Around Alberta, Family and Community Support Services have been told to re-evaluate the programs they offer.
Why? If there is one constant success story offered by our local governments its FCSS and the programs and services they offer.
Apparently, this directive has come from the hallowed halls in Edmonton, better known as the Alberta Legislature. Someone has decided what FCSS is doing may not fit into the FCSS mandate, whatever that is! A review is needed!
The many services and programs offered by FCSS are very well-received by the public. Citizens appreciate the help they offer. FCSS is praised many times for what they do. They have terrific staff. What is difficult to surmise is where this outcry and sudden demand came from to re-evaluate its programs.
It can be confidently said when this re-evaluation is completed FCSS will remain much the same. Why not? It is not broken! Don’t try to fix it!
One can only hope this re-evaluation arose from the fact no one examined the mandate for many years. It is actually good practice to have a good look and/or re-examine an organization’s mandate every so often. There is nothing wrong with having a second look and tweaking what FCSS offers, but for the most part, FCSS should be left alone.
A review is also a good thing because it reminds members and staff of their focus and/or mandate.
Many times our village, town and city councils, as well as municipal districts and counties, bring back bylaws for an update. Many times, the debate lasts mere minutes because bylaws are working and do not need an overhaul. When something works, councils are quick to realize so and don’t mess with it.
It is interesting to note FCSS staff in different regions take different approaches to providing services. Different approaches to Volunteer Appreciation Week and Senior’s Week come to mind. Despite the different approaches taken, each arrives at a successful conclusion. There is more than one way to skin a cat!
Perhaps the biggest compliment this newspaper hears about FCSS is it is a friendly place to go. No matter what service is offered, visitors are met with a smile and sympathetic ear. FCSS are real down-to-Earth people and neighbours who care about their clients and their community. The human aspect of FCSS is not lost on the public.
The late Albert Burger of Faust raved about the Family Day weekend community breakfasts. He praised FCSS (and many times fire department members) for bringing the people of the community together in a friendly atmosphere.
“We need more events like these,” he said.
One can only hope sweeping changes to FCSS are not coming. It is difficult to imagine how FCSS can be improved.
Chris Clegg