Alberta’s FCSS Celebrates 60 Years of Strengthening Alberta Communities
by Town of High River
27/07/2026
Community
(High River, AB) High River’s FCSS Program is joining communities across Alberta in celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), one of the province’s most enduring and impactful models for strengthening individual, family and community wellbeing.
Established in 1966 as the Preventive Social Services Program and renamed Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in 1981, FCSS has spent six decades supporting Albertans through locally designed, community‑driven, prevention programs. The FCSS model is unique to Alberta, built on an 80/20 provincial–municipal funding partnership and grounded in the belief that communities are strongest when they can quickly address local challenges by shaping their own solutions.
A Legacy of Prevention and Community Impact
“For 60 years, FCSS programs across Alberta have helped people build skills, strengthen relationships, and stay connected,” said Kayla Blanchette, FCSSAA Board President. “We’re proud to be part of a provincial system that continues to evolve, innovate and respond to the needs of Albertans.”
Since its inception, FCSS has grown to include nearly 200 municipalities and eight Métis Settlements, all working toward the same goal: preventing social challenges before they escalate by investing in wellbeing, belonging and community capacity.
Local Impact in High River
“In 2025 alone, the High River FCSS Resource Centre had over 4,200 visits and supported more than 800 residents through their Volunteer Income Tax program. In addition to other FCSS community programs, such as Cycling without Age, High River’s FCSS also contributes funds to local services and supports, ranging from youth programs and family supports to volunteer engagement and social inclusion through their community grant program.”
Looking Ahead
The FCSS model continues to evolve. In 2022, the Government of Alberta introduced the FCSS Accountability Framework, strengthening the province’s shared definition of prevention and supporting programs in demonstrating outcomes and impact.
“As we celebrate 60 years, we’re also looking forward,” said Mayor Craig Snodgrass, Town of High River. “The needs of Albertans are changing and FCSS will continue adapting, partnering and leading with prevention. Locally we are committed to our focus areas which include addressing affordability, improving quality of life, building connections and increasing awareness of social issues.”
Join the Celebration
FCSS programs across Alberta are marking the anniversary throughout 2026 with events, stories, and the release of a 60th Anniversary logo suite to help highlight this milestone year. High River FCSS invites residents to join the celebration by visiting our Resource Centre, checking out upcoming activities on our Facebook page, and joining us for our ‘Giving Thanks’ celebration on October 9th (details to follow).
About FCSS
Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is a partnership between the Government of Alberta, and Alberta’s municipalities and Métis Settlements. Through an 80/20 funding model, FCSS supports locally developed, preventive social programs that enhance the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
FCSS is supported and represented by the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA). The FCSSAA was founded in 1981, as a member-driven organization dedicated to bringing FCSS programs from across the province together. The FCSSAA provides the platform for member programs to connect and collaborate, so they can maximize resources and speak with an informed, credible, unified voice to all stakeholders.
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For more information, contact:
Media Contact
communications@highriver.ca
403-601-9911