Calgary, AB,
09
May
2016
|
16:44
America/Denver

Longest running prevention program invests in people and communities

Today, The City of Calgary hosted an event to release the 2015 Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Annual Report and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the FCSS program in Alberta. Mayor Naheed Nenshi was joined by Graham Sucha, MLA, Calgary-Shaw, City Council members, and representatives from FCSS-funded agencies.

Mayor Nenshi acknowledged FCSS-funded agencies that are assisting people impacted by the wildfires in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

“Many of you have been working with our evacuees and ensuring we are able to look after the people who have found themselves here in Calgary. This is what we do,” Mayor Nenshi told those gathered. “We look after one another in times of good and bad and we create community. Thank you for helping, and know we will be calling on you in the coming days and weeks to continue that important role.”

According to Mayor Nenshi the FCSS program remains just as important today as when it began in 1966. “The collective impact of the program is nothing short of astonishing,” said Mayor Nenshi. “For 50 years, we have been working hard to fund the services and programs to help people build their skills and resiliency to overcome challenges like poverty, homelessness, violence, addictions and mental health issues. We know that every $1 invested in preventive services saves $5 to $13 in future spending. Most of all, we invest in people to help people improve their outlook on life, which helps our communities in the long-run.”

Melanie Hulsker, manager of Strategic Services provided highlights of the 2015 FCSS Annual Report and an overview of the FCSS program in Calgary.

“FCSS is a unique partnership between the province and the municipalities and the longest running prevention program in Alberta,” says Hulsker. “FCSS is one-of-a kind in Canada and the envy of other jurisdictions. The FCSS program in Calgary provides sustainable funding for ongoing prevention programs and helps Calgarians reach their full potential.”

During the event, The City shared other important statistics about the 2015 FCSS program, including:

  • Over 95,000 Calgarians were served by 133 programs in 75 FCSS-funded agencies
  • Nearly 24,000 volunteers were involved in FCSS funded programs and contributed almost 867,000 hours of service. These hours represent an in-kind financial contribution of more than $25 million towards the economy.
  • 850 resident leaders engaged with community social workers to advocate for neighbourhood change, which led to over 400 projects with more than 18,000 residents participating.

For more information about the FCSS program and the 2015 FCSS Annual Report, visit calgary.ca/fcss .

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