Dear Editor:
Christmas is a time to celebrate community and to put others before ourselves.
As chair of the Family Community Support Services (FCSS) Cochrane board, I have the privilege of being able to witness on a regular basis the valuable work being done on behalf of our community by FCSS in conjunction with other organizations and numerous caring community members. I along with the rest of the advisory board are submitting this article to increase awareness of the impact Cochrane FCSS has on the community.
Cochrane FCSS is a cost-shared program between the provincial and municipal governments with a focus on prevention. To meet other needs in the community, FCSS staff and a volunteer advisory board have worked on community development projects and found grants to provide affordable housing, the Resource Centre, Parent Link Centre and the Cochrane CookHouse.
In 2012 FCSS staff reported to Cochrane town council that in the past 10 years they had been able to access over $11 million to provide extra services to Cochrane that are above and beyond the mandate of FCSS.
To give you an example of the impact of FCSS’s work, I’d like to share Ron and Cheryl’s story with you (names have been changed). Ron and Cheryl moved to Cochrane with their two sons Jason and Jimmy. They were excited to start a new life and Ron found a job in Calgary. Then Cheryl was diagnosed with cancer. Their savings were quickly gone and they were struggling with many needs. Ron was overwhelmed and angry with the whole situation. They had no family support nearby.
Cheryl heard about the Resource Centre provided through FCSS and she stopped by to see what was available for her and her family. The resource worker listened to her story and then started discussing areas where there was help available. She let Cheryl know that Alberta Works (Provincial Social Services) comes to Cochrane every Wednesday from the head office in Canmore. Those who qualify are helped with funds for basic needs such as housing. Together they made an appointment and she was given the paperwork to apply.
Then the discussion went to lack of food and the fact that Christmas was just around the corner. The resource worker was quick to tell Cheryl how the Cochrane Activettes provide generous food hampers to people in hard times and that they have an amazing Share Your Christmas Program, which would even provide gifts for the children. Also, backpacks with school supplies were given to Cheryl for her boys.
The donations came from numerous donors in the community who want to ensure that children have what they need for school.
Cheryl needed to talk to a counsellor about her situation and the anger that Ron was experiencing. The resource worker referred her to the Alberta Mental Health office located in the new Community Health Centre in Cochrane. The counselling service is free and they have extended hours to accommodate those who are working and commuting.
Cheryl reported that transportation was a barrier for accessing many of the programs available. Her husband had their only car at work in the city. The resource worker was able to provide Cheryl with a subsidized taxi service (which she qualified for financially). The program is funded by United Way. While it would not meet all her needs, she was able to use it for the highest priority programs.
Cheryl believed that Ron was committed to his family but was suffering some depression. He was having outbursts of anger form time to time. The resource worker referred Cheryl to a family violence prevention outreach worker from Calgary who comes to Cochrane weekly. The resource worker also gave her information about the Cochrane and Area Victim Services program. Together they would make a plan to ensure the safety of Cheryl and the boys in case of emergency.
Although Cochrane is not yet large enough to support the high costs of a shelter, there are several other options available. Those who qualify are supported by the Alberta Works Provincial office, funds for transportation can be provided to attend nearby shelters and there is a fund available to the resource worker called Instrumental Needs.
This pot of money was developed through donations from Cochrane Home Treasures, the Cochrane Activettes, as well as other community donations and government funds. Local businesses are not solicited for emergency funds and are only accepted by those who offer to donate.
Before Cheryl left the office she also learned that she could access free programs for her youngest child through the Parent Link Centre, she could enroll in parenting courses, find volunteer work and put her name in to apply for affordable housing if their family situation did not improve. She could also meet new people and prepare inexpensive meals at the Cochrane CookHouse Community Kitchen.
The community kitchen also has an artisan market, which is a social venture working to meet social and economic needs in the community. This innovative project is receiving accolades from numerous funders.
It gives residents the opportunity to create and/or purchase locally made products with the proceeds going on to support the local programs.
Cheryl left with many resources and the feeling that Cochrane was an amazingly supportive community. If you or anyone you know needs help please refer them to Cochrane Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) at 403-851-2250 which is located on the main floor of the HomeStead apartment building.
Linda Derkach
chair, Family & Community Support Services (FCSS))
advisory board
