Red Deer & District Family and Community Support Services Annual Report 2011
Red Deer & District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is committed to empowered individuals, healthy families, and caring communities. FCSS is a funding partnership between local municipal governments, MĂŠtis settlements, and the provincial Human Services Ministry. The FCSS Act requires that this funding be used to support social outcomes that are preventive. The social well-being of individuals and families must be enhanced through promotion or intervention strategies provided at the earliest opportunity. The outcomes must also do one or more of the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills and become more resistant to crisis; Help people to develop awareness of social needs; Help people to develop interpersonal and group skills which enhance constructive relationships among people; Help people and communities to assume responsibility for decisions and actions which affect them; Provide supports that help sustain people as active participants in the community.
Throughout this report, you will learn how the funded agencies and municipal partners are supporting residents. You will read about the partnerships and funding that make FCSS possible, as well as the volunteers who were involved in the programs. Finally, you’ll learn more about the projects and the people who have been directly impacted by Red Deer & District FCSS funding.
Table of contents Message from the Chair 1 Partnerships & funding 2 Volunteers & participants 4 Adults 5 Children & youth 6 Seniors 8 Families 10 Community development 11
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Message from the Chair I am very pleased to share the 2011 Red Deer & District FCSS Annual Report. Throughout this document, you’ll read highlights of the exciting outcomes achieved in the second year of two-year funding for preventive social programs in the region. This report also demonstrates the dedication and commitment of our local service providers, volunteers, and partner municipalities: they provide opportunities for children, youth, families, adults, and seniors to participate fully in their communities. While the 2011 funded projects were running, Red Deer & District FCSS Board members and Social Planning staff prepared to roll out the “Resource Allocation” phase of the new funding model for the 2012-2014 investment cycle. This was the final step in an extensive funding review process the Board began four years earlier. The “Resource Allocation” phase involved a comprehensive funding application process, which included a Letter of Intent, Request for Proposal, and Interviews. The assessment framework created by Social Planning staff assisted the Board in this process and, in the end, we made some very difficult funding decisions. Agencies within the region presented many excellent proposals and, in fact, the FCSS Board received eligible funding requests that exceeded available funding by 100%. On June 7, 2011 we, as a Board, announced the final listing of FCSS funded projects for 2012-2014. With three years of stable funding, these projects will continue to grow and positively impact the region. The funding to our municipal partners was also increased in the Community Development positions, providing more direct programming and community development activities in the rural communities. Using the tools provided by Social Planning staff, we will measure whether or not the funded projects have achieved their outcomes and “moved the needle” on social issues in our community during these three years. Thank you to the passionate and dedicated Social Planning staff and to my fellow Board members, who have all contributed to the success of the 2011 Red Deer & District FCSS Funded Projects and the funding review process. It has been an honour and pleasure to serve as Chairperson this year. On behalf of my fellow Board members, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to all of our community partners and volunteers for their continued efforts to make Red Deer & District a place for empowered individuals, healthy families, and caring communities. Sincerely, Kathy Sitter, Chair Red Deer & District FCSS Board (2011)
2011 FCSS Board of Directors Jill Brett Councillor Village of Delburne Sandy Gamble Councillor Town of Bowden May Harvie Citizen Red Deer representative Louise Higginbottom Councillor Village of Elnora David Hoar Councillor Red Deer County Lynne Mulder Councillor The City of Red Deer Don Nesbitt Councillor Red Deer County Sean Noble Citizen Red Deer representative Kathy Sitter Councillor Town of Penhold Board Chair Kevin Van Bussel Citizen Red Deer representative Dianne Wyntjes Councillor The City of Red Deer Antonio De Guzman Citizen Red Deer representative Petro Sabengele Citizen Red Deer representative
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Partnerships & funding The FCSS program has a long and important history in both Alberta and the Red Deer district. For over forty years, the provincial and municipal governments have joined together to provide resources that offer a range of support and preventive social services for people of all ages. FCSS is regulated through the Family and Community Support Services Act and, as such, its municipal responsibilities include promoting and facilitating: • stronger communities • public participation in planning, delivering, and governing preventive services • volunteer involvement • efficient and effective use of resources • co-operation and coordination with allied service agencies Red Deer & District FCSS is a partnership of six municipalities, including The City of Red Deer, Red Deer County, Town of Bowden, Village of Elnora, Village of Delburne, and Town of Penhold. The governing Board of Directors is made up of representatives from each municipality as well as four members-at-large. In the Red Deer region, provincial FCSS funding is provided through the provincial Human Services Ministry. The Red Deer & District FCSS program is funded by the six partner municipalities and the administrative support is provided by the Social Planning department of The City of Red Deer. There is strong collaboration between all of these partners. The programs and services supported by FCSS are possible through funding at both the provincial and municipal levels. Contributor Province of Alberta The City of Red Deer
2011 Funding amount ($) 2,371,403 465,465
Red Deer County
88,695
Town of Bowden
8,121
Village of Elnora
4,671
Village of Delburne
5,666
Town of Penhold Total
20,233 $2,964,254
Within the FCSS structure, the Province of Alberta provides 80% of the funding for programs, and partnering municipalities provide the remaining 20%. The table to the left details the breakdown of the total FCSS funding contributions from the Province of Alberta and each municipality in 2011.
