March 8 is recognized around the globe as International Women’s Day. On this day, we honour those who fought for women’s right to equality and fairness. As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women, we also need to bring awareness on relevant issues continuously affecting women such as gender-based violence, access to education, reproductive health and rights, gender equality, etc.

When we talk about Women’s Suffrage Movement in Canada, we come to remember the ‘Famous Five’ who were prominent advocates for women and children’s rights – Henrietta Muir Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Emily Murphy, and Irene Parlby. They laid the foundation for women to have the right to vote and to run for public office. This year, the Government of Canada celebrates International Women’s Day with the theme “Every Woman Counts”. The theme gives importance to the contributions of women in every aspect of Canadian society.

Let this day be a reminder that all girls and women matters. Much has change from the past, but the work continues everyday.

Find out ways to get involved by visiting the Government of Canada website. 

City of Lloydminster

Senior's Health Assessment and Information Fair

The City of Lloydminster, in partnership with Family Community Support Services (FCSS) and Learning Council Association and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, presents “Senior’s Health Assessment and Information Fair”. This is a free drop-in event which will take place on Monday, March 27, 2023, at Legacy Centre (5101 46 Street Lloydminster, AB), from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

Seniors are invited to a free afternoon of education and awareness! Connect with senior-focused committees and organizations presenting topics about health, safety, recreation, housing and more. The events includes the chance to learn and ask questions about senior resources and supports within the community, door prizes, table games with prizes, complimentary treats and refreshments. 

Community Grants

Jumpstart Canadian Tire Community Development Grant

Community Development Grant has two funding streams. Operational stream assists organizations with operational and administrative costs, while programming stream helps organizations develop or sustain sports and recreational programming for kids aged 4-18 in financial need and youth with disabilities between ages of 4-25. All applications are evaluated on an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion score based on the applicant’s efforts to address systemic barriers to sport and recreation. 

Deadline: March 10, 2023

Funding Amount: Up to 100% of funding contributions

Website: https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/community-development-grants

Saskatchewan Lotteries - Second Call for Applications

2023-2024 Project Cycle: Second call for Saskatchewan Lotteries Application. The funds have changed from the original scope. Organizations are encouraged to call or email the Family and Community Supports Services Lloydminster team to discuss funding limitations.

Please fill out the Saskatchewan Lotteries Grant Application and submit your application by email to fcss@lloydminster.ca or drop it off at Lloydminster City Hall 4420 50 Avenue Lloydminster, AB from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. 

Deadline: March 13, 2023

Funding Amount: Call 780-875-6184 ext. 2919

Website: www.lloydminster.ca/grants

Bell Let's Talk

The Community Fund provides annual grants of up to $25,000 to Canadian registered charities to increase access to mental health supports and services in communities across Canada.

Deadline: March 15, 2023

Funding Amount: $15,000

Website: https://letstalk.bell.ca/get-funding/#community-fund

Honda Canada Foundation

The purpose of the Honda Canada Foundation was created to lend a hand to registered non-profit charities that strive to make the lives of Canadians better. This program supports organizations that focus on four pillars: Family, Environment, Engineering, and Education. Example donations given to Food Banks, Christmas Wish, Kids Help Phone, Canadian Cancer Societies, etc. 

Deadline: No set date

Funding Amount: No set amount

Website: https://www.hondacanadafoundation.ca/apply-for-funding

Volunteering Opportunities

City of Lloydminster

The City of Lloydminster recognizes that volunteers are an essential part of a thriving community. Regardless if it is one day a year, every week, or every day, the time and skills our residents share with one another make our city great! We wish to support our community by helping to find connections between the organizations that need support and the amazing residents that want to volunteer.

The City of Lloydminster is looking for volunteers on several projects:

• Winterfest 2023

To know more about the current listings, please visit Volunteer Connector. 

Lloydminster Interval Home Society

Lloydminster Interval Home Society exists to provide safety, support, and education by empowering the children, youth, adults, and communities we serve.

There are three open positions:

• LCYC Volunteer Facilitator
• LCYC Volunteer Host
• LCYC Kitchen Helper

If you are interested to know more about Lloydminster Interval Home Society, visit their website at www.intervalhome.org or call their office at 780-808-8485.

To sign up for the volunteering positions, go to Volunteer Connector.

March: Caregiver Support Community

To register for the session, visit their website at Caregivers Alberta.

