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Family and Community Support Services
About FCSS
The overall objective of FCSS is to develop locally driven, prevention-based social initiatives to enhance the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. These initiatives must align with the provincially mandated outcomes based on legislation and regulations. Throughout FCSS’s nearly 40 years in the Hinton community, a key objective has been building community and creating a sense of support and belonging for residents.
Provincial Preventative Mandates
Hinton’s FCSS department designs services in alignment with the four mandates for prevention-based programming as outlined by the Province of Alberta:
1. Homelessness
2. Poverty
3. Domestic Violence
4. Mental Health
Wellbeing & Resiliency Framework
FCSS also factors in the Wellbeing and Resiliency Framework. This provincially designed framework sets out the objectives for family and children-based programming, including:
1. Child Development and Well-being
2. Caregiver Capacity Building
3. Social Connections
- FCSS Manager
- FCSS Assistant Manager
- Administrative Assistant
- Individual Supports Coord.
- Family Life Coord.
- Community Connections Coord.
- Caregiver Education Coord.
- HKFS Supervisor
- HKFS Coordinator
- Youth Centre Coord.
Caryn is the FCSS Manager; she oversees all FCSS programs and Hinton Transit!
If you'd like to connect with Caryn, give her a call at 780-865-6031 or send her an email!
To see more information on transportation, view the webpage here!
Why Caryn Loves Hinton
"I have lived in Hinton for 9 years, but it felt like home to me after just a few visits. The real sense of community and the variety of outdoor opportunities is what makes Hinton most special to me."
Torrie is the FCSS Assistant Manager; she oversees the child and youth programs at FCSS.
If you'd like to connect with Torrie, give her a call at 780-865-6073 or send her an email!
Why Torrie Loves Hinton
Having just moved to Hinton, the people in the community have been more welcoming than I could have imagined. The sense of belonging was immediate. The variety of activities, including the nicest dog park I’ve ever seen, makes me happy to now call Hinton home. Of course you can’t forget to mention those amazing mountain views coming from the flattest province in Canada!
Brooke is the FCSS Administrative Assistant; she will likely be the first one to welcome you into our FCSS office! If you're not sure who to go to, Brooke will direct you!
If you'd like to connect with Brooke, give her a call at 780-865-6036 or send her an email!
Why Brooke Loves Hinton
"I love the limitless outdoor playground that surrounds us. My family and I are avid outdoor enthusiasts that love learning, playing, exploring and adventuring the vast wilderness. Having close access to the National park and Provincial park right outside our front door allows endless FUN! Not native to Hinton, I appreciate the solid sense of community that has made my family and I feel welcomed and supported. Hope to see you on the trail one day!"
Randy is the FCSS Coordinator: Individual Supports; he's here to help all residents with one-on-one customized services to ensure residents have the support, skills, and resources they need to thrive.
If you'd like to connect with Randy, give him a call at 780-865-6023 or send him an email!
Randy's Programs:
- LINKages: pairs children and seniors for rewarding engagement opportunities.
- Lifeline: in-home installation of Phillips Lifeline systems to support independent living through access to emergency services.
- Compass for the Caregiver: a multi-session workshop for caregivers to come together for support, education, and resources.
- Friendly Visitor Program: volunteers and community members are paired to form connections and friendships to prevent isolation.
- Community Volunteer Income Tax Program: residents within a certain income threshold are eligible to get their annual tax returns completed by a volunteer for free.
- Home Support & Errand Running: our Home Support team is able to support residents with light housekeeping and errand running. These services are offered on a sliding-fee scale.
- Meals on Wheels: meals are delivered through a partnership with the Meals on Wheels program.
To view or inquire about Randy's programs, visit his webpage!
Why Randy Loves Hinton
"I enjoy Hinton for its people as well as its location. People in Hinton step up when needed and for the most part are very caring and kind towards others in the community. What better place can you be but in Hinton where we are in the Foothills of the Rockies and a easy drive to Edmonton if need be."
Charlene is the FCSS Coordinator: Family Life; she's here to educate and support families and agencies for ageism, healthy intergenerational relationships, isolation, and respite care.
If you'd like to connect with Charlene, give her a call at 780-223-8009 or send her an email!
Charlene's Programs:
- Abuse Prevention: education and support to prevent family, elder, and sexual abuse in our community.
- Family Education & Events: opportunities for families to engage in the community, learn, and connect.
- Family & Community Dinner Program: free meals to bring our community together.
To view or inquire about Charlene's programs, visit her webpage!
Why Charlene Loves Hinton
"My family has been a part of the Hinton community since 1946, so my connection runs deep. Being born and raised in Hinton, I have watched it change and grow over the past many years, but one thing remains the same; it is an amazing community made up of friendly, hardworking and compassionate people. No matter where I go in life, Hinton will always be my hometown."
