The Alberta government has increased funding for Family and Community Support Services by $10 million to $86 million.
The money is used by the province’s 319 rural municipalities and Metis settlements to offer community-based programs and services that are preventive and enhance social well-being.
The rural services support youth mentors, home support and outreach services for seniors.
The provincial government supplies 80 percent of the funding for FCSS programs and the rest of the money is supplied by local municipalities.
Many of the programs, like Meals on Wheels, are delivered through partnerships with volunteers, local businesses and other agencies.
“The preventive social services that FCSS programs provide to communities across this province will be enhanced as a result of this additional investment. Programs across Alberta will be better positioned to achieve outcomes that will strengthen all Albertans,” said Jeff Carlson, president of FCSS Association of Alberta.
