(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

$30,000 INCREASE

Lacombe County boosts Family and Community Support programs

Nov 20, 2024 | 11:03 AM

Lacombe County council has increased the area’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) funding by $30,000 for the 2025 fiscal year.

Officials say the decision reflects the County’s effort to foster sustainable and supportive communities for residents, from youth programs to essential services for seniors.

“As our communities grow, so do the challenges our residents face. This funding increase will allow us to respond proactively to community needs, especially for seniors who may not be aware of the support available to them,” said Lacombe County Reeve Barb Shepherd. “We’re committed to making these resources accessible and ensuring that all residents benefit from FCSS programs.”

Additionally, the County reviewed its 2024 year-end funding and found that the FCSS program had underspent by $22,750. The surplus has been reallocated to local organizations who did not have their 2024 funding requests fully met.

Michael Minchin, Director of Corporate Services, added, “Supporting our communities has always been a priority for Lacombe County. We recognize the importance of these programs in promoting well-being and are dedicated to strengthening the support systems that so many of our residents rely on.”

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County council approved the following community organizations as one-time recipients of the 2024 FCSS surplus:

• Alix Mirror Wellness Supports Society — $10,000
• Bentley Community Services — $2,950
• Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) — $1,000
• Blackfalds Abbey Centre Camp Curious — $400
• Blackfalds FCSS — Seniors Programs — $1,000
• BGC Wolf Creek Lacombe — $1,000
• Clive FCSS — $2,000
• Eckville & Area Children’s Playgroup — $1,000
• Eckville Recreation Board — Summer Camp — $1,000
• Friends of Mirror Library Society — $400
• Lacombe and District FCSS — $2,000
  • Total: $22,750

The following community programs were approved by county council for 2025 and continued annual funding, pending a yearly review to ensure the programs are operational, provide a valuable resource to the community, and have sufficient funding:

• Alix Family and Community Support Society $1,500
• Alix Mirror Wellness Supports Society — $18,355
• Bentley Community Services — $13,690
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and District — $6,000
• Blackfalds Abbey Centre Camp Curious — $4,000
• Blackfalds FCSS – Seniors Programs — $4,000
• BGC Wolf Creek Lacombe — $2,500
• Eckville and Community Youth Society — $2,000
• Eckville Recreation Board – Summer Camp — $2,000
• Eckville & Area Children’s Playgroup — $2,500
• Friends of Mirror Library Society — $5,400
• Lacombe and District FCSS — $26,125
• Lacombe FCSS (Clive, Mirror, Tees Playgroup) — $4,000
• Youth Unlimited Central Alberta — $6,000
  • Total: $98,070

Information on how to access the County’s FCSS and community programs can be found online.