Lisa is the FCSS Coordinator: Community Connections; she's here to build capacity for community well-being and give residents a sense of responsibility, appreciation, and engagement with our community.
If you'd like to connect with Lisa, give her a call at 780-865-2670 or send her an email!
Lisa's Programs:
- Interagency: Lisa hosts a monthly meeting of agencies and organizations to collaborate, connect, and share resources.
- Volunteer Services: This service is designed to be a central agency to connect community volunteers with agencies in need of support.
- Neighbourhood Block Party: build connections in your community by hosting a block party in your neighbourhood with support and guidance.
- Hello Hinton: we can help make your move to Hinton easier with support and resources to help you get settled.
- Hinton Family Centre: a space for caregivers to build connections with their young children and with other parents through interactive play and support.
To view or inquire about Lisa's programs, visit her webpage!
Why Lisa Loves Hinton:
"I was born and raised since 1973 and never left, not ever."
Jackie is the Caregiver Education Coordinator; she's here to offer education and support to caregivers to increase their capacity to create safe, responsive, and nurturing environments and encourage healthy child development.
If you'd like to connect with Jackie, give her a call at 780-223-2273 or send her an email!
Jackie's Programs:
- 1-1 Caregiver Education & Support: Jackie will meet one-on-one with caregivers to develop plans and offer supports for caregivers of children ages 0-18.
- Support & Education Groups: There are a variety of courses, workshops, and groups on specific topics such as book clubs, new mom support, education courses and more. Check out the webpage for program details.
- Ages & Stages Questionnaires: Jackie is able to offer developmental screenings for children ages 0-6 to assess development.
To view or inquire about Jackie's programs, visit her webpage!
Why Jackie Loves Hinton
"Hinton is special to me because we have chosen to raise and grow our family here. We have met so many wonderful people that have shown kindness and support and give us a sense of belonging. Some have even become family!
Hinton is also very unique - we are constantly finding new adventures, from being able to go for a kayak only 20 minutes away to going for a walk at the Beaver Boardwalk and exploring what nature has to offer to going for a round of disc golf! There are countless never-ending trails only a few short minutes from my house and you just can’t get better than that."
Alyza is the Hinton Kids for Success Supervisor. She manages the Hinton Kids for Success out-of-school care program during the school year, and the Discovery Camp program during the summer months!
You can reach Alyza for any questions at 780-223-9217 or send her an email
Why Alyza Loves Hinton
I love Hinton because of the amount of opportunities to be had outdoors! Having the ability to be on a mountain or near a body of water within a matter of minutes is what is most freeing to me!
Hinton Kids for Success Programs:
- Hinton Kids for Success Out-of-School Care: this subsidy-eligible licensed program offers professional, age-appropriate care for children aged 5-12.
- Discovery Camp: this summer camp offers daily adventures and learning opportunities for children aged 5-12.
To view or inquire about Hinton Kids for Success or Discovery Camp, visit the webpage!
Margo is the Hinton Kids for Success Coordinator; she manages programming and coordinates the Hinton Kids for Success out-of-school care program during the school year, and the Discovery Camp program during the summer months!
If you'd like to connect with Margo, give her a call at 780-223-9217 or send her an email!
Why Margo Loves Hinton
“Leaving Edmonton in March 2022, I was nervous and scared. After meeting a few people from Hinton, I saw that they were so welcoming and nice. That made me feel like I belonged and had nothing to be nervous about. I love Hinton for the unlimited adventures, activities and the kindness that make Hinton my new home. Especially love having the mountains in my backyard!”
Hinton Kids for Success Programs:
- Hinton Kids for Success Out-of-School Care: this subsidy-eligible licensed program offers professional, age-appropriate care for children aged 5-12.
- Discovery Camp: this summer camp offers daily adventures and learning opportunities for children aged 5-12.
To view or inquire about Hinton Kids for Success or Discovery Camp, visit the webpage!
James is the Hinton Youth Centre Coordinator; he handles the day-to-day operations at the Hinton Youth Centre, developing programming and offering services for Hinton's teens.
If you'd like to connect with James, give him a call at 780-865-6029 or send him an email!
Hinton Youth Centre Programs:
- Drop-In Centre: youth ages 13-18 are invited to visit the Youth Centre anytime on Tuesday to Saturday from 3-9 pm to hang out, play games, have a snack, and visit.
- Resume Support: if a teen is looking for work, our team can help get their resume ready for employers.
- Community Volunteering: youth have so much to offer and we like to get them out in the community to give back and help out!
- Hinton Youth Advisory Council: this committee provides teens with the opportunity to hone their leadership skills.
To view or inquire about the Hinton Youth Centre, visit the webpage!
Why James Loves Hinton
"I have been living in Hinton for over 3 years now and it has been great. Everyone is very friendly, and the people come together in times of need. It has been great building relationships within this small community. Also coming from the east coast, the mountains! Glad to call Hinton my home."