Family & Community Support Services

February 2026

NOTABLE FEBRUARY DATES

Connect with:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Albert
• Newcomer Connections
• St. Albert Bereavement Fellowship
• St. Albert Community Village and Food Bank
• St. Albert Family & Community Support Services
• St. Albert Family Resource Centre
• St. Albert Further Ed
• St. Albert Housing Society
• St. Albert Public Library
• St. Albert Rental Listing 2026
• St. Albert Seniors Association
• St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association (SASHA)
• STAR Literacy
• Stop Abuse in Families (SAiF) Society
• The Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation
• Transitions
• Wellness Matters Talks at Rivers Edge Counselling Centre

Seniors and Elders Service Awards Program 

NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY! 

Do you know a St. Albert senior (55+) who makes an extraordinary difference in the community or do you know someone who should be recognized for their contributions with seniors in St. Albert? 

Nominations are now being accepted in person or online until March 1, 2026.  

Learn more at stalbert.ca/seniorsawards or call 780-459-1756.  

Soulfire



Soulfire explores mental health in a fun and engaging way for youth. These monthly workshops focus on building deeper connections through diverse, facilitated activities. 

Soulfire brings experts from the community to provide educational sessions that are accessible and enjoyable, encouraging participants to explore their wellbeing in a supportive community setting. 

Join us on the third Wednesday and Thursday of each month; Wednesdays are for students in grades 4 to 6 and Thursdays are for grades 7 to 12. 

Youth can tap into ways to find deeper connections, learn about their own mental health, and have fun doing it!

Check it out at one of our upcoming workshops: 

• February - Painting (with guest Kathleen from Amplify!)
• March - Anxiety Will Hate This Journal!  
• April - Getting Out of Our Comfort Zones 
• May - Walk with Elder Tom  
• June - Soulfire Park Party

Learn more and register at stalbert.ca/soulfire 

Discover the

Youth Clubhouse

Looking for a fun, safe, and welcoming space for youth ages 12-18? Youth Clubhouse is now open!

Drop in every Tuesday, and Wednesday from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. to enjoy fun and creative activities including special workshops hosted by community partners — all at no-cost!

No registration needed — just come as you are. 

Drop in and join the fun at Akinsdale Clubhouse (36 Alpine Blvd). 

Upcoming activities include: 

·                    Storytelling

·                    Drum Key Chain Making

·                    Vision Board Making

·                    Baking Bannock

Bring a friend or make new ones. See you there! 

Visit stalbert.ca/youthclubhouse for more information 

Fire and Ice Family Day Festival

Event Highlights

• Kids firefighter obstacle course
• Petting zoo from Finnegan Farms
• Fun crafts with Home Depot
• Sleigh rides
• Frozen maple syrup
• Ice carver and fire dancer
• Food and refreshments from Save-On-Foods and Tim Hortons

When: February 16, 2026

Where: Lacombe Lake Park

Time: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

SAiF Society Adult Support Group

Are you over 18 and have experienced family violence?

This FREE 8-week support group offers a safe space to connect with

others with similar experiences while learning practical coping skills.

To register call: 780-460-2195

United Nations International Volunteer Year

The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Volunteer Year (IVY 2026) to recognize volunteerism as a key driver of sustainable development. Launching on International Volunteer Day (December 5, 2025), IVY 2026 is a call to governments, organizations, and communities worldwide to champion volunteerism in all its forms—formal and informal, local and global—while fostering inclusive policies and ensuring volunteer contributions are recognized and measured.

Volunteerism is a cornerstone of sustainable development and humanitarian action. Volunteers strengthen societies in times of crisis and peace, and their contributions are vital to achieving the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.



Valuing and measuring volunteer contributions—formal and informal—is key to strengthening global understanding and shaping innovative models for the future. Volunteer Bénévoles Canada is collecting 365 stories on civic action. Share your story: https://ivy26.ca/share-your-story/

Please Volunteer St. Albert!

VolunteerConnector has recently completed a major upgrade to its underlying infrastructure. This work modernizes systems to continues to grow and support communities across Canada. If you do come across anything that doesn’t seem quite right, please reach out to the VolunteerConnector team with the details at info@volunteerconnector.org

Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day is an annual event against bullying held in Canada and New Zealand. Participants wear pink shirts and attend or host informative events to raise awareness about bullying, particularly in schools. Pink Shirt Day was started in 2007 in Canada, where it is held on the last Wednesday of February each year.

Housing Awareness in St. Albert

The St. Albert Rental Housing List has been updated with the latest pricings and landlords. Take a moment to review the new options and find the right fit for your needs.



For details, please visit: https://stalbert.ca/site/assets/files/2481/st__albert_housing_rental_list_2026_final.pdf

Emergency Preparedness Workshop

Prepare your family BEFORE something happens. 





In this two-hour workshop:  

• Develop an emergency plan for your family 
• Learn what items you need to be self-sufficient for 72-hours during an emergency and what you need to have ready if you have to evacuate. 

Plus, win items for your emergency kits! 

Deadline to register is February 11.

Register: EmergencyManagement@stalbert.ca

When: February 18, 2026

Where: 20 Gate Avenue

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Jessie's Crowns

Jessie’s Crowns is more than an event — it’s a catalyst for change in our community. By attending, you honor the strength and resilience of women while actively supporting JMMF’s life‑saving work.

Every ticket purchased directly fuels programs that break the cycle of gender‑based violence, from emergency shelter at Jessie’s House to prevention initiatives and second‑stage housing at Eileen’s Place. Your presence is powerful; it helps survivors not just survive but truly thrive.

When: March 5, 2026

Where: Cattail Crossing Golf and Winter Club

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.  

Human Trafficking 101: Service Provider Essentials⁠ 

Free

Hosted by ACT Alberta

Service providers from various industries including law enforcement, healthcare, social services, government, and community-based organizations are welcome to attend the free, two-hour training Human Trafficking 101: Service Provider Essentials. Each participant will have access to an industry-specific online case study to practice the progression of supporting a victim or survivor.

If you're a community member whose work or volunteer role does not include providing services to vulnerable persons, please register for Human Trafficking 101: Community Member Essentials

When: Multiple dates available

Where: Online

International Women’s Day Event 2026

Don’t miss the Canadian Women's Federation 2026 International Women’s Day virtual event in partnership with The Globe and Mail.

Last year, we explored the rising stress and burnout rates among women in the workplace and the urgent need for supportive environments. This year, we’re taking the conversation further.

Part 2 of Thriving at Work moves beyond awareness to action – equipping leaders, teams, and individuals with concrete strategies, tools, and resources to foster mental wellness for women at work. Whether you’re a corporate people leader, HR professional, part of an employee resource group, or a passionate ally and advocate, this webcast will help you turn insight into impact.

Join us for a timely and meaningful conversation as we mark International Women’s Day and the continuing progress being made in advancing equity and well-being in the workplace.

When: March 4, 2026

Where: Online, free live event streamed

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. E.T (10:00 a.m. St. Albert-time)

For more information about St. Albert Community Vibes Newsletter or to suggest an upcoming event listing for our next newsletter, contact fcss@stalbert.ca.