Partnerships & funding 3
• • • • •
Families 20%
s 8%
Currently, Red Deer & District FCSS projects are funded in one of five funding categories:
Children & youth Pro sup gram 24% por t 8%
Adu lt
One of the key principles of the FCSS program is that responsibility for priority setting and resource allocation resides locally. Within the parameters of the FCSS Act and Regulation, each municipality or Métis settlement determines how the FCSS funding they receive should be allocated to best meet the needs of their community. Local FCSS programs are part of the larger provincial program that collectively helps to ensure Albertans have access to a strong network of prevention supports.
Community development 22% Seniors 18%
Adults Children & youth Seniors Families Community development
The pie graph above shows the percentage of FCSS allocation per funding category. As you read through the following sections of this report, you’ll see how all of these pieces fit together.
“As a small community, Elnora and area residents are very fortunate to benefit from a regional partnership agreement with Red Deer and District FCSS. Thanks to this agreement, a variety of services and programs are available to our community that the Village would not be able to provide otherwise. The financial and administrative support provided by our unique regional agreement make it possible to improve the quality of life for rural Alberta families.” Chief Administrative Officer, Village of Elnora
2011 Social Planning staff – The City of Red Deer (includes staff funded by Red Deer & District FCSS)
Scott Cameron, Social Planning Manager Linda Boyd, Social Planning Supervisor – Resource & Capacity Development Linda Healing, Social Planning Supervisor – Community Development Chayla Van Koughnett, Senior Administrative Assistant Catherine Logan, Administrative Assistant Bonnie Stearns, Contracts & Agreements Specialist Franklin Kutuadu, Research and Evaluation Coordinator
Jeremy Bouw, Community Facilitator Brian Einarson, Community Facilitator Amanda Ens, Community Facilitator Roxana Nielsen Stewart, Program Coordinator – Housing Laurie Lafortune, Program Coordinator – Housing George MacLeod, Program Coordinator – FCSS (February) Bobby-Jo Stannard, Program Coordinator – FCSS (February to present)
2011 Regional Partners – FCSS staff Shannon Boyce-Campbell, Red Deer County Community Facilitator Pam Hetu, West Red Deer County District Community Worker Adrian Pidhirney, Springbrook (Red Deer County) District Community Worker Nora Smith, Delburne District Community Worker
Helena Smith, Delburne District Community Worker Corrie Monk, Bowden District Community Worker Gloria Bulmer, Penhold District Community Worker
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Volunteer information Volunteers with FCSS funded programs serve in many capacities. From mentoring youth to assisting senior citizens, volunteers are an essential component of preventive social services in Central Alberta. In 2011, youth volunteering increased substantially in several programs. CiRS Volunteer Services reported a greater demand for and delivery of youth volunteering presentations than in the past, indicating that this holds great promise for future program development. Increased youth volunteering also occurred for: • •
Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Innisfail – as a result of the expansion of the Teen Mentoring Program in 2011 Boys and Girls Club – increase in youth volunteers for the Haunted House, Camp Alexo, and the David Thompson Ride
Volunteering benefits everyone Dorothy has been involved with the Red Deer Youth and Volunteer Centre for over two years. After attending Boys and Girls Club programming and a youth leadership retreat, she has continued to volunteer her time as a camp counsellor and with the Haunted House fundraiser. She is an excellent mentor and looks out for everyone’s safety, making sure everyone is included. Dorothy has been able to find a place where she is accepted, can be herself without fear of ridicule, and learn and grow. She has definitely gained a lot from the programs, and she has also given a lot back to the community.
Participant information Participants in FCSS funded projects come from throughout the region. The table to the right provides information on the number of people served in each municipality.
