It's More Than Just a Movie
Join FCSS as we watch a movie, socialize, enjoy some snacks and togetherness.
Community Centre | Main Hall
4810 Womacks Rd
Wed | Dec 15
1:00 – 4:00 PM | FREE
Remember that REP is in place for the Community Centre so if you plan to attend you must provide one of the following to access:
• Proof of vaccination (QR Code and Government Issued ID)
• Medical exemption
• A negative rapid test result within 72 hours of a visit to facilities
A special Thank You to Lacombe County FCSS for funding these worthwhile events!
Contact FCSS for more information at 403.600.9066.
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A special Thank You to Lacombe County FCSS for funding these worthwhile programs!
If you would like to access Vibrant Living programs please fill out the Residents Application Form by clicking here or stop at the FCSS office to pick up a copy.
For further information on either of these programs please contact FCSS at 403.600.9066.
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Intergenerational Pen Pal Program |
Intergenerational Pen Pal volunteers are paired with a resident in the community who has requested the program, giving them an opportunity to establish a friendship and positive conversation through letter-writing.
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Friendly Caller volunteers are paired with a resident in the community who has requested the program, by providing a friendly ear, positive conversation, and companionship through informal phone calls.
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Volunteers are paired with a resident in the community, by removing snow from resident’s driveway/walkway along with sidewalks to ensure they are safe for all.
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Membership & Admission:
Adult (18 -59) Single admission $9, 10-Punch Pass $81, Monthly $45, Annual $459
Senior (60+) Single admission $7, 10-Punch Pass $63, Monthly $35, Annual $357
All membership rates include GST. Annual passes are a one year commitment.
Hours:
Monday - Friday 5:30AM-10PM
Saturday - Sunday 7Am-10PM
4500 Womacks Road | 403.885.4039
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Town Facilities Move to REP
Please be advised that the Abbey Centre and Blackfalds Community Centre will be implementing the Restriction Exemption Program (REP) effective Monday, November 15, 2021.
Visitors aged 12 and older must provide one of the following to access these facilities:
• Proof of vaccination (QR Code and Government Issued ID)
• Medical exemption
• A negative rapid test result within 72 hours of a visit to facilities
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50+ Yoga
It is never too late to start a new activity, and that includes doing yoga. If you want to start getting fit, yoga is a great way to go. It has many benefits both physical and mental, it is for every body type, and you can do it at any age. Please bring a yoga mat
Blackfalds Community Centre | Multi Purpose Rm
4810 Womacks Rd
Wed | Dec 8, 15
9:00 - 10:00 AM | FREE (Sponsored by Lacombe County FCSS )
Registration is required. Please contact Guest Services at 403.885.4039 for more information on how to register.
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Drop-In Walking Club
Join FCSS as we walk around the Abbey Centre track, get some gentle exercise, and make new friends.
Cottonwood Meadows Running Track
Level 3 | Abbey Centre | Meet in the foyer
4500 Womacks Rd
Tues & Thurs | Dec 2 – Dec 16
10:00 – 11:00 AM | FREE
Complimentary track admission is provided to those who don’t have a membership thanks to Lacombe County FCSS grant funding. Contact FCSS for more information at 403.600.9066
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Abbey Centre Drop-In Pickleball
Indoor courts located in the Abbey Centre at 4500 Womacks Rd. All field house drop-in participants require paid admission to the Abbey Centre.
Mon - Thurs 9AM - 12:30PM
Fri 9AM - 10PM
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Week to Wellness
Sign out a week's pass to the Abbey Centre with your library membership! Passes available for Senior, Adult, Child, Youth, Teen and Family!
Blackfalds Public Library
Lower Level, Civic Cultural Centre
5018 Waghorn Street
403.885.2343
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Festival of Wreaths
runs November 17 - December 15
Did you know that these wreaths are more than a decoration - many include gift cards, products or tickets! If you would like to decorate your home with a beautiful wreath and support this valuable Blackfalds program that matches youth in our community with a mentor, check out this fundraiser!
Local businesses show off their business and community spirit by decorating a wreath which are then displayed at the Abbey Centre for viewing. Remember REP is in place for entering the Abbey Centre.
Please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters for more information 403.782.7870.
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The Blackfalds Public Library has two large letter keyboards to give away.
Please contact them at 403.885.2343 for more information.
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The Blackfalds Public Library will be closed from December 4-19 as they move into the Eagle Builders Centre! If you have any questions, please visit www.blackfaldslibrary.ca
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Feeling socially isolated? |
Social isolation affects the health and well-being of everyone, but it is especially difficult for our more vulnerable population.
If you need help, our FCSS team is standing by!
There are also various support groups available for you to reach out to such as community churches, neighbours, friends and family.
Interested in helping out?
There is always an opportunity to help someone in Blackfalds and you can find many programs in this newsletter such as snow angel and the upcoming Friendly Caller Program.
