By Garrett Simmons
FCSS Communications
Do you have a good idea of just how many services are available right in your own community?
We often have the notion a trip into the city is needed but more often than not, a local agency or organization can deliver the help you require. And if that service is not available in town, there may just be an easier and more efficient way to seek support.
On Sept. 26, Family and Community Support Services aims to deliver that message through the Picture Butte Resource Fair event.
From 5-7 p.m., locals can head on down to Picture Butte High School to learn about the agencies and organizations accessible to them from both inside and outside of the community.
“It’s all about giving the people in the community a chance to get in touch with the resources available to them,” said Trinity Walker, Youth Development Coordinator at FCSS.
But getting familiar with these groups is only part of the equation, as the fair aims to help locals put some faces to the names of people working for these agencies.
“I think what is really helpful about the Resource Fair is people can make connections with an induvial service provider and get their face and name and contact information, so it’s less scary to reach out to a single person as compared to an entire agency,” said Kaitlynn Weaver, Outreach Services Supervisor for FCSS. “I think with things such as the Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada, that is a really big deal for people to have a human person to connect with, rather than a 1-800 line.”
Weaver added the Picture Butte event will put service providers in one single location, to provide a convenient way for locals to gather information, and save a couple trips outside of Picture Butte.
The September event is based upon a resource fair FCSS hosted back in March for Spanish-speaking residents.
“There were quite a few agencies that came, and the event was well attended. Our FCSS board member and Picture Butte Town Council member, Teresa Feist, requested that another event be held but for everyone in the community. So, we decided to do just that.”
Not only will locals be able to connect with groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District, Building Brains Together, the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre, Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program among others, but they just might be able to complete their school-supply list while they’re at it.
“We are hoping to have a community-donated school-supply pick shelf where families can grab a few things that they may be missing off their school supply list,” said Weaver.
Walker added FCSS is still seeking donations to populate the school supply pick shelf and that donations can be dropped off at the Picture Butte Municipal Library.
“We have set up a bin inside the library where people can drop off donations of school supplies,” said Walker. “School will have already started up and you may be missing a few things off your school supply lists.”
FCSS is excited to be organizing such an important event for the Picture Butte community.
“We’re pretty excited and we already have a bunch of agencies signed up to promote their services, the information they offer and the things they can provide to support families and individuals in the community,” said Weaver. “We’re hoping that more will RSVP, both from the community and outside of the community.”
Organizations looking to attend the resource fair can reach out to Weaver at 403-795-4627. For more general information on the resource fair, contact Walker at 403-394-8101.