FCSS Programs & Events
What is FCSS?
The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program promotes and enhances the well-being of Albertans, families and communities. FCSS programs are intended to help individuals adopt healthy lifestyles, improve their quality of life and build capacity to prevent and deal with crisis situations should they arise.
FCSS Community Newsletter
The Town of Innisfail produces a monthly newsletter with information and resources. Printed copies are available at locations throughout town, including the Town Office. If you would like to receive and electronic copy of the newsletter, email fcss@innisfail.ca.
Community Events
FCSS offers various programs for all residents that assist with social connection, group support, personal development and learning.
Volunteer Appreciation
The Town of Innisfail organizes a Volunteer Appreciation event each April in conjunction with National Volunteer Week.
Details are provided in Town communications and on social media, so be on the lookout in April!
Seniors Garden Party
The Seniors Garden Party is held once every summer at the Historical Village and all ages are encouraged to attend.
Join the Mayor of Innisfail and our seniors for a sunny afternoon of snacks, light refreshments and music. Take the opportunity to share stories with each other, make connections and take in the history of the Innisfail community.
Watch Town communications and social media this Summer for details!
For more information on the following events and programs, contact FCSS Innisfail at 403-227-3376 or email fcss@innisfail.ca
Support Groups & Programs
COMPASS Caregivers Support Group
Are you a caregiver or support person to someone in your life?
COMPAS Caregivers Support Group is a caregivers support group which runs during the spring/fall seasons. Caregivers can be:
- The family member of someone with a brain injury, mental illness or addiction.
- The spouse of someone with heart disease, MS, recovering from a stroke, Parkinson’s, ALS, arthritis or dementia etc.
- The parent of a child with high needs or a disability.
- The adult child of aging parents who need help with appointments, home maintenance and finances.
- The main person checking in on a neighbour or friend because “there is no one else”.
- As a caregiver or support person, their care and support can take a lot of time and energy. Your own needs are just as important too.
The group is led by caring volunteer facilitators who have received training through the Canadian Mental Health Association Facilitator Training. This support group can help caregivers:
- Be part of a support group to learn more.
- Accept your own feelings and know that you are not alone.
- Focus on what you are able to provide.
- Get connected.
- Take time for yourself.
- Seek and accept help for yourself.
- Develop coping strategies for challenging behaviours.
- Set realistic goals.
- Link with supports, services and resources.
Supported by FCSS Innisfail in partnership with Caregivers Alberta, the group meets on every Wednesday of each month at 6:30 to 8 p.m. starting Feb. 5 and the last session is April 1. * REGISTRATION REQUIRED *
For session location, to register, and for more information please call FCSS Innisfail at 403-227-3376 or email fcss@innisfail.ca
Art from the Heart
Art from the Heart is a program designed for people living with early-stage dementia. It is a safe place to focus on the joy of creating, a time to relax and socialize, explore memories, gain a sense of accomplishments and express one’s feelings and emotions through art.
The Innisfail Public Library, FCSS Innisfail, and the Wolf Creek Primary Care Network have partnered to implement this program. Art instructor Mirjam Rand will guide participants through a series of simple and enjoyable art projects using a variety of mediums. Tea/coffee and snacks will follow, allowing participants some time to socialize together.
Caregivers will be able to take this time for themselves, as participants will be enjoying their art activities on their own with our facilitators. Caregivers may leave the premises or they can relax with a book or magazine at our beautiful library. A section will be set up specifically for them with tea and coffee.
Transportation is available by calling Innisfail Associated Cab at 403-227-229 (ask the driver to bring an invoice to the front counter of the library upon your arrival to the program) or the Handivan 403-348-7035.
Registration is limited to 8 participants each week so be sure to book your spot early if you are interested in registering for the group. Each session is independent of the other and is FREE for participants.
SESSION DETAILS (Innisfail Public Library, 5300A 55 St. Close):
Sessions: Mondays | February, April & June
10:00 to 10:30 A.M. — Coffee/Tea and Snacks
10:30 to 11:30 P.M. — Art Project
TO REGISTER CALL OR EMAIL:
y403-227-3376
fcss@innisfail.ca
“… the arts can help diminish and prevent the progression of cognitive impairment. While creative arts are not a cure for dementia, it has the power to foster dignity and restore a sense of self. By unleashing the creativity in individuals, art encourages past memories to come to life and has the power to validate a person’s current situation. Mindfulness-Based Art Programming celebrates present tasks in a non-judgmental manner, focusing on the current capabilities of a person. Often this process brings joy and makes meaningful moments, enhancing relationships with those around participants.” — Anne Davis Basting, Forget Memory: Creating Better Lives for People with Dementia.John Hopkins University Press. 2009: 124.
Alzheimer Society Care Partner Support Group
This is a drop-in support group for care partners, allowing them to meet with other care partners who are experiencing similar situations. Care partners will have a chance to connect with others and share what is going well and not so well while talking about any other topics or questions.
Meetings take place at the Innisfail Historical Village’s History Room (5139 42 St.) from 1:00-2:30 p.m.on the second Monday of every month.
Contact Shelby at the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and North West Territories at 403-342-0448 ext. 706
Kids Have Stress Too!®
“Learning to handle stress is an important life skill for everyone.”
Developed by The Psychology Foundation of Canada, the Kids Have Stress Too! program helps parents, caregivers and educators understand childhood stress, and how to provide children with the tools to deal with stress effectively. It is a broad-based primary prevention program which provides parents, caregivers, and communities with the knowledge, awareness and skills to help young people become healthier and more resilient through learning how to manage their stress. The program includes a range of resources designed for parents, those who work with young children in early learning settings and for classrooms.
This program runs for 12 – 16 weeks for approximately 1-hour per week.
Family & Adult Programs
Movers & Groovers
Maintain or improve your health, fitness, day-to-day functioning, and quality of life by attending this class regularly. Brad, a PCN Exercise Specialist, leads you through safe and appropriate exercises for a wide range of fitness levels each day. Movers & Groovers is a year-round drop-in class. You can attend as many times as you like. In fact, we encourage you to attend often! For more information, click here.
Community Volunteer Programs
Volunteer Connector
The Innisfail Volunteer Connector aims to connect volunteers and the many community events, activities and organizations that require their services.
Neighbours Helping Neighbours
As a year-round program, Neighbours Helping Neighbours is a community-minded program that promotes volunteerism in our community and provides assistance to those in need. Whether a snow angel, garden angel or a strong hand, you can make a difference in your community!
Income Tax Clinic (seasonal)
Do you need a hand to prepare your tax return? The Town of Innisfail, Innisfail Public Library and Canada Revenue Agency partner to bring a free income tax return services to Innisfail each year to eligible individuals.