While the Cochrane Cares needs assessment has wrapped up, there are still ways to provide input.
Ben Clarke, new chair for the advisory board for the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in Cochrane, said he is the “neutral sounding board” for the community.
“I think people think to access FCSS you need to be really desperate but the truth is most of the programs are preventative,” Clarke explained over coffee.
The new chair said that with his position with the board, he gains feedback from the community and relays it to staff at the organization to help determine the gaps in resources and services.
As a member of the community for the last five years, and a father of two daughters, Clarke said he has noticed changing needs in the community. His major concerns are the lack of youth activities and engagement, drugs, and affordable housing.
“I have an enormous respect for what (the staff at FCSS) does and I am privileged to be working with them,” Clarke said.
Having previously worked for several oil companies around the world, Clarke said he has “never met a team who performs as well” as the staff at the services support building.
“I am in awe of them,” Clarke said.
The Cochrane Cares survey was released in February and collected responses until April, with 562 surveys filled out online and 145 that were partially completed.
“We are looking forward to seeing the results once they are compiled,” said Susan Flowers, manager of FCSS.
The results from the surveys will help the organization produce a comprehensive assessment for the town to help determine priorities, inform decisions and evaluate outcomes over the next several years.
But with 20,000 residents who did not fill out the surveys, Clarke said he is always open to hearing from people.
If you didn’t have a chance to fill out a survey but still want to have a say, contact the new chair at [email protected].