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In-Home Activity Suggestions |
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Find the hidden stocking (answer at bottom of newsletter) |
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The Cheemo Seniors' Club Welcomes You! |
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Beyond Food Community Hub |
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Beyond Food Community Hub is the umbrella organization that operates multiple community programs, such as: Blackfalds Food Bank, the Lunchbox, the Good Food Box, and Emergency Food Hampers.
The Christmas Bureau, is another program that we are gearing up for that we partner with FCSS and the Blackfalds Volunteer Fire Dept. that helps those needing support this festive season. The Christmas Bureau program provides a festive meal and coordination of Christmas giving to those in our community who are in need.
With the ongoing challenges brought on by COVID-19, this year has been difficult for so many in our community. We anticipate as great a need as ever this Christmas season for families, children, at risk-individuals and seniors with low-income.
Ways you can help:
- $$$ donations, food donations
- Host a food and gift card drive
- Volunteer your time
Blackfalds Food Bank is rebranding to Beyond Food Community Hub. Our intent is to grow the capacity of support services available to our community members.
Did you know that 1 in 10 households in Alberta experience food insecurity? A rise in food costs have a major impact on vulnerable households. It is unthinkable that anyone should suffer from food insecurity in a province as rich as Alberta. Ways you can help bring food to the table of those living with food insecurity is by donating non perishable goods to our local Food Bank. If every time a person did their grocery shopping and donated one item - our Food Bank would have shelves full to bursting! Donation bins are conveniently located at Buy Low and IGA for you to drop off non perishable food items.
Our Beyond Food Community Hub does not have a financial eligibility threshold. If you know someone who could benefit from the great local partnerships that the Food Bank Society has created - please refer them to FCSS so they can get the info necessary to make an appointment at the Food Bank.
Every week Cobb's Bakery in Red Deer donates bread, local farmers donate inspected beef and Lacombe Pik-n-Pak provides fresh vegetables!
If you are interested in volunteering with the food bank we have different opportunities available. Please connect with the Blackfalds Food Bank at 403.600.1768 or managerblackfaldsfb@gmail.com
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NEW! Seniors Good Food Box Program
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Housing & Rent Supplement Programs |
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In 2017, The Town of Blackfalds dedicated a parcel of land to investigate seniors housing options for the community. In partnership with the Lacombe Foundation and the Bethany Group, the Town facilitated an active citizen engagement process to determine the community need.
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Referral Services and Resources |
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FCSS recognizes that during stressful or challenging times it may be difficult to locate and access the appropriate community resources. This resource directory provides a starting point. For access to additional information and referral services, please contact the Blackfalds FCSS at 403.600.9066 for further info.
Blackfalds Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) offers community programs and courses for all ages, community group support, Food Bank information, employment support, regional interagency meetings, subsidized programs, along with Information and Referral Services.
FCSS also provides preventative social programming and activities that use proactive, strength-based, and international strategies to help individuals, families and communities develop skills required to form a strong sense of self, resulting in the ability to build healthy relationships with others.
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If you are age 65 or older and have lived in Canada for 10 or more years, you can apply for the Old Age Security benefit (OAS). You can make your application six months before you turn 65, and are encouraged to complete an annual income tax return in order to avoid any processing delays.
Canadians with low incomes who already receive the OAS can apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
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The Old Age Security pension is a monthly payment available to most Canadians aged 65 or older. You must apply to receive benefits. If you meet the eligibility requirements you may be entitled to receive the Old Age Security pension even if you are still working or have never worked.
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Guaranteed Income Supplement |
The Guaranteed Income Supplement provides additional money, on top of the Old Age Security pension, to low-income seniors living in Canada. To be eligible for the GIS benefit, you must be receiving the Old Age Security pension and meet income requirements based on the income tax from the previous year.
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You only need to apply once to these programs. Seniors who have previously applied for the Alberta Seniors Benefit program, the Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors programs or have completed a Seniors Financial Assistance application are already enrolled. |
The Alberta Seniors Benefit is a monthly benefit paid to seniors to provide support in addition to the federal benefits received under Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement. It is based on income and provides monthly benefits to eligible seniors.
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Special Needs Assistance for Seniors |
The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program provides financial assistance to eligible seniors with low income toward the cost of some appliances, and specific health and personal supports. The program provides a lump-sum payment for eligible expenses. The maximum assistance available is $5,105 in a benefit year (July 1 to June 30).
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Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors |
The Dental Assistance for Seniors program is based on income and provide low- to moderate- income seniors with financial assistance for basic dental that help maintain a reasonable level of dental health. The program provides up to $5000 of coverage per person every five years.
The Optical Assistance for Seniors program is based on income and provides low- to moderate- income seniors with assistance up to $230 toward the purchase of prescription eyeglasses every three years.
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Blackfalds FCSS | 5016 Waghorn St | Blackfalds, AB
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