Stettler Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is losing a familiar face today.
Jan. 28 is Patrick Callin, Community Engagement Coordinator’s, last day.
“I am relocating to Hanna and currently taking my General Insurance License and hope to do well and learn a lot in a new adventure and field,” he said.
Patrick started at Stettler FCSS in March 2015 as a receptionist.
“I was very fortunate enough to come into this organization at a time when they were looking to recreate their community involvement to better suit our growing community needs.
“This fueled my motivation, as it not only allowed me to work with amazing community members, but to promote rural communities (Stettler especially),” he added.
Patrick eventually moved into the role of Community Engagement Coordinator and he passionately advocated for others.
“I have always been an advocate in rural Alberta and the people that come along with rural values and traditions. Being given a platform and organization to work with was a dream. This platform and organization allowed me and my FCSS Family to build partnerships around anti-stigma, Seniors Programs, youth programs, Appreciation Events for seniors and Volunteers just to name a few. Truly, the entire field is amazingly rewarding.”
While at the FCSS he said there isn’t one project that “shines more or above the rest” but added he is proud of the FCSS’s, partnerships with the Stettler Foodbank and Turning Point Red Deer because they help the community.
“Overall though the Stettler Crisis Aid Program is a true passion for me. A great deal of time, passion and work has gone into all of these programs, and I absolutely look forward to seeing them grow in the upcoming years.”
The Crisis Aid Program is run solely on donations and from fundraising. The program isn’t eligible for funding from the FCSS because the government mandate for FCSS only allows FCSS funding for preventive services.
READ MORE: Stettler crisis fund dries up. Stettler County releases $17,110 in reserves for Crisis Aid
Patrick cares about the issues facing Stettler and watched as the downturn affected people in Stettler and area. He said, fortunately, there are many amazing organizations and non-profits that work tirelessly to create a healthy community.
“I believe that all social issues have been affected since the economic downturn. However, it is rural Alberta, if anyone knows how to work hard and overcome the current downturn it is the people in rural Alberta. “
Still, there’s more to be done.
“I think that our community members have a great deal of faith in the organizations Stettler has, which is helping in so many more ways then you know.
And Patrick says Stettler and area residents can help by “reassuring and showing support to those volunteers and community members that work directly in the human services, social services and the field of people, in general, is extremely appreciated.
“My only one true request is that people continue to get involved, keep volunteering, take your kids to help, of course keep donating, but truly just appreciate the people who are front line workers,” added Patrick. “Sometimes it can be thankless work and a simple smile, some patience and thank you can change someone’s entire day.”
When not at work Patrick likes to spend time with family and friends.
“Family is a huge part of why I am moving to Hanna,” he said.
“I come from a large family and I have two sisters and a brother, My sisters are in the Hanna area as well as my mom and step-father, and well most of my family.
Patrick’s brother is in Colorado and he hopes to spend some time there.
“It’s warmer there - maybe I should be moving in with him!”
His father and step-mother live in Stettler, as well as some aunts and uncles.
“I will be further from them, but it gives me more reason to pop back into Stettler.”
READ MORE: Crisis Aid program a ray of hope to those in need
Patrick is from Oyen and moved around but East Central Alberta was always home, which helped him in his position at the FCSS, he says.
“Most of my time was spent between Hanna and Stettler and I have always known that I would end up in one or the other. However, being from this area allowed me to have a lot of contacts and mutual respect between peers and community members. That in itself is a big push to working in this industry, Knowing families and dynamics of families, and just having relationships gave me the capability to have open conversations with people about community needs. I am an open person and not a lot of questions would I consider out of place, I have always believed there is no stupid question. So knowing people allowed them to feel comfortable in asking what FCSS does and how can they get involved or simple conversations around the needs of our community.”
Helping others is part of Patrick’s nature.
“When I was a kid and people asked, what I wanted to be when I grow up I responded with, ‘A full-time volunteer’ so often in my downtime, I am volunteering.”
Patrick said he appreciates “the entire community, and especially my coworkers and board of directors from Stettler FCSS for an amazing career and for always trusting and believing in me. I would also like to congratulate Andrea Lee on joining the FCSS team as the Community Engagement Coordinator. I cannot wait to see Andrea and the team do some amazing things for the Stettler community.”
lisa.joy@stettlerindependent.com
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