The Caregiver Support Community is a virtual program that aims to empower caregivers’ well-being by providing a supportive group where you can connect with other caregivers, have open conversations about the ups and downs of caregiving, and learn about topics relevant to caregivers. This group is lead by a trained facilitator who is there to help guide conversations about the caregiving journey, and offer resource ideas, education and support.

This program occurs on Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. You must register to receive the Zoom link or phone number to join the group.

Note: Registration is ongoing. New participants can join the series at any time.

March: SK Funded Beds at Thorpe Recovery Centre

Thorpe Recovery Centre is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing client-centered and community-based addiction services. We are an accredited facility, providing Residential Treatment, a number of intensive treatment programs, and a recovery management program, too. They have fully funded beds available for Saskatchewan residents in March.

If you, or someone you know, are looking for a funded bed, please call 780-875-8890 to learn more.

Visit the Thorpe Recovery Centre to learn more about their programs.

March 8: Lloydminster and Region Job Fair

The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce is hosting Lloydminster and Region Job Fair 2023 on March 8 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Gold Horse Casino (3910 41 Street Lloydminster, SK).

For jobseekers, there is no need to register or RSVP for the in-person job fair. All you have to do is show up at the job fair and you’re ready to go.

For any inquiries about the event, please contact Tinisha Young at 780-875-9013 or email tinisha@lloydminsterchamber.com.

March 9: A Child's Relationship with Food

To register for the session, scan the QR code in the poster. 

In collaboration between the Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services, and Camrose Family Resource Centre, they present “A child’s relationship with food” on March 9, 2023, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The session will be held via Zoom.

Join a registered dietitian with other parents, caregivers, and adult role models of school-aged children to learn:

• How to support children to develop a positive relationship with food and their body
• How a child’s relationship with food may change over time
• Strategies to start conversations if you think your child needs help
• Additional supports that are available

Content Warning: Diet, eating disorders and disordered eating, weight and body image will be discussed in this presentation.

March 14 & 15: First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training

For more information and to register, please email frt@aasas.ca or visit aasas.ca/training.

Build your capacity to respond effectively to disclosures of sexual violence. In this workshop, you will learn to:

• Define sexual violence and describe its various forms
• Understand the short-term and long-term impacts of sexual violence across the lifespan
• Articulate why sexual violence is never the fault of the person who has been harmed
• Explain the attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate sexual violence
• Provide a positive and supportive first response to a disclosure of sexual violence
• Identify resources and referrals to support those who have experienced sexual violence

Dates: March 14 and 15

Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location: Lakeland College (2602 59 Avenue Lloydminster, AB)

Cost: $299

Space is limited, deadline to apply is on February 28, 2023.

March 14, 21, and 28: Kids Have Stress Too!

Midwest Family Connections is hosting an online session about stress on kids. The discussions will be held via Zoom starting on March 14 to 28, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The contents of this topic are relevant to parents or guardians of children between ages 4 to 12 years old.

Parents/Guardians will learn about:

• Stress and its impact
• Children’s reaction to stress
• Ways to help children cope with stressful experiences

Contact Midwest Family Connections at 306-825-5911 or info@midwestfamilyconnections.ca for more information or to sign up.

March 17: Wintegration Warap Up

In partnership with YLLMyHome, Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnership, Sask Lotteries, and IRCC, our Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) and Gateway for Newcomers are so excited to bring you Wintegration!

This program is designed to provide children in our community an opportunity to try different winter sports during the months of January to March 2023. Join us for the wrap-up party on March 17!

Registration is required and we recommend early registrations as space is limited for each activity. For questions, further information, or to register, please contact Johanna at johanna.reyes@cssalberta.ca or 780-8759084 ext. 3319.

March 18: Slay the Night's Luck o' the Irish 2023 Sober Fundraising Event

Purchase your tickets through Event Brite. 

Welcome to Slay the Night’s Luck o’ the Irish 2023 Sober, Fundraising Event!

Please join us on March 18, 2023, in the Community Hall at Grace United Church (4708 50 Avenue Lloydminster, AB) for a sober night out in support of our local Residents in Recovery Society. Since 2018, Residents in Recovery have embarked on a revolutionary journey to provide safe, supportive, and judgment-free living spaces and recovery treatments to those in our community marginalized by mental health and addiction issues.

Doors will open at 7:30 pm with our main event starting at 8:00 pm. Entertainment will run for approximately two hours.

