Community Development & Engagement

FCSS is committed to getting everyone involved in making our community a better place to live. It is our goal to work together to address the social issues identified by the community. 

Communication, Cooperation, Coordination, and Collaboration

Our involvement with community projects, campaigns, initiatives, and coalitions may include being a partner, organizer, or facilitator to identify, plan, and implement strategies.  

  • The Developmental Assets® Framework: The Search Institute has identified 40 positive supports and strengths that young people need to succeed. Half of the assets focus on the relationships and opportunities they need in their families, schools, and communities (external assets). The remaining assets focus on the social-emotional strengths, values, and commitments that are nurtured within young people (internal assets).

  • Welcoming & Inclusive Community (WIC) Initiative: This is a partnership between the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) and the Government of Alberta to support municipalities to implement policies and practices to help overcome issues of racism and discrimination. The goal of the WIC initiative is to create communities where all residents and visitors enjoy a sense of belonging and where diversity adds to the social and economic vibrancy of the community and improves the quality of life for all residents.

  • Family Violence Prevention Month: Each November, communities can help raise awareness and prevent family violence by organizing public events and activities.

  • Pink Shirt Day: Celebrated across the globe, Pink Shirt Day was inspired by an act of kindness in small-town Nova Scotia. On the last Wednesday in February, we are encouraged to practice kindness and wear pink to symbolize that we do not tolerate bullying.

  • Seniors Week: During the first full week of June, Albertans can show appreciation for Alberta’s seniors and all that they contribute to Alberta. 
  • Vegreville Interagency: A group of service agencies who meet to share information and discuss current trends and issues that affect residents’ quality of life. Meetings are on the second Wednesday of the month. E-mail fcss@vegreville.com to be added to the email distribution list.

  • Vegreville Cares Coalition: Aims to strengthen individuals and their relationships through education and awareness. Our goal is to have increased awareness, understanding and ability to respond to the factors related to bullying, violence, substance abuse, and mental illness. Membership is open to individuals and group representatives with a vested interest in our goals.

  • Rural Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition (REAP): A coordinated community response to address elder abuse. Organizations encompass five rural areas being Lamont County, the Town of Vegreville, Beaver County, the County of Minburn, the County of Two Hills, and Flagstaff County.

  • Seniors’ Wellness Committee: The goal is to improve the health and wellness of older adults and assist them in maintaining optimal levels of independence without undue risk. To achieve this objective, the committee offers educational workshops and presentations to both seniors and their families (including caregivers). The information and support offered in this program enable seniors to make choices that will improve their health and well being. Organizations involved are VegMin Learning Society, AHS Health Promotion and Kalyna Primary Care Network.

  • Volunteer Appreciation Committee: It’s FCSS’s honour to work with our partners to celebrate our local volunteers during National Volunteer Week which is held during the month of April. Together we are giving thanks and recognize our volunteers so richly deserve.

  • Drug & Vaping Committee: This is a dedicated group of individuals, agencies, and businesses who are working hard to engage the community and provide opportunities that bring awareness and contribute to the well being of community members.

  • Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) Committee Coordinated through the school divisions, this group is comprised of community and justice agencies, health and social service professionals who collaborate to create and maintain school environments in which students, staff, parents/guardians and others feel safe. The focus is on early intervention, prevention, and aftermath strategies for crisis trauma, violence, and conflict.

  • Eastern Edge Regional Collaborative Service Delivery - Local Advisory Group (LAG): Is a group working collaboratively to promote and strengthen partnerships by eliminating barriers between the school and community to enhance the school, home and community life of the child or youth and family.

  • Emergency Social Services (ESS) Central Region Committee: The purpose is to exchange knowledge and resources among communities, municipalities, and regions to enhance Emergency Social Services for Albertans. FCSS participates in regional meetings along with key stakeholders, including Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), Alberta Health Services (AHS), Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) Council.

  • Family Day Committee: Each February, FCSS, along with other organizations and businesses in Vegreville, work together to plan a free event that creates stronger family ties within the community. FCSS brings different partners to the table for planning and serves as the main coordinator.

  • Child & Youth School Break Committee: FCSS partners with other organizations in Vegreville to plan a fun and educational programs and events for youth and children during school breaks. Some programs and events that have happened are Spring Break Escape Room, Babysitters Course, and the Sizzlin’ Summer Fun Day.  

The high quality of life enjoyed by our residents is made possible by the programs, activities, and services run by non-profits and charities that make up the nonprofit sector in Vegreville and the County of Minburn. 

FCSS is proud to support these organizations and charities by offering practical resources, innovative practices, and support with monitoring and making sense of changes within the sector. 

Supports we provide:  

  • Volunteer recruitment, appreciation, and retention.
  • Helping non-profit groups work together to address community needs.

Keeping Connected & Informed

Are you a non-profit organization or charity? Would you like to know about important information that applies to your sector? If so, contact the FCSS Community Programmer at 780-632-3966 or email fcss@vegreville.com

Resources for Non-profit Governance & Leaders of Volunteers: 

Government of Alberta, Non-profit governance: Board development and facilitation services, resources, and other supports to help organizations improve their services.

Volunteer Canada: Provides national leadership and expertise on volunteerism to increase the participation, quality and diversity of volunteer experiences. 

Volunteer AlbertaStrengthen Alberta’s nonprofit/voluntary sector organizations through knowledge exchange and strategic connections.