Programs

Roots of Empathy
Established in 1996, Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program that has shown dramatic effect in reducing levels of aggression and violence among school children while raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy.  The focus in the long term is to build the capacity of the next generation for responsible citizenship and responsive parenting. 
At the heart of the program is an infant and parent who visit the classroom nine times over the school year.  The Roots of Empathy instructor coaches students to observe the baby’s development and to label the baby’s feelings.  In this experiential learning, the baby is the “teacher” and used by the instructor to help the children identify and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others. 
FCSS coordinates the program in all grade one classes in Canmore and Exshaw, as well as one class each of grade four, five and eight

Classroom Presentations
Through an agreement between Canadian Rockies Public Schools and the Town of Canmore FCSS department, classroom presentations on a variety of social emotional topics are delivered to the three schools in Canmore and one in Exshaw.  Topics include, but are not limited to, honesty, bullying, relationship development, suicide awareness, anger management, and tattling.

Rainbows Divorce and Separation Program
The basis for the program is support and camaraderie for children and adults struggling with issues arising from separation/divorce.    The children meet in small groups with of similar age, at the same time that the adults are meeting.  All groups discuss the same topic allowing for the discussion to continue within the family on the drive home or later that evening.  The group approach is highly effective in having children and families feel less isolated in what they are experiencing.

PASS
This is a free six hour seminar for parents who are going through separation / divorce. It provides information on how parents can help themselves and their children during this time of family transition. The seminar is free of charge, but please register at the FCSS. The course is mandatory for those applying for parenting, custody or access orders in the Court of Queen’s Bench.

Babysitting Safety Course
This course is designed to prepare participants for competent performance when guarding the health and safety of children in their care. Participants must be 12 years of age to receive the Alberta Safety Council’s Babysitting Safety Certificate. Certification requires attendance at all classes.

Home Alone Safely
This program is designed for children aged 10 to 12 and their siblings aged eight and nine.  This program will provide families with a tips and tools to prepare themselves for their children spending time without parental supervision.  It is not our belief that there is a magical age where children are ready to be responsible for themselves.  FCSS believes that families should have the best knowledge base possible to help them make the decision with regard to their children’s care and well being.  This is why the approach to the program is a family one.  Families are encouraged to go through this course as a whole, not just the child involved.  Parents attend the first and last sessions.  This helps the family know what the course is about, how it will be taught, who will be teaching and how to address concerns.

Friendship Groups
Small groups are an effective way of working with students on a variety of issues.  We  run small groups with students on a variety of topics including: friendship, social skills and anger management. We can also coordinate groups to address the individual needs of the children.

Parent Support Association
The Parent Support Association (PSA) is a group designed for parent’s with teens.  Parent’s can learn how to bring about a positive change in the relationship with their teen with the support of other parents.  It is not a sign of weakness to seek help from others in dealing with an upsetting family situation, but a sign of strength and continuing determination to restore peace to the family.

GoGRRRLS Programs
Through creative and focused activities this program for early adolescent girls ages 11 -13 will address the following themes: being a girl in today's society: confronting media images and messages, establishing a positive body image: learning to appreciate our unique appearance and talents, developing a positive self-image: how to give ourselves encouragement to succeed, establishing independence through responsible decision making, understanding sexual health: Learning the facts, respecting ourselves and staying safe, learning to obtain help and finding access to resources and planning for the future: How to set long term goals for education, careers and adventures.

Community Kitchen
The Community Kitchen involves Bow Valley adults - both young and old; male and female - who get together the third Wednesday evening of each month at the Recreation Centre to prepare meals to take home for themselves, their friends and roommates. A group leader will assist you with planning meals, shopping and cooking. It's a fun way to meet new people, learn new recipes, save money on food, take home delicious meals, and HAVE A GOOD TIME!

Meals On Wheels
The Meals on Wheels program provides home delivered meals to any person who may benefit as determined by an FCSS assessment. This includes ill, disabled, or elderly persons and others whose physical, mental, emotional or social needs make it difficult for them to obtain or prepare adequate meals. Meals are prepared by the Bow River Seniors Lodge, and a group of volunteers make the daily deliveries. This program assists clients in retaining independence, self worth and good health by providing a nutritious hot meal on a regular basis.

Taxi Pass Program
Taxi passes are restricted to persons over the age of 65 and to people with disabilities who have no, or very limited access to transportation.  Income Thresholds apply. Taxi passes are limited to a maximum of eight per month.  Each taxi pass is good for a one-way fare within the Town of Canmore limits.

Volunteer Snow Shovel Program
To provide the service of snow shoveling to members of the Canmore community including ill, disabled, or elderly persons and others whose physical needs make it difficult for them to obtain this type of assistance on their own. Volunteers assist clients to retain independence and avoid falls by removing snow from their walkways and driveways. Every attempt is made by the volunteer to remove snow within twenty four hours of a snowfall.

Banff/Canmore Community Bus Program
The Banff Canmore Community Bus Program was recognized with the 2007 Alberta Municipal Excellence Award for Outstanding Achievement. This award recognizes innovation for municipal and corporate partnerships.  The Town of Canmore and  Town of Banff Family & Community Support Services (FCSS)  partnered with Canadian Rockies Public Schools to create a bus service between the two communities for low-income residents, all seniors and persons with disabilities.

Individual Counselling
Short-term, early intervention, solution focused counselling is available to individuals and families from the community.

Volunteer Income Tax Program
Canada Revenue Agency trained volunteers provide free tax preparation for uncomplicated tax returns for seniors, singles, families and persons with disabilities. Income guidelines apply.

Collaborative Initiatives 
FCSS consistently employs a community development model when delivering services within our community.  FCSS generally takes a lead role in activating interested agency and community members to form a group to examine the issues and create action toward positive change.  Current initiatives being worked on through this model are a “hard to house/homeless group”; “Everybody Gets to Play” group, and a “critical hours (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm) for 10 to 13 years olds” group.