FCSS Director Shelly Walker speaking at Stettler and District Family & Community Support Services on Thurs. July 27. The event was hosted by Stettler and District Family & Community Support Services to celebrate their 50th anniversary. From 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. there was a drop in open house, speeches started and beef on a bun was served. ECA Review/J. Campbel
The Stettler and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) hosted a celebration to commemorate its 50 years of dedicated service to the community. The event was on Thurs. July 27 at Stettler and District FCSS.
Leading the evening’s celebrations was Les Stulberg, the board’s chairman and a county council representative. Stettler’s mayor, Stettler county’s reeve and FCSS director were also present and took to the podium to deliver speeches, expressing gratitude for the organization’s remarkable journey and invaluable contributions to Stettler.
Shelly Walker, the director of FCSS, has been an integral part of the organization for over 25 years, with eight of those years spent serving as director.
“FCSS is what community is,” said Mayor Sean Nolls. “It links everything together that we need to be a high-functioning community and never leaves anybody behind. It’s such a vital part of what we are in Stettler”.
Furthermore, Reeve Larry Clarke expressed deep admiration for the Stettler and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) team, stating, “Your tireless work enriches and enhances the quality of life, advocating for crucial and ever-changing needs of our families and citizens. Dedicating your life to social work means you have ferocity and a passion to create significant positive change in the lives of others.”
Reflecting on the organization’s origins, Walker spoke about its humble beginnings.
“In July of 1973, the first preventative Social Services Board met in Stettler and these individuals took on the task of developing the foundations of what we know today as Stettler and District Community Support Services.”
Walker also highlighted some of the significant programs Stettler and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) has brought to the community, such as Stettler Home Support, Standard Handy Bus, After-School Programs, Stepper Information and Referral, and the Heartland Youth Centre’s Boys and Girls Club. Thanks to the dedication of the Stettler and District FCSS staff, these programs have thrived within the community and continue to impact countless individuals’ lives positively, concluded Walker.
Emphasizing Stettler and District FCSS ongoing commitment to community building, Walker stated, “FCSS continues to strive to build a strong community by advocating and providing support that strengthens, enriches, and enhances the quality of life.”
The organization’s programs aim to help individuals adopt healthy lifestyles, improve their quality of life, and build the capacity to prevent and address crises.
Stulberg noted the pivotal role FCSS played in starting many social service-type programs in Stettler, showcasing the organization’s historical significance and ongoing relevance in shaping the community.
The 50th-anniversary celebration served as a testament to the profound impact Stettler and District FCSS has had on the community over the past five decades.
“We promise to be here for the next 50 years,” Walker stated.
Jessica Campbell
ECA Review
