Yellowhead County Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) wants you to know that we’re continuing to support communities during this extraordinary time.

COVID-19 has changed the way FCSS is working, but we are still available by phone and offering some services and supports, in a modified way.  Here are some of the services and supports that we are offering during this time. 

• Community Volunteer Income Tax Program

  FCSS is still providing this service to individuals that meet the eligibility criteria, but paperwork drop-off has been modified to lower the risk of exposure for the public and staff.  If you have income tax that needs to be prepared, please contact the Wildwood office at 780-325-3782 to make arrangements for your taxes to be completed.

• Service Referral and Navigation

  Unsure where to turn?  Never used any government services before and no idea where to start?  We can help you find where you need to go, and who you need to speak to when looking for services related to provincial government programs, federal programs, and local services. We also support the provincial 2-1-1 line that anyone can call twenty-four hours a day, to find social services that are available for whatever needs you may have.

• NeighbourLink Friendly Caller Program

  If you, or someone you know, is isolated or lonely, and would like to be matched with someone to do regular check-ins and a friendly chat, please contact our office and we can match you with a volunteer.  Want to volunteer to make the friendly calls?  We provide you with training, and will match you with a person.  All you need are some free minutes in the day, and a criminal record check (we have that paperwork for you).

• Supportive Listening

  If you are just needing someone to talk to for a short period of time, we are here for you as well.  Call our office and we will put you through to someone that you can speak with.

• Webinar Screenings with Parents

  The Early Childhood Coordinator is organizing webinars with parents focused on families with children 0-6.  These screenings come from the Neufeld Institute and cover a variety of topics, including: Power to Parent Series, Making Sense of Discipline, Relationship Matters:  The Challenges of Parenting and Teaching Todays Children, Making Sense of Counter Will, and many others.  Contact our Early Childhood Coordinator to learn about these webinars and others that we can make available to you.

The FCSS program is also able to provide supports and guidance to non-profits and individuals seeking volunteer opportunities at this time.  We are posting information, challenges, and mental health tips and tricks on the Yellowhead County Facebook page.  This includes an opportunity to contribute to a Community Cookbook, weekly family challenge, and a chance for children to contribute to a local storybook by drawing pictures about the featured stories.  

FCSS is also developing plans to best provide preventive social services to the communities of Yellowhead County throughout the stages of the pandemic.  Our mission is to support communities to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever.  You can contact the FCSS office at 780-325-3782.