County of St. Paul Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) 

Family & Community Support Services (FCSS)

Is a funding partnership between the Province, Municipalities and Métis Settlements. Under FCSS, communities design and deliver social programs that are preventive in nature to promote and enhance well-being among individuals, families and communities. The programs depend on community resources, often involving volunteers in management and delivery.

The County of St. Paul FCSS provides designs and delivers services that are preventive in nature and assists in increasing independence by strengthening coping skills. We encourage and assist in enhancing the cooperation between FCSS organizations and other Agencies.

The following is a list of some of the programs that is supported and delivered by the County of St. Paul FCSS.

Good Samaritan Telecare Services

The County of St. Paul FCSS offers Good Samaritan Telecare Installation and Services. It is a partnership with an Alberta based support program which provides 24 hour emergency response and telephone support through a lifeline button that is warn by the subscriber. At the push of a button one can immediately speak to an operator whenever help maybe required.  

It has proven to be a vital link to those who may require emergency medical assistance, the telecare system has also proven to bring peace of mind to loved ones knowing help is available at a push of a button. It assists Seniors to remain living independently and comfortably in their own homes while having the confidence of increased security.

Community Counseling Services

Community Counseling Services provides professional individual, group and marriage counseling/therapy services. Community Counseling also offers information, education, and referrals to assist in strengthening the emotional health and wellness of individuals, families, couples and the community.  

Professional Counseling sessions are subsidized by the County FCSS for eligible County residents. Rates are based on family size and net income to provide affordable services.

Alberta Seniors and Community Supports Assistance Programs

The County FCSS assists the Alberta Seniors and Community Supports by providing assistance to seniors by explaining and assisting in the completion of forms for the various programs provided through the Alberta Government. These programs include but are not limited to the Special Needs Assistance Program, the Dental and Optical Programs, the Residential Access Modification Program and Alberta Seniors Benefit Program.

Parent Link Program (St. Paul, Ashmont & St. Lina Sites)

Parent Link Centers provide supports to parents to help their children develop and arrive at school ready to learn. Parents can access information about community services, obtain referrals, meet other parents and families, and take part in quality learning activities with their children.  

The Parent Link Centers provide a comprensive range of services that include: parent education, early childhood development and care, family support and information and referrals.

Community Health and the Built Environment

Community Health and the Built Environment (funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Institute for Health Research) is a 3-year project that will build on the work of Healthy Alberta Communities (HAC), a community capacity building project for chronic disease prevention. HAC is currently underway in four distinct communities in Alberta, each representing a mix of special issues and vulnerable populations which include: St. Paul and area, Norwood/ North Central Edmonton; Medicine Hat, Redcliff and area; and Bonnyville and area.

The objectives of this project is to better understand 1) how obesity, physical activity and healthy eating are related to community environments; and 2) how these environments can be changed to reduce obesity and chronic diseases. Opportunities and barriers to these health behaviors will be investigated in each of the four communities. This project is working with the University of Alberta, Centre for Health Promotion Studies research team and appointed community representatives to help identify strengths and barriers related to the community’s built environment and to affect sustainable change around promoting physical activity and healthy eating. The projects will be aimed at improving the overall health of the community.

Volunteer Income Tax

The focus of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is to assist low income individuals, families and seniors with completing basic tax returns. There is no charge for this service.

Community Support, Information and Referral Services

The County of St. Paul FCSS provides information and referral services to individuals, families as well as one on one support for seniors requiring specific or special needs.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program provides help to anyone with problems that may lead to suicide. The card carries the message that there are those who care and will help!! If you are in need, and don’t know how to ask for help, take the Yellow Ribbon Card to a friend, relative, clergy, counselor, teacher. It provides options to suicide. The Yellow Ribbon Cards can be found at FCSS offices or on the back page of the St. Paul Community Directory. If you are requiring additional information on the Yellow Ribbon Program please call (780) 645-1950.

Anti-Bullying Committee (St. Paul & Area)

The Anti-Bullying committee is a collaborative partnership that supports the mission statement: to be proactive in the prevention of bullying and to provide ongoing support to our communities through communication and research.

  
Safer Community Task Force (St. Paul & Area)

The County of St. Paul FCSS is a partner working towards creating and sustaining a viable, safe and caring community. We assist in the development and implementation of programs and strategies to enhance opportunities to create a safer community for all.
 

County of St. Paul No. 19 5015 - 49 Avenue St. Paul, Alberta T0A 3A4 Phone: (780) 645-3301 Fax: (780) 645-3104 Email: Tammy Elkow or     Email: Jan Chartrand