Family and Community Support Services

The Family and Community Support Services

(F.C.S.S.) Board was established in 1984 by the Town of Bon Accord to serve the families of Bon Accord. We provide programming of a preventative nature designed to enhance, strengthen, and stablize family and community life in Bon Accord. Another of our major functions is to promote, encourage, and facilitate volunteerism and the use of volunteers in our community.

Development of our programs comes about as a result of clearly identified social needs. Through co-operation and co-ordination with allied service agencies operating within our community, we strive to meet those social needs in their initial stages.

Community Services Director and can be reached at (780) 921-2137.

The following are some of the programs which are, have been, or will be offered by Bon Accord Community Services:

1. Summer Day Camp: The Bon Accord Summer Day Camp provides a variety of experiences that support social and physical growth in a positive environment in which children can play, learn and grow.
2. Information and Referral:
   A community with a population base as small as Bon Accord cannot provide all the human and social services needed by families. One of our major functions is to refer people to appropriate agencies, as the need requires. We have an extensive listing of agencies and resources available. Community Services can assist groups, families, or individuals in their search for the best possible services. Example: Counselling services, government service information, referral to existing support groups, etc. If we are not aware of any agency providing a service required by our residents, we will do our utmost to research the alternatives and bring options back.
3. Newsletter:
   Residents of Bon Accord receive a bi-monthly newsletter giving them information regarding Community Services and Recreation programs as well as notice of upcoming community events.
4. Welcome Packages:
   New residents receive packages of information, which include information on all the Community Services programs and lists of contacts, to be called in the event of emergency. These packages also include information on Town and Emergency Services.
5. Volunteer Coordination:
   The Community Services program encourages volunteerism in a variety of community programs. Volunteers are organized to perform services such as Meals on Wheels delivery, cooking hotdogs at Karing for Kids Subsidy program barbecues and serving on community boards. The many volunteers are recognized for their efforts in yearly Volunteer Recognition events.
6. Meals on Wheels:
   Community Services has organized the Meals on Wheels program in Bon Accord. It uses volunteer drivers to get nutritious meals to elderly or inform community members who are not able to prepare meals for themselves. Deliveries are made on Wednesdays and Fridays. To arrange for this service, call 780-921-2137.
7. Babysitter Registry:
   This service provides residents with a contact number for people requiring casual child care. Each year a Babysitting Safety Course is offered to Bon Accord youth and, upon completion, have their names listed on the registry. Adult sitters can also be added to this list on presentation of a criminal record check and C.W.I.S. check.
8. Reading Program:
   Each summer, Community Services in conjunction with the Bon Accord Community School and the Bon Accord Public Library, offers a Summer Reading program. Local university students go through a training process and become leaders for the program. They offer a variety of activities related to reading for children ages 6 to 12.
9. Safety Programs:
   The Community Services program has organized and supported a variety of safety oriented programs in Bon Accord. Examples have been the Bicycle Safety Program, D.A.R.E., and P.A.R.T.Y.
10. Group Support:
    Groups offering service in the Town are welcome to apply for financial assistance if their purpose fits within the Community Services mandate. An example of such a group is Block Parents.
11. Program Management:
    The Community Services program helps to manage other programs that serve Bon Accord and Sturgeon County. Examples of these are Sturgeon Literacy program and the Sunflower Community Resource program.
12. Moms and Tots:
    This group is co-coordinated by volunteers in the community and supported administratively by Community Services. This program is designed to provide an opportunity for preschool children to develop socialization skills, but just as importantly, it provides a support network for the mothers of these children.
13. Bon Accord Drop In Teen Centre:
    A place for youth aged 8 to 17 to go for a game of air hockey, foosball, Wii, and board games.  Supervised activities are provided for the teens in "The Lounge" located in rear of the Town Office. For more information, contact Florence Casey at 780-921-2137. Youth Centre Membership Form
14. Women's Conference:
    Bon Accord hosts a bi-annual Women's Conference. Top-notch speakers and facilitators are in attendance to share their expertise on issues affecting women today. Watch for updates on dates for the next conference.