Parents and caregivers now have three options when seeking family supports and programming
As Parent Link Centre funding ended in March of 2020, a re-envisioned program that supports children, youth and families was launched by the province to place more emphasis on the well-being and resiliency of Albertans.
Chestermere and area parents, caregivers, and children (0 to 18 years of age) can now access a range of quality programming, support services, and resources through the Chestermere-Strathmore Family Resource Network (FRN).
The network serves Chestermere, Langdon, Southeast Rocky View, Strathmore, Wheatland County, Rockyford, Standard, Hussar, Gleichen, and Cluny.
“The Chestermere-Strathmore FRN provides FREE family-focused, child and youth-centred, programs and services to these communities through a collaboration between the City of Chestermere, Trellis Commons and Healthy Families,” says Suzan Jensen, Coordinator of Parent & Caregiver Support Services with the City.
These three agencies all have a unique area of focus (see infographic for details). The City of Chestermere’s Parent & Caregiver Support Services (PCSS) focuses on supporting Chestermere parents and caregivers with children under the age of 13.
“Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs we will take on, you won't always have the answers or know what to do, and that is normal,” adds Suzan. “Our team of Caregiver Support Facilitators can provide you with connections to resources, whether that is information on potty training, or supporting you with a customized plan on how you can help your child cope with stress.”
The PCSS team also offers programs and workshops that might feature a presentation, discussion, or exercise on a popular parenting topic.
“For example, we can offer workshops about healthy eating, sleep routines, resiliency, and mindfulness,” says Suzan. “We can also provide individualized, one-on-one parenting support if parents need it.”
Throughout the past 18 months, Chestermere PCSS has been able to successfully adapt to virtual programming to ensure families continued to receive support throughout the pandemic.
“Many of our programs and services will be transitioning back to in-person opportunities, however, we will continue to offer virtual parenting workshops due to popularity and the convenience for families,” adds Suzan.
Families can self-refer to any of these programs, and can also complete a brief online referral form to indicate the support and services they are interested in. The referral form is available online.
“One of our PCSS team members will then follow up directly with some appropriate recommendations,” explains Suzan.
To check out the latest programs and workshops that are available, visit the Parent & Caregiver Support Services (PCSS) website.
Families can also use the above webpage to find the monthly Chestermere/Strathmore FRN Newsletter with a full listing of the early childhood development and youth programming and services that are offered by the two partner agencies in our region.
 | PCSS Contact Information: Email: pcssinfo@chestermere.ca Website: https://thecityofchestermere.ca/community-services/pcss/ Phone: (403) 207-7050 Follow us on Facebook – facebook.com/chestermerepcss |
What agencies and programs make up the Chestermere-Strathmore FRN?:
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