Leduc County FCSS boasts strong local impact in annual report

LEDUC COUNTY -- Leduc County FCSS reached nearly 5,600 people through their various services last year.

This is according to organization's annual report for 2025, which outlines strong local impact driven through their various programs and services in Calmar, Thorsby, Warburg, and the rural County. The Family & Community Support Services develop locally driven, preventive social initiatives to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities.

For last year, the FCSS had a total of 5,594 interactions with the public. They state that one of their main successes in 2025 related to their work in the category of early childhood development, youth and families. This included the development of an early childhood resource guide to inform, educate, and improve awareness of supports available to families in the region. Sara Russell -- Manager of Community Support Services -- says they also had a positive impact in assisting seniors with their transportation needs.

"We received a donation a couple years ago that we're using to provide transportation for seniors in partnership with our Drive Happiness program," said Russell. "The goal of that is to provide free round-trip rides for seniors to allow them to access medical appointments."

Russell notes that 2,864 people also accessed programming through their Family Resource Network. These programs and events related to social inclusion, caregiver capacity, child and youth development, community awareness, and more. They also partnered with local counselling clinics to provide more group counselling opportunities for residents to build peer connections in shared experiences.

"We find that that's an affordable way to engage with residents and address certain issues," said Russell.

Last year, 52 households accessed the organization's housekeeping subsidy. This subsidy is available to seniors and adults with disabilities to access affordable housekeeping services that support people to live in their own homes safely and reduce isolation. In a survey of those accessing these services, 100 per cent of respondents said that the program had helped them remain in their homes.

For their 2026 priorities, Leduc County FCSS will be working to expand and continue efforts to support families with school readiness resources while launching six workshops and learning events to improve youth skill and knowledge development. They will also be launching an awareness campaign to support residents dealing with social isolation.