What is FCSS?
Westlock & District F.C.S.S. provides a wide range of services designed to promote individual, family and community wellness. F.C.S.S. is a partnership between the Town of Westlock, Westlock County and the Village of Clyde.
The F.C.S.S. office is open for questions about programs, in-person registration, and referrals to other social agencies and programs throughout the community on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Vision Statement
Our community experiences an enhanced quality of life.
Mission Statement
Westlock and District F.C.S.S. provides preventative services and supports initiatives; helping individuals, strengthen community resiliency while valuing personal uniqueness.
New Program: Snow Angels
Snow Angels is a volunteer-based program that assists seniors and individuals with limited mobility with snow clearing at their residences. Residents within the Town of Westlock, Westlock County, and Village of Clyde may apply for assistance. Volunteers are matched with a resident to provide snow clearing for the entire winter season. This service is based on volunteer availability.
We are currently accepting applications from residents and volunteers to participate in the Snow Angels program for the 2021-2022 winter season.
Please read the applicable information package prior to completing an application. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the application process, please contact the office at 780-349-5900.
Volunteer app: https://forms.office.com/r/BSqTjyX15j
Download the Volunteer Information Package PDF
Resident app: https://forms.office.com/r/Ea6PD4nkK6
Download the Resident Information Package PDF
Program Listing
Youth Programs
Youth Movie Night: Connecting the Dots Documentary Screening
October 21, 2021, 6:30-9 p.m., Westlock Library (10007 100 Ave, Westlock)
This is a free event for youth ages 13-17. Connecting the Dots is a documentary that highlights youth mental health from a global perspective. Pizza and popcorn will be provided.
To register, visit: Youth Movie Night Registration Form
Youth Activity Kit: Halloween Gingerbread House Kit (Registration now FULL)
Pick Up Activity Kit: October 29, 2021, 1:00pm - 4:30pm., Westlock & District FCSS Office (10007 100 Ave, Westlock)
The first 75 families to register will receive a homemade spooky gingerbread house kit to assemble and decorate with their family.
Youth Outreach
The Youth Outreach Program is a no-cost program designed to support youth and young adults meet their goals and successfully transition to adulthood.
This program is available to any young person between the ages of 16-21 years old residing in the Westlock Region (Town of Westlock, Westlock County, and Village of Clyde).
In this program, a worker is assigned to work one-on-one with the young person to engage them in healthy activities, provide support accessing services, and help them develop life skills. We are accepting referrals from any source.
To complete a referral, please complete the referral form or call 780-349-5900.
Tools for Schools - back to school with the right tools
2021 Tools for School Program
The Tools for Schools program runs through the month of August and supports our local youths get back to school with the right tools.
Items needed:
- Packages of Lined paper
- Coil scribblers
- Highlighter pens
- White glue
- Sticky notes
- Simple calculators
- Scissors
- Reinforcements
- Pencil cases
- Earbuds
- Water bottles
- Lunch kits
- Backpacks
View or download the item list (PDF).
You can help by making a donation online or in person.
Seniors Outreach
Seniors Coffee Time
Coffee, light refreshment and great conversation starting September 7, 2021.
WHEN: every Tuesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Westlock & District FCSS office, Heritage Building, 10007-100 Avenue
Forms Assistance
We assist in completing Provincial and Federal Income Support Program forms.
For information on Alberta Seniors Benefits visit www.alberta.ca/alberta-seniors-benefit.aspx
Home Support
Services are available to assist with routine housekeeping duties for clients with disabilities, elderly, chronically ill or suffering from short term illness.
Day Excursions
Excursions are coordinated for residents to interact and enjoy nearby destinations.
Family Support
Caring for Kids
With generous community donations, F.C.S.S. coordinates the payment of emergent /extraordinary expenses for kids and families.
Coats for Kids/Families
Winter clothing donations for all ages are accepted and are available to community residents in need.
Family School Liaison
In partnership with Pembina Hills Regional Division, F.S.L. workers are in the schools to provide supportive counselling to children and their families experiencing difficulties either at home or in school.
Tools for School
Tools for School is a income-tested program that provides school supplies to families in need of assistance. This program is available for residents of the Town of Westlock, County of Westlock or Village of Clyde with school-aged children.
