fcss@laclabichecounty.com
T: 780-623-6745
Our Mission:
“PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT FOR STRONG COMMUNITIES”
Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is a partnership between the Province / Municipal Governments and Metis Settlements to provide preventive and very early intervention services in communities. It has been offered in the province for over 50 years.
FCSS programs are found across the province and look a bit different in each community. These services are governed by a Provincial Act and Regulation on how funding can be used.
What FCSS DOES:
FCSS focuses on prevention and very early intervention social service programs.
Lac La Biche County has a mix of FCSS funded programs and services. While some fit within the provincial FCSS mandate, others are fully funded by the County because they are important to our community. Services not funded by FCSS include the Community Access Service, Child Mind Service, and the Family Resource Network.
These services complement each other and are delivered by a team of dynamic staff to serve you, and the community.
Welcome Home Booklet
Your First Introduction to Lac La Biche County - This comprehensive guide invites you to explore the rich resources available, providing valuable insights into life in Lac La Biche. Discover essential information about the county's unique offerings, from finding a place to live, to healthcare, education, assistance for individuals and families, and all the central information you need to be here.
To find out more about what we do click on a menu item below:
Northern Lakes Family Resource Network
The Northern Lakes Family Resource Network is administered through Athabasca FCSS and is a group of agencies providing supports to families with children aged 0-18 years.
The spectrum of services is from prevention / education services to intervention, seeking to support healthy caregiver / parenting skills and family development.
To access services please visit the Northern Lakes Family Resource Network website:
It Takes a Village
Lac La Biche County hosts the It Takes a Village program providing parent / caregiver education and support. Watch our Facebook pages for regular workshops and programs such as Emotion Coaching, Baby Talk, and It Starts With Hope parent support group. Our staff provide Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Triple P programming and 1-on-1 conversations to encourage positive parenting skills development.
Lac La Biche County Interagency
The Lac La Biche County Interagency is a group of service agencies and community members who meet to share information and ideas. The group also discusses current trends and issues that affect residents’ quality of life.
All interested groups and individuals are invited to attend bi-monthly meetings. There is always an open seat at the table.
FCSS also maintains a list of agencies and residents who want to be kept informed about local programs and services between meetings.
To find out more, or if you would like to present at the next Interagency regular meeting, connect with us today!
Governance and Funding
The FCSS Act and Regulation states that the funding split must be at least 20% municipal funding to 80% provincial funding. Many municipalities contribute more than the 20% share. Municipalities report annually to the provincial government on how the funding was used and how the programs benefitted the community.
Lac La Biche County offers a mix of FCSS funded programs and services and some that are fully funded by the County. Services not funded by FCSS include the Community Access Service, Child Mind Service, and the Family Resource Network.
County Council has also approved the use FCSS funding for both direct services and grants to non-profit organizations. Please contact us if you have an idea for a program that might be good for the community or if your organization wants to apply for funding.
Bylaw 19-026 governs our local FCSS operations and helps guide the work of the FCSS Board. The board’s main responsibility is to promote FCSS within the community and to help ensure the program and grants align with community needs. Board Members typically meet the 2nd Monday of each month.
- The bylaw states that the board will have four members from the community and two Councillors.
- The Board reviews program reports, helps identify if there are gaps in services, reviews applications and reports for funding.
- FCSS board members are appointed by Council. A board member can serve up to two consecutive 3-year terms (a maximum of 6 years).
FCSS Grants
FCSS recognizes and supports the role that non-profit groups play in supporting prevention and very early intervention.
Programs or events must be of a preventive / very early intervention social service nature, or support volunteers.
Applications must align with the Family and Community Support Services Act and the Family and Community Support Services Regulation. Expenses incurred before an application has been reviewed will not be eligible for the grant funding.
There are two forms that must accompany your application, a Funding Application and Budget Sheet. Interested groups should contact the FCSS office to have the forms emailed to them.
Some previous recipients include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lac La Biche & Area, Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre, Plamondon & Wandering River youth program, Historical Chappelle Society of Plamondon.
Need Help? Contact Us
780-623-6819 | fcss@laclabichecounty.com
Contact Us
General Inquiries
780-623-6745 | fcss@laclabichecounty.com
The FCSS office is located at the Bold Center, 8702 – 91 Avenue, Lac La Biche
FCSS Manager
780-623-6819 | anita.polturak@laclabichecounty.com
Community Outreach Workers
Children (7-12) - 780-520-9868
Youth - 780-623-6754
Seniors - 780-623-6726
Community Development - 780-623-6361
Young Family Connections / Child Mind Services - 780-623-6365
Community Access Services – Paratransit and Community Access Service - 780-623-6763
Northern Lakes Family Resource Network: It Takes a Village - 780-623-6745
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