Sweet opening for candy store PAGE 2
Your LOCAL Media since 1918! Volume 105 Issue 33
www.tofieldmerc.com
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 s
FCSS making a difference in the community Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter
Tofield/Beaver County West Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Executive Director Tracey Radley made a presentation to the members of the Tofield Chamber of Commerce during their regular monthly meeting April 5. Radley covered various aspects of the FCSS organization, including special programming they provide for seniors such as the Meals on Wheels program, which is run by five volunteers. Radley said the meals are made by the Lodge while FCSS manages the administration, volunteer schedules, and client contracts. “In 2022, those five volunteers delivered 606 meals to 10 clients,” she said. Radley said the Community Volunteer Income Tax program is another area where community volunteers help support low-income individuals with simple tax situations. “In 2022, we had one volunteer, only one, and she completed 240 tax returns. That was a 41 percent increase over 2021 and it brought $1.5 million back to our communities in benefits, credits, and refunds,” she said. “This year we've already done 134 taxes, that same one volunteer, so we are very grateful for our volunteers.” Radley also explained how the multi-
municipal program services work and how FCSS is made up. “The Town (Tofield) is our unit authority. So basically, unit authorities received the funds from the Province (80 percent) and the municipalities (20 percent) it has to flow through there,” she said. “Our service area for Tofield/ Beaver County FCSS is the West half of Beaver County between range roads 17 and 21, and then the town of Tofield.” She added that the advisory committee is made up of one member of each council and one public at large member for the Town of Tofield and Beaver County. Radley also outlined services offered by the non-profit organization whose goals are to provide preventative programs and services that strengthen individuals and families while promoting well-being and empowering people to meet life challenges. “(It) means that we provide information to the community through community directories, social media, newsletters, and newspaper ads. We may refer clients to an internal program such as our general family counselling program, or to an external program such as Alberta Health Services, mental health and addictions, or even Camrose Family Resource Centre for parenting skills,” she said. Radley said that FCSS can help Continued on Page 3
Beaverhill Lodge resident Stan Gargus blows bubbles for a one-year-old during the FCSS Easter themed Connecting Generations event April 6. Several children and their families gathered with seniors living at Beaverhill Lodge to join in activities together.
Tofield/Beaver County West FCSS Executive Director Tracey Radley gave a presentation on the FCSS organization to the Tofield Chamber of Commerce on April 5. Chamber member and Tofield Recreation/Facilities coordinator Vanita JANA SEMENIUK PHOTOS Eglauer is seated next to Radley.
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