What We Do
Vegreville & District Family & Community Support Services is a partnership between the Town of Vegreville, County of Minburn, and the Government of Alberta.
FCSS provides preventative resources, programs, and services that enhance the social well-being of individuals and families through promotion or intervention strategies provided at the earliest opportunity.
Information & Referrals
Local, Provincial, National, & Online Support Numbers
Print this PosterFinancial Empowerment Resources
For many of us, money worries are the greatest source of stress; more than work, personal health, and relationships. There are many sources of financial stress, including:
- Managing household expenses
- Dealing with high levels of debt
- Living paycheque to paycheque
- Loss of employment
- Struggling to save money for short and long-term goals
- Dealing with unexpected expenses
If you feel this way, remember you’re not alone. Financial stress affects all income levels and age groups. When we don’t have adequate income, can’t save, and get into debt, the community experiences:
- Rising rates of evictions
- Homelessness
- Food insecurity
- Family violence
- Health problems
- Unpaid taxes and utility bills
We're here to help you find the information and resources you need to strengthen your ability to meet your financial needs. We want you to feel empowered and know more about how to:
- Budget your money during difficult times.
- Get by financially on your monthly income.
- Keep up with bills and commitments.
- Know more about how to prepare for your future.
- Overcome challenges that life has thrown your way.
Helpful Links
Government of Canada - Support and Services for Seniors
Vegreville Alberta Supports Centre
Address: 5121-49 Street
Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1S7
Email: CSS.VegrevilleDO@gov.ab.ca
Phone: 780-632-8686
Fax: 780-632-8687
Child & Youth Programs
Sizzlin' Summer
Vegreville & District FCSS delivers the “Sizzlin’ Summer” day camp program to offer a wide variety of activities to keep your child both engaged and excited during the summer. Sizzlin' Summer is designed based on the “Developmental Assets Framework” and our goals are to develop the following: Positive values, social skills, self-esteem, and children feel valued by adults in the community.
CHECK BACK MAY 2024 FOR INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION
Junior Leaders Program
The Junior Leaders Program gives youth ages 12 and up the opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills, and make a difference in the community by volunteering with the Sizzlin' Summer day camp program.
Participants attend a whole day training session that covers basic first aid, childcare, and leadership skills. If the training is completed and the participant shows signs that they are ready to be a Junior Leader, they can then volunteer for 1-4 weeks during the summer. Junior Leaders are expected to be present every day in the weeks they are scheduled to volunteer unless prior arrangements have been made.
Any youth who show strong leadership skills and enjoy spending time with children are encouraged to apply HERE
School Breaks
There are lots of different events and activities around town for children and youth during school breaks. Many organizations like FCSS, Vegreville Centennial Library, and MHCB take this opportunity to partner together to put on fun and exciting events. In previous years, we have brought in a Mobile Escape Room and even A Day at Hogwarts! The Babysitters Course is also run at least once during each school break.
FCSS works hard to have a comprehensive, one-stop-shop, calendar for your family to plan out your spring, winter, and even summer break.
KidSport & Jumpstart Applications
KidSport and Jumpstart provide support to children to remove financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport. FCSS is here to help assist with the application process.
Adult & Senior Programs
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
Need a hand preparing your income tax return? The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is a collaboration between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Vegreville & District Family & Community Support Services (FCSS), and community volunteers to prepare income tax returns for people who have a modest income and a simple tax situation.
Income Requirements:
| Types of returns NOT prepared:
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STEPS TO GETTING YOUR INCOME TAXES DONE: “Drop-Off & Pick-Up”
- Starts March 1st
- Gather all your tax documents such as “T-Slips”, receipts, and photo identification.
- Make sure you have all your documents because missing information will delay processing.
- Come into the Vegreville & District FCSS office to drop off your tax documents.
- Complete and sign the intake form at the FCSS office.
- It will take 10 business days for your tax return to be completed then it will be EFILED so you don’t have to mail it.
- Pick-up your tax return (please bring I.D.).
- CRA does not permit FCSS to keep copies of tax returns or related documents.
Community Counselling
Vegreville & District FCSS is now facilitating affordable community counselling for residents of Vegreville and the County of Minburn. In-person counselling is available every second Sunday in July and August. To book an appointment, call Guided Path at 780-318-1480 or email admin@guidedpathcg.ca
Sessions:
- In-person, telephone, and virtual sessions available
- Individual, couple, and family available
Payments for Services:
- Payments are made through Guided Path Counselling
- Cash, E-transfers, and Credit Card payment accepted
- Receipts provided for you to submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a full-course hot meal delivered to your home by friendly volunteer drivers.
Who can get Meals on Wheels?
| When are the meals available?
| What is in a meal?
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Where do the meals come from?
| How much do the meals cost?
| How do I get started?
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Drivers for Meals on Wheels are volunteers.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the FCSS office.
Subsidized Housekeeping Program
FCSS provides residents with referrals to vetted housekeepers and helps process the necessary paperwork for subsidies. The program begins with a home visit and assessment from the FCSS Community Programmer to discuss the services needed, schedules, and fees.
Financial assistance may be available from two different sources:
- Government of Alberta, Special Needs Assistance Program for Seniors – Information Booklet (March 2020); or
- Town of Vegreville, FCSS Department. To learn more, please email fcss@vegreville.com.
Community Development & Engagement
Initiatives & Awareness Campaigns
- 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.
Coalitions & Committees
- 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.
Supports & Services for Non-Profit Organizations & Charities
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.
- National Volunteer Week: This is a time to celebrate and thank our volunteers!!!
Volunteer Alberta: Strengthen Alberta’s nonprofit/voluntary sector organizations through knowledge exchange and strategic connections.
Contact Us
Address: 4829 - 50 Street, Vegreville, Alberta, T9C 1R7 (Main Floor)
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)
Phone: 780-632-3966
Cell: 780-603-1707
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