides materials and connections to those experiencing social isolation and transportation barriers; and $700 for its Intergenerational Pen Pal Project, which aims to connect community members to fight isolation.
A $3,000 grant was awarded to Junior Achievement Southern Alberta to provide free financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship education to students in grades four to 12 across southern Alberta. Over 1,100 classrooms across southern Alberta are expected to use the program.
Rural Calgary East Postpartum Support Group is receiving $3,000 to help mothers identify and cope with post-natal depression or anxiety. Through this program, a nine-week series is provided to help mothers connect to other mothers within a supportive environment and work toward positive mental health.