FCSS Updates Town Council On Latest Programming Changes

The demand for family counseling & other services in the community was a topic of discussion at the latest Town of Stettler council meeting. 

At the Feb. 3 meeting, FCSS Director Shelley Walker & Board Chair James Nibourg detailed a significant pivot in their service delivery model. 

Moving away from an “outcome-based” model, the organization is now operating under a provincial prevention & intervention framework.

The shift requires all FCSS funding to target five core areas:

• Homelessness & housing insecurity

• Mental health & addictions

• Employment initiatives

• Aging in the community

• Family and sexual violence

Council heard that information & referral services make up a significant portion of FCSS’s day-to-day work, connecting residents with appropriate agencies.

Mental Health & Family Counselling

Demand for mental health and family counselling remains high in the community. 

Walker reported that FCSS served 104 clients through its family counselling program in 2025, with an average wait time of approximately nine weeks. 

Due to increasing workload, FCSS may consider budgeting for a second part-time counsellor to support counselling services.

Medical Driver Program

Council also heard updates on the FCSS medical driver program, which provided 68 out-of-town trips in 2025 to help residents attend medical appointments and procedures. 

FCSS currently relies on nine volunteer drivers and continues to seek additional volunteers, particularly those willing to drive in winter conditions or travel to larger centres.

Harm Reduction Supplies

Harm reduction services were another focus of the presentation. 

FCSS reported a lack of supply availability after Turning Point in Red Deer lost provincial funding last November. 

In 2025, FCSS served 1,473 clients with harm reduction supplies, including needles & paraphernalia, with some clients accessing the service multiple times. 

Naloxone distribution has also declined significantly, with only two kits provided so far this year.

Additional Programs & Partnerships

Other initiatives highlighted included Tools for School, the Temporary Photo ID Clinic, & financial literacy & budgeting courses for residents seeking financial assistance. 

FCSS also plans to work more closely with Stettler Connects this spring to assist residents with tax return preparation.

2026 Budget Approval

Following the presentation, the town council approved FCSS’s 2026 municipal contribution of $41,055. 

Under the provincial 20/80 funding model, that contribution qualifies FCSS for a provincial grant of $205,274.61. 

When the County of Stettler’s contribution is included, total FCSS funding for 2026 will reach $430,883.

Change In FCSS Hours

Beyond the policy shifts, Stettlerites will notice a change at the Main Street office. 

To better serve residents, the FCSS office is now open through the lunch hour, closing now at 4:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m.