Celebrating FCSS Grant Success

The Town of Hinton would like to formally congratulate Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) for their success in securing grants in 2022 totalling more than $100,000 to enhance the wellbeing of the community.
 
FCSS, a Services Branch within the Town of Hinton Community Services Department, develops locally driven, prevention-based social initiatives for individuals and families. The unbudgeted grant funds obtained this year will allow the department to improve services to the community with additional supports, resources, events, and programming - while staying within the budget.
 
Grants secured by FCSS this year include:
 

 
On the Move for Mental Wellness
This was a joint application between FCSS, Hinton Employment and Learning Place (HELP) and Building Resourceful Individuals to Develop Goals & Employment Society (BRIDGES) for the Rural Mental Health Project Community Grants Program. The group was awarded $34,430 towards a project called ‘On the Move for Mental Wellness’.
The objective of the project is to encourage a more mentally healthy lifestyle by providing free or low-cost options for residents to access community public transportation systems, and therefore access social and recreational opportunities.
The project will be delivered in collaboration with non-profit organizations including the Hinton Food Bank, BRIDGES Society and HELP, which will be hubs for mental wellness programming.
From FCSS: “One of our greatest strengths of community is our non-profit organizations and community volunteers. Through access to opportunities, the community will prioritize lifelong pursuit of fostering positive mental health which will improve engagement with the wider community and promote healthy relationships with others, thereby improving our community capacity and wellness. Mental wellbeing is deeply connected to wider-community wellbeing.”
 
 
Hinton Kids for Success Out of School Program
FCSS was awarded a Federal Grant for $29,159 under the Employment and Social Development Canada branch - Enabling Accessibility Fund for the Hinton Kids for Success Out of School Program. 
This grant will fund a project called ‘See, Do, Learn, Grow TOGETHER’ and allow FCSS to begin to set up and furnish Hinton’s first sensory room for children aged 5-12. 
From FCSS: “The focus on children’s mental health is an emerging issue and we are pleased to be at the forefront of that in our community and be able to meet the needs of the children that we are already seeing.”
 
Victims & Survivors of Crime Week Project
FCSS was successful in their grant application of $8,100 for the Victims & Survivors of Crime Week Project as part of the Federal Government’s Victim Fund.
Together with Hinton Victim Support Services Unit, FCSS is organizing events in the community during Victim & Survivors of Crime Week, May 15-21. The first part of the week will focus on education and awareness in schools and in the community on the theme of exploitation through social media and the lasting trauma this can have. The week will conclude with a candlelight vigil for all residents to attend, with the message to all victims of crime that there is a light at the end of the day. 
From FCSS: “We hope to bring healing to the overall community by providing a safe space to recognize and support all victims, and survivors of crime.” 
 
Go-Go Tours Project
FCSS was awarded $25,000 from the Federal Government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) for the Go-Go Tours Project.
The Go-Go Tours Project will give Hinton seniors opportunities to go on tours all over the province, creating meaningful social connection, reigniting purpose in life, and encouraging new learnings. A working group of seniors will play a key role in developing the Go-Go Tours by helping to plan the destinations of the 12 tours and share ideas on costs and bussing options.
From FCSS: “The goal of the project is to reduce social isolation, help seniors stay active, independent, and engaged so they can live a longer and healthier life. The relationships built while travelling to the destinations will give our seniors a sense of belonging which will foster a stronger sense of community long term.”
 
Transit Shortfalls
The FCSS-run Hinton Public Transit System was awarded one-time funding of $5,000 to help cover transit operating shortfalls or transit capital.
The funding came from the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada through their Alberta Relief for Shortfalls for Transit Operators (RESTOR) program. The program supports municipalities with transit operating shortfalls in 2022 related to lower transit ridership caused by impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.