General admission for this event is $20.00 a seat (+ Event Brite fees) with $5.00 per ticket donated to the Residents in Recovery Society.

March 28: Lloydminster Chamber Annual General Meeting

The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce is hosting their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, March 28,2023, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre (4706 54 Street Lloydminster, SK). There is a $15.00 fee for admission.

As part of this meeting, the Membership has a chance to review the yearly financial report, elect new Directors for the Board, and swear in the incoming President, Vice President, and Board Members. It also gives members the opportunity to review the Annual Report.

Corporate members are recognized, awards and special presentations recognize members for individual efforts or service.

Please note, this event is only open to Lloydminster Chamber members. 

March 31: Keeping Our Children Safe Online

Do you know what all the emojis in your kids’ text messages actually mean? Wondering if Roblox or Minecraft is actually safe? Want to make sure you are doing everything you can to protect your child from online predators?

The Lloydminster Learning Council Association is hosting a free event called “Keeping Our Children Safe Online” at Lakeland College – Room 1017 on March 31, 2023, starting at 6:00 pm.

Learn how to keep your children safe from online predators and the ever-changing social media applications and online. The session will teach parents/guardians on how to speak to their children about setting boundaries with others and bodily autonomy.

Note: Due to the serious nature and language, children are not permitted to attend the session.

Registration is required to attend the session. Sign up at www.lloydlearningcouncil.org or call their office 780-875-5763 for more information.

April 13 and 14: Canadian Language Benchmark

The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is used by newcomers to evaluate their level of English proficiency for use in academics, employment, and ESL programs.

The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) assessment will be available to those interested in determining their levels of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Open to both Saskatchewan and Alberta residents, we are hosting an in-person CLB Assessment on April 13 & 14.

If you are interested in finding out your CLB level or would like to reserve your time slot, contact Jonah Alejandro at 780-875-9084 ext. 3304 or jonah.alejandro@cssalberta.ca.

April 19 and 20: Mental Health First Aid Training

Call their office to register at 780-875-5763 or visit their website at https://lloydlearningcouncil.org/2020/mental-health-first-aid/

The Lloydminster Learning Council Association is offering a Mental Health First Aid Training on April 19 and 20 or May 15 and 16, from 9:15 am to 4:15 pm, at the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre (4602 49 Avenue Lloydminster, SK). The workshop will be facilitated by Neil Harris, a Certified MHFA Instructor and Workplace Wellness Consultant.

The training will include:

• How to help a person developing or experiencing a mental health problem
• How to provide an initial support to someone who may be developing/experiencing a mental health problem or crisis
• Mental health first aid skills to be administered until appropriate treatment is found or the crisis is resolved

Topics will include substance overdose, suicidal behaviour, panic attack, acute stress reaction, and psychotic episode.

Note: This course does not train a participant to be a therapist, counsellor, or mental health professional.

The course is offered at $200.00 which includes the training manual. Space is limited to 20 people for reach of the 2-day sessions.

Mental Health Resources

Access Addiction and Mental Health

AHS has established Access Addiction and Mental Health (AAMH) telephone line for clients in Central, Northern and Southern Alberta, who will benefit from guidance in finding the most appropriate mental health, addictions, and/or recovery services and resources.

Please call AAMH at 1-888-594-0211, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Find about the different programs and services they offer, visit Addiction and Mental Health website.

Border Bridge Counselling

Counselling services are currently provided by Lloydminster Community Counselling at no fee, several fee for service private and not-for-profit counselling, and some have access to insurance and/or employee and family assistance plans to assist with payment. Border Bridge aids those that cannot access no fee supports in a timely manner, and/or cannot manage payment for services.

Please call 780-875-9084 for more information.

Know more information about Border Bridge by visiting their website at Lloydminster Mental Health Hub

Mental Health and Addictions Services

The purpose of Mental Health and Addictions Services is to promote, preserve, and restore the mental health of children, adults, and families.

Our services include a wide range of mental health and addictions programming. We also work with other community resources to ensure effective service delivery to area residents.

Requests for service may be made in writing or by phone to Mental Health and Addictions Services to 3830 43 Avenue Lloydminster, SK, S9V 1Y3 or phone 306-820-6250.

This service is provided by Saskatchewan Healthy Authority. All residents of Lloydminster are eligible to access the program regardless of address. 

Free Tax Clinics

Catholic Social Services

If you have a modest income and simple tax situation, volunteers can do your tax return for you.