Municipality The City of Red Deer
# people served 29,060
Red Deer County
1,887
Town of Bowden
1,760
Village of Elnora
1,541
Village of Delburne
1,261
Town of Penhold
3,259
Total
38,768
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Adults 2,317 adults were served by FCSS projects in 2011.
8%
In 2011, funded adult projects reported on two of the FCSS outcomes: • •
Help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills, and become more resistant to crisis Provide supports that help sustain people as active participants in the community
One agency that provides adult programming, Parkland Youth Homes, measures its outcomes by requiring clients to complete a survey before and after they access services. The data below demonstrates a 13% decrease in clients’ overall distress levels and a 14% increase in their coping ability as a result of services at the Walk-In Clinic.
4.8
4.6
Level of distress
Post session
Pre session
Post session
3.2 Pre session
Client rating (out of 10)
6.2
Coping ability
Percentage of funding towards adult programming
Clients at Parkland Youth Homes Walk-In Clinic present these top three concerns: 1. Relationship issues – 55% 2. Mental health issues – 10% 3. Addictions – 5.5%
Feedback from staff at the Walk-In Clinic “We have identified an increase in cases involving addictions and illegal activity. It appears our safe, comfortable setting for counselling, along with motivational interviewing techniques, continues to successfully attract clients who often feel judged and misunderstood. Many of these cases, interestingly, request assistance to remain clean, sober, and out of criminal activity, suggesting there are many clients in our community requiring therapy geared toward prevention and becoming resistant to ongoing stressors. Also, many of our clients who present relationship concerns also present mental health concerns, either for themselves or a family member. In light of this pattern, we will continue to be in close contact with other mental health services in order to provide appropriate referrals when necessary.”
2011 projects supporting adults include: • • • •
Walk-In Clinic (Parkland Youth Homes) Rural Outreach Program (Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Society) Community Outreach Services (Canadian Mental Health Association) Education Program (Canadian Mental Health Association)
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Children & youth 7,367 children and youth were served by FCSS projects in 2011.
24%
In 2011, funded children and youth projects reported on two of the FCSS outcomes: • •
Help people to develop interpersonal and group skills, which enhance constructive relationships among people Help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills, and become more resistant to crisis
Percentage of funding towards children & youth programming
Valuable learning with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Red Deer & District “The key lesson we learned was that the presence of a caring, committed adult in a child’s life can have a huge impact. We also learned that mentoring is not just about the relationship between the Big and the Little but how the positive relationship impacts those close to the Little, such as their families and friends.” In 2011, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Red Deer conducted the “Making a Difference” survey, where respondents provided feedback on their children’s progress. The results indicated:
Child had improved relationships with family Child had improved relationships with friends Child felt valued by a non-related adult
78% 73% 100%
2011 projects supporting children & youth include: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
In-School Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters of Innisfail) Bowden Playschool (Bowden Play and Learn Society) Immigrant Youth Program (Central Alberta Refugee Effort) Child Support Program (Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter) Family School Wellness Program (Chinook’s Edge School Division) Delburne Playschool (Delburne Playschool Society) Elnora Playschool (Elnora Playschool) School Age Child Care (Red Deer Child Care Society) Infant Preschool Wellness Program (Family Services of Central Alberta) Family School Wellness Program (Red Deer Public School Division) 49th Street Youth Shelter (Red Deer Youth & Volunteer Centre) Big Brothers Big Sisters Red Deer & District (Red Deer Youth & Volunteer Centre) Boys & Girls Club (Red Deer Youth & Volunteer Centre)
Children & youth 7
Areas of need for clients of the Family School Wellness Program The Family School Wellness (FSW) Program, offered by Chinook’s Edge School Division, supports children, youth, and families from across the FCSS region. 997 people accessed the program in 2011, and they requested assistance with a number of different issues and challenges. While there were some commonalities across the region, there were also noteworthy differences, as indicated by program staff. “Throughout Red Deer & District FCSS region, the most common issues addressed in 2011 included: separation/divorce, anxiety/stress management, and anger management. These were followed by peer relationships and grief and loss. These topics have consistently been reported in past years as significant worries for citizens in our communities. In Elnora, it is noteworthy that financial stress was the number one issue brought forward to FSW workers. In Red Deer and small communities such as Poplar Ridge and Benalto, family violence/conflict rose in our stats significantly. It is clear that the participants who accessed the FSW program in 2011 are struggling to cope with the stresses they encounter in their everyday lives.” To assist families and children in the region, FSW provides four types of services: 1) assessment and support – individual and small group support, 2) information and referral, 3) preventive programming, and 4) crisis response. Families and children are referred to the program through voluntary requests from parents and children or by community agencies and schools. FSW coordinates, strengthens, and enhances services within each community.
