We have programs and services available for every age demographic in the community.
Learn about current and upcoming programs through our Facebook sites: Lac La Biche Family & Community Support Services or FCSS Young Family Connections.
| Young Family Connections | These programs focus on early childhood development. This includes such programs as Tumble Kids, Art in the Park, Read & Roll, Crafternoon, etc. |
| Children and Preteen Programs | These programs focus on children aged 7-12 years, and their families. Programs include the Super Kids, Tween Scene, Jr Family Night, Jr Family Summer Fun, the Home Alone course and Babysitting course. We also offer the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) which gives parents simple and practical strategies to help them build strong, healthy relationships, confidently manage their children’s behavior, and prevent problems from developing. |
| Youth Programs | These programs focus on youth aged 13-18 years and their parents. Programs include Teen Chill Zone, Teen Skill Zone and other youth focused activities. |
| Adult and Family Programs | These programs aim to connect single adults or adults new to the community with other adults, and promote healthy family relationships. Programs include Board Games & Beyond, and Creating Connections intended to introduce people to others in a fun setting. |
| Seniors Programs | These programs aim to support seniors to be active, resilient, and independent in the community. Services include helping seniors with government forms, the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (for low-income seniors) and connecting them with support services. Programs also include Seniors’ Aquafit, Coffee & Conversation, Snow Angels, workshops on social issue affecting seniors. |
| Community Development | This work is intended to encourage community working together to address social issues. Currently this includes working on a Transitional Housing Program to support people with unstable housing. Other initiatives include bi-monthly Interagency meetings, producing the Community Services Directory. We also support volunteer development and celebrating volunteers in our community. |
To learn more about our programs and services please consult the menu below:
Adults and Families
FCSS encourages healthy families within an engaged and caring community, and supports programs that foster understanding and empathy between people. In addition to these, the department hosts and assists with public events that encourage the family experience and community interaction.
"It Takes A Village"
Programs and workshops offered through this are embedded in the Northern Lake Family Resource Network (NL FRN) offerings. These services focus on supporting parents/caregivers to be the best they can be for their children. Whether it's sharing Triple P tip sheets, workshops on the regulation of emotions or conversation in the parent support group, "It Starts With Hope", we have a broad range of ways to support people through their parenting challenges. Call (780) 623-6754 for more information, and to confirm workshop dates and times.
Block Party Program
Knowing your neighbours results in safer, more caring neighbourhoods, and throwing a block party can help with that.
Block parties invite families and friends in a neighbourhood for an evening of food, games, and fun in the great outdoors. Neighbours can meet and greet while bonding during a barbecue, picnic, or potluck.
If you'd like to plan a block party in your area, check out our kit with planning ideas, and be sure to fill out our registration form. Once you've filled out the form and returned it to FCSS, you'll be eligible for a $100 gift card to use for food and supplies.
Public Events
Community events bring people of different age groups and backgrounds together for positive shared experiences. Two family-focused events that take place every year are Family Day Festival, on the public holiday in February, and Carnival Night in July.
The annual Community Awareness and Registration Evening (CARE) in September is an ideal opportunity for residents to learn more about local non-profit organizations, from children’s sports associations to service clubs. In previous years, over 50 different groups have set up booths at CARE.
Volunteers
Our community has a reputation for strong volunteerism, and a large number of non-profit groups operate in Lac La Biche County and the surrounding area. FCSS believes that volunteering has many benefits for residents. Lac La Biche County invests in programs that support volunteers and promote community involvement.
The annual Volunteer Fair and Bistro in April recognizes current volunteers for their contributions, and acts as a networking forum for community members interested in helping with non-profit groups.
Seniors
Serving seniors is a cornerstone of FCSS’s operations. Seniors and older adults are valued community members with unique needs. Lac La Biche County’s programs are centred on helping seniors continue to be active participants in the community.
For more details about programs and services for seniors, please call (780) 623-6726.
Income Tax and Income Support Assistance
County employees host tax clinics for seniors every year, through Canada Revenue Agency’s Canada Volunteer Income Tax Program. Seniors with simple tax situations can get help preparing and filing income tax and benefits paperwork. This service begins annually in March.
FCSS staff members can also provide information and assist with the following income support programs:
Federal | Provincial Alberta Seniors' Benefit Alberta Aids to Daily Living Special Needs Assistance for Seniors |
Elder Abuse Awareness and Referral Assistance
Elder abuse is any action, or lack of action, that endangers a senior’s health or wellness. It can take many forms, any senior can be victimized, and it does not need to be physical in order to be considered abuse. In fact, emotional and financial abuse are the most frequently seen types of elder abuse in Canada.
Prevention of elder abuse begins with awareness, and FCSS is working to raise the profile of this important issue. A Resource Centre for people who want to learn more and access referral services is located in the FCSS office at the Bold Centre (8702 91 Avenue, Lac La Biche, Alberta).
For additional information online, please visit the websites of Alberta Seniors and Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council. If you are a victim of abuse, you have nothing to be ashamed of and there is nothing wrong with seeking help. If you are in danger, call 911.
Recreational Activities
FCSS strives to provide barrier-free programming that allows seniors to continue leading healthy, socially integrated lifestyles.
Notable Programs:
- Seniors Aquafit: Free aquafit classes available for seniors through a partnership with Portage Pool, offering gentle exercise in a safe environment. Seniors are welcome to stay afterwards for refreshments and conversation.
- Seniors Garden Social: A free tea party-style event for seniors and their families, in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.
- Seniors Holiday Social: A free holiday-themed gathering in December, giving seniors an opportunity to mingle and celebrate the holidays in fellowship.
- Seniors Staycations: Organized outings to a variety of destinations around the region. Popular destinations include Mayfield Dinner Theatre in Edmonton and Cold Lake Provincial Park.
Success Stories: A group of seniors taking part in our first round of Seniors Aquafit classes exchanged contact information on the last day, and now they get together on their own and go swimming. We are glad to see that our programs are an inspiration to community members.
Children and Youth
Lac La Biche County believes in providing opportunities for younger residents to develop skills, gain confidence and boost self-esteem, and reach their full potential. These range from babysitting courses to cooking classes to face-painting workshops.
For more details about programs and services for children and youth, including dates and costs and available subsidies, please call (780) 623-6754.
Notable Programs:
- Circus Skills Camp: A unique summer day camp for kids ages 9-14. Participants learn from professional entertainer and instructor Flyin' Bob how to walk on stilts, juggle and more.
- Home Alone (9-11 years) and Babysitting (12+ years) aim to develop confidence and self-esteem for children.
- Teen Chill Zone: A Friday night drop-in program for youth ages 13-17 to socialize and try different activities with their peers.
- Next Gen Volunteers available to any interested teens building confidence in youth by contributing to the community through volunteer projects selected by the youth.
Success Stories: The Next Gen Volunteers group did a work-bee for the Humane Society cleaning up the yard and preparing it for a new ‘cat-io’ play area for cats in the shelter.
Developing programs for children and youth is an ongoing process and we welcome ideas and feedback. Call (780) 623-6754 for details about current programs and to provide input.
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