Please contact Johanna Reyes at 780-875-9084 ext. 3319 or email johanna.reyes@cssalberta.ca to book an appointment.

Lakeland College

These income tax preparation clinics are for seniors, low-income families, and newcomers to Canada. Offered in partnership with the Lloydminster Seniors Society.

Clinic dates and times:

• March 10, 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Lakeland College (2602 59 Avenue)
• March 11, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Lakeland College (2602 59 Avenue)
• March 31, 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Lakeland College (2602 59 Avenue)
• April 1, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Legacy Centre (5101 46 Street)
• April 14, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Lakeland College (2602 59 Avenue)
• April 15, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Legacy Centre (5101 46 Street)

To book an appointment, call Erin Bandola at 780-871-5433 or email erin.bandola@lakelandcollege.ca/. 

Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre

If you need assistance with your tax return, the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre is hosting a free tax clinic for seniors and people who are of low-income.

To book your appointment, please contact their office at 306-825-6558.

Family Resource Centre

The Family Resource Centre provides support to families connected with Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FCSD) and families that are providing Family Managed Services (FMS) through Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD). The Centre provides a wide range of services such as understanding and maintaining FSCD and PDD FMS agreements, group learning opportunities, networking opportunities, assistance with planning for their family members and supports to secure staffing.

The Family Resource Centre is located in Red Deer, AB but they provide their service to the Central Region (Rocky Mountain House to Lloydminster and Camrose to Drumheller).

Contact their office by phone at 403-343-6249 or email familyresourcecentre@epssworks.com.

Click the picture to view the different programs they offer.

Midwest Family Connections

Midwest Family Connections provides programs and services for families and caregivers in the areas of family support, early learning and care, parent education and information and referral. Their goal is to provide parents and caregivers with the knowledge, skills, resources and confidence necessary to meet the unique needs of their children and family.

During this time, Midwest Family Connections is dedicated to doing their very best to continue to support families and caregivers. Programs and services are being delivered by a combination of phone, virtual, and in-person sessions. All programs require registration and in-person visits are by appointment only.

Support and additional program information can be accessed by calling 306-825-5911 or emailing info@midwestfamilyconnections.ca.

Click the picture for more information.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster

Each Big Brother Big Sister agency provides direct service to children by matching volunteers and youths in quality mentoring relationships. Our agency staff members are experts at screening volunteers and matching them with a mentee having similar interests.

The national organization provides services and programs to our member agencies to assist them with their work with parents, mentees, and volunteers. Ranging from staff training workshops to our leading Child Safety Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada works diligently to ensure we have superior quality programming in all parts of the country.

To know more about their programs, visit their website or call 306-825-5757.

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone's e-mental health services are available 24/7 across Canada. This means that they're here for kids, teens and young adults from coast to coast.

Call 1-800-668-6868 to start a confidential conversation with a real person you can trust. Text "CONNECT" to 686848 to get information and referrals to local resources.

If you or any teen you know needs someone to talk to, please refer them to Kids Help Phone.

Lloydminster Community Youth Centre

The Lloydminster Community Youth Centre strives to provide a safe, welcoming, fun space where all youths (12 to 18 years old) are welcome to attend and be themselves. The centre offers hot meals, fun and meaningful programming, rides to and from the centre, and more!

If you have any questions, reach out to the team at 7587-789-1600. Find about their programs by visiting their website at Lloydminster Community Youth Centre.

Alberta Seniors Programs and Services

Saskatchewan Programs and Services to Seniors

Staying Safe for Older Adults in Alberta

Lloydminster Senior Citizens Society

For more details, contact Carrie at 780-875-4584 or legcen4584@gmail.com.

Catholic Social Services' Seniors Connection

If you know a senior who may benefit from this program, please refer them to Kim Hartel. Please call 780-875-9084.

City of Lloydminster Seniors Taxi Program

Subsidized transportation for seniors 65 years and older.

Click the logos to access the file or to be redirected to their website.

211 is Canada’s primary source of information for government and community-based, non-clinical health and social services.

The free and confidential service can be accessed 24 hours a day, in more than 150 languages, by phone, chat, text and web. 211 helps connect people to the right information and services, making their pathway to care and resources a guided and trusted one.

211 is confidential and will not ask for your name or personal information.

Canadian Trivia Quiz

Taken from Reader’s Digest, we bring you Canadian Trivia’s!

January: Hockey Rinks. That's more