32% of kids in the Boys and Girls Club programs are from single-parent families • 33% of participants have family incomes less than $32,400/year • nine different languages were spoken by participants in the programs
Students supported by the Chinook’s Edge Family School Wellness Program presented these top three concerns: 1. Separation and divorce 2. Anxiety/stress management 3. Anger management
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Seniors 1,362 seniors were served by FCSS projects in 2011.
18%
In 2011, funded seniors projects reported on two of the FCSS outcomes: • •
Help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills, and become more resistant to crisis Provide supports that help sustain people as active participants in the community Percentage of funding towards seniors programming
Feedback from Red Deer Meals on Wheels The Red Deer Meals on Wheels annual survey demonstrated a 95% satisfaction rate among clients. One of the survey questions asked clients, “What would you do without the Meals on Wheels service?” The answers, provided below, indicate the importance that seniors place on the program.
“I would have to move.” “I would be so lonely.” “This food has saved my life and waiting for it every day has saved my life, too.”
Elnora Meals on Wheels reported an increase in clients in 2011. The change to a new food provider, which offered healthier food options, combined with a local aging population, resulted in a dramatic increase in usage of the Meals on Wheels service. “Traditionally, the program had at most seven users at one time and this year it consistently had 10! It is a very successful program and one the community is very proud to offer.”
Seniors 9
Helping seniors, helping families When seniors live in communities away from their families, the separation and loneliness may make it difficult for them to cope with the challenges of aging. FCSS programming for seniors targets the outcome of developing independence, strengthening coping skills, and becoming more resistant to change, which is especially important for seniors living alone. Families of seniors also benefit from knowing their parents are receiving help and connecting with others. The Red Deer Meals on Wheels program received the following feedback from the daughter of a client. “Thank you for supplying meals to my dad for the last while of his life. Last November, when he lost his driver’s license, his last bit of independence was gone – he couldn’t even ‘run to the store’ anymore. I live in Olds so couldn’t help him out all that much, either. He often said how he didn’t know what he would do if he had to make all his own meals, and he enjoyed the meals that your services supplied. Thank you for being so kind to the elderly and making their lives a little easier.”
“The Seniors Lunch Express lets me meet friends. It is so lonely at home – this is the first time that I have been out in a month, and I missed coming to see my friends.” Senior from Outreach Social Services at Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre
2011 projects supporting seniors include: • Outreach Social Services (Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre) • Meals on Wheels (Village of Delburne) • Meals on Wheels (Village of Elnora) • Meals on Wheels (Red Deer Meals on Wheels) • Home Support (Family Services of Central Alberta)
Statistics from the Home Support program Family Services of Central Alberta collected feedback from seniors on the Home Support Program. In this feedback, seniors strongly agreed with the following statements: I have an increased connection to the community because of Home Support. 75% I have an increased opportunity to live in a clean and safe environment.
97%
10
Families 8,081 family participants were served by FCSS projects in 2011.
20%
In 2011, funded family projects reported on two of the FCSS outcomes: • •
Help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills, and become more resistant to crisis Help people to develop interpersonal skills, which enhance constructive relationships among people Percentage of funding towards family programming
Assistance for families with the Education/Volunteer Program
In 2011, staff with the Education/Volunteer program conducted the Family Services of Central Alberta Family Education Survey. The respondents indicated that they have:
92%
Increased knowledge about effective parenting practices Increased understanding of child’s developmental milestones Increased knowledge about interpersonal and relationship skills
80% 91%
Two main themes emerged from the survey questions and comments: 1. people found comfort in knowing others experienced the same issues as their families 2. people gained a great support group of parents to help guide them through parenting
“The biggest thing I learned is that we are not alone on this journey called parenting.” Respondent of Family Education Survey
2011 projects supporting families include: • Immigrant Family Program (Central Alberta Refugee Effort) • Education & Administration (Crisis Centre: Sexual Abuse, Violence, Education & Support) • Financial Education Funding (Loan Circle Society of Central Alberta) • Aboriginal Family Support (Safe Harbour Society for Health & Housing) • Counselling (Family Services of Central Alberta) • Education/Volunteer Program (Family Services of Central Alberta)
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Community development 14,370 community development participants were served by FCSS funded projects in 2011.
