The generosity of Stettler is allowing the McMan Family Resource Network (FRN) to bring forward a returning program in October.
With costs – of everything – rising, the McMan Family Resource Network will be holding its fall clothing swap on Oct. 19.
The centre is currently accepting gently used clothing for kids of all ages, and those in need will be able to stop by the resource centre office located on 51 Street.
"This saves families from always having to buy new," said Lisa Tait, the coordinator the Stettler FRN.
"People in Stettler are so generous ... there have been a lot of success stories."
Cooking
The Stettler FRN is also introducing a pair of cooking programs this fall.
"Tiny Chefs" is a cooking program targeted at children 2-6 years old and their caregivers.
"It's a really fun program," said Tait.
The program runs weekly, and will also have sessions held in Big Valley and Donalda.
Family Support
A final program highlighted by Tait is the Family Support Program.
"We're fairly lucky," said Tait, noting that FRN staff can meet with families in need wherever they may be.
"We come right to your community ... Where you live shouldn't affect the services you are getting."
Tait notes that the support offered through the FRN is varied, tailored to what the family needs, and there is currently no wait list for families.
"The needs are different in each community," said Tait.
In the family support program, FRN staff meet one-on-one with families for a "gamut" of issues ranging from trying to create more routine in the home and helping with child development such as lat, to helping new arrivals build a network of people in the community, to more serious issues such as battling addictions.
In the family support program, FRN staff meet one-on-one with families for a "gamut" of issues, according to Tait.
Issues the program helps with can range from parents being concerned a child isn't yet speaking to the parents needing more routine in the home to welcoming new community arrivals and helping them build their community network.
In some cases, more serious issues like parental addictions or Children's Services intervention are also addressed.
"Whatever the issue is the family is up against," said Tait.
"That is what we tailor our program to ... it's hard to describe."
The Stettler FRN covers an area from just west of Stettler all the way out to the Saskatchewan border along the Highway 12 corridor, though is part of a much larger network of FRNs throughout central Alberta.
For more information, the Stettler FRN can be found on Facebook and online at mcmancentral.ca.