Link for the application form: https://forms.gle/wL9KsFfZMFW2LVvr8
Community Development
Local Partnerships
Westlock & District F.C.S.S. partners with several agencies and groups on various projects and special events:
- Seniors Conference
- Women’s Conference
- Light-Up parade
- F.A.S.D. Committee
- Interagency
- C.O.N.E.X.
- Voices for Westlock & District Seniors
- Westlock & District Foodbank
- Family Day
- Seniors Week
Support for Non-Profits
Local nonprofit organizations can access supports for:
- Board Training
- Bylaw & Policy reviews
- Grant Writing
Volunteer Programs & Opportunities
Interested individuals are always welcome to volunteer with a variety of our programs and services. Let us know if you are interested in getting involved!
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
Volunteers assist low income individuals, families and seniors with completing basic tax returns at no charge. This national program includes training for volunteers to provide this service.
Meals on Wheels
In partnership with Pembina Lodge, volunteers deliver nutritional meals to seniors/disabled residents who are unable to provide adequate meals for themselves.
Senior Excursions
Volunteers assist senior participants as the enjoy outings to nearby destinations.
Volunteer Drivers
Volunteer drivers provide transportation to others for medical appointments in the City of Edmonton, City of St. Albert and the Town of Barrhead.
Voices for Westlock & District Seniors
Join the Committee to collaborate and promote senior friendly communities.
Christmas Spirit (formerly Santa’s Anonymous)
Volunteers assist in gathering and selecting gifts for program participants.
Rural Kids Matter Coalition
Interested community individuals are welcome to join the Coalition to help ensure every child in our communities has a positive early childhood development.
Local Emergency Response
Volunteers are needed to assist in the coordination of needs for evacuees using the services of a Reception Centre. Duties can include:
- registering evacuees
- arranging for clothing, food or accommodations
- assisting with medical needs
- helping with pet care
- acting as a greeter
- providing facility security
Local Events
F.C.S.S. organizes or supports several community events. Volunteers can help in many ways:
- Light Up Parade – volunteers help to assemble and distribute treat bags
- Senior’s Conference
- Family Day
- Women’s Conference
Christmas Spirit Program (formerly Santa's Anonymous)
WESTLOCK & DISTRICT F.C.S.S. CHRISTMAS SPIRIT PROGRAM APPLICATION
Westlock & District F.C.S.S. is coordinating the Christmas Spirit Program (formerly knowns as Santa's Anonymous Campaign) for local residents in the Town of Westlock, Westlock County and Village of Clyde. Families and individuals, with qualifying income levels will be considered for this program.
To be eligible for this program:
- The Christmas Spirit Program Application is available as a download
Christmas Spirit Program Application Download or call 780-349-5900 for a telephone appointment - Prior Year Tax Notice Assessment must be provided, reflecting income status
- Families and individuals will be considered eligible by a referring agency using information including, but not limited to, financial need, family size, etc
Food vouchers and gifts are ONLY for permanent residents; visiting grandchildren/children or other guests do not apply.
Applicants providing false information or are receiving assistance from another agency will be permanently taken off the program list.
Applicants will be contacted by phone to advise if approved and when and where pick up will occur.
Get Involved - Your Participation Makes a Difference
Christmas Spirit Program (formerly Santa's Anonymous)
Westlock & District F.C.S.S., in partnership with local business, agencies and residents, is again coordinating the Christmas Spirit Program for local residents in the Town of Westlock, Westlock County and Village of Clyde. Every year the goal is to run the campaign as a cost-recovery program.
Families and individuals, with qualifying income levels, will be considered to receive food vouchers and gifts.
Local community businesses, agencies and residents have been very supportive of this program in prior years and are invited to join in the program to support local families.
How can you participate?
- Collect financial donations
- Collect gift donations
- Sponsor a family through the Adopt-A-Family Program
- Volunteer, help collect and prepare items for distribution
For further information, please contact the Westlock & District F.C.S.S. Office at 780-349-5900.
Adopt-A-Family Program
This program matches sponsors with registered families in need. For more information, contact the Westlock & District F.C.S.S. Office at 780-349-5900.