22%
In 2011, funded community development projects reported on three of the FCSS outcomes: • • •
Provide supports that help sustain people as active participants in the community Help people and communities to assume responsibility for decisions and actions that affect them Help people to develop awareness of social needs
New website helps community connections The Red Deer Native Friendship Society Spirit of Urban Aboriginal Community project reported that the new Urban Aboriginal Voices Initiative website is linked to partner websites, which is increasing the public’s awareness of and accessibility to information.
2011 FCSS funded projects supporting community development include: • Volunteer Red Deer (Community Information & Referral Society) • Information and Referral (Community Information & Referral Society) • Spirit of Urban Aboriginal Community (Red Deer Native Friendship Society) • Community development staff in partner municipalities
762
375
145
Community events
July – Dec
Jan – June
108 July – Dec
Jan – June
# people who participated in the program in 2011
Through the new website, community members are becoming better informed about cultural events and programs. As visits to the website increased, so did attendance at Aboriginal events, such as Stew and Bannock, community feasts, and weekly drum groups.
Percentage of funding towards community development
Website visits
“What we have learned is that people in the Aboriginal community are becoming more and more interested in participating in Aboriginal cultural and community events and in spending time with local Elders. Developing and running a community website has increased community participation and interest in both of these areas.” Staff at Red Deer Native Friendship Society
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Community development (continued) 7,843 participants were served by community development activities with partner municipalities in 2011.
22%
In 2011, the community development staff of the FCSS partner municipalities reported on the following outcome: •
Provide supports that help sustain people as active participants in the community Percentage of funding towards community development
FCSS municipal partnerships for community development: • • • • • • • • • •
District Community Worker (Town of Bowden) District Community Worker (Village of Delburne) District Community Worker (Village of Elnora) District Community Worker (Town of Penhold) District Community Worker (West Red Deer County) District Community Worker (Springbrook – Red Deer County) Community Facilitator (Red Deer County) Community Facilitator (The City of Red Deer) Community Facilitator (The City of Red Deer) Community Facilitator (The City of Red Deer)
The role of District Community Workers The District Community Workers in each of the five partner municipalities deliver preventive programming that enhances the social well-being of individuals and families in the rural areas, in accordance with the FCSS mandate. The following information provides one example of the work undertaken by District Community Workers in the region. The District Community Worker from Bowden initiated community discussions regarding the development of a local Boys and Girls Club delivered through the Red Deer Youth and Volunteer Centre (YVC), similar to those currently running in Penhold and Elnora. Volunteers were recruited, a facility was secured, and potential participants were identified in anticipation of the further regionalization of the YVC program. With the community already mobilized, the Town of Bowden was added as another location for the regional Boys and Girls Club for the 2012-2014 funding cycle.
Community development 13
The role of Community Facilitators Three Community Facilitators from The City of Red Deer and one Community Facilitator from Red Deer County are funded by Red Deer & District FCSS. As community developers, the facilitators seek to inform, educate, engage, collaborate with, and empower citizens to take action for improved community well-being. The Community Facilitators serve many community development roles in the community; one example is provided below. After researching “Appropriate Housing for Seniors” in 2010, the facilitator had two meetings with Alberta’s Minister of Seniors to share findings and recommendations from the research, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life for this growing demographic. In 2011, the next major step involved a successful day-long forum at the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre. The Community Facilitator and the Social Planning Researcher presented the research results to 80 seniors and professionals who work with seniors. A facilitated discussion on the next steps also occurred at this forum. Implementation groups were formed and this led to the development of a Professionals Serving Seniors networking group that continues to meet monthly; it also led to the publication of the “Seniors’ Transportation Information Guide: Red Deer and District,” which provides information on essential services. Projections for the growth of Red Deer’s senior demographic are detailed in the graph below. As this population increases, community development initiatives facilitiated by Community Facilitators will continue to be vitally important to help provide resources for seniors.
% of seniors in Red Deer population
14.5 12
9.8 7.4
1986
2006
2016*
2026*
Data from Government of Alberta, 2009 * Current medium-term projection
“When a need emerges in a community, the Community Facilitators have the expertise to bring all of the appropriate groups together to increase their capacity to assess the situation, to build relationships, and to work towards a shared resolution – one that works for everyone involved.” Social Planning Supervisor, The City of Red Deer
For more information on Red Deer & District FCSS please visit www.reddeer.ca/socialplanning or call Social Planning at 403.342.8100 FCSS regional partners: Town of Bowden Village of Delburne Village of Elnora Town of Penhold Red Deer County The City of Red Deer
Report published August, 2012