FCSS defining their community assets with southwest meetings

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) held a meeting at the Milk River Town Council Chambers and held another meeting in Raymond on Oct. 30.

“FCSS is bringing together local partners and organizations to have a conversation and discussion regarding the needs and assets within our communities to support individuals and families,” explained Zakk Morrison, Executive Director of FCSS. “The importance of this activity is to gauge current levels of support in the form of programs and services, while also identifying gaps in service.”

FCSS, Morrison says, has struggled to gain a good understanding of the needs within the communities and thus, a need for meetings in those communities came about.

FCSS hopes that the meetings can assist them in better supporting community residents and families.

The meetings in both communities had a small, but diverse turnout according to Morrison, and those who attended provided lots of input and insight.

During the meetings, both communities had ample opportunities to communicate with FCC about their successes, challenges, and needs as a whole.

Both communities also brainstormed about how to build existing strengths and how to address short-term needs and long-term needs.

“A few items that emerged at the meeting was the potential lack of activities for youth, as well as the loss of the County of Warner Further Education calendar,” Morrison said.

“It was wonderful to learn, listen and share with others.”

Morrison says that the data gathered from the meetings will help FCSS be able to develop strategies on how to best interact with the communities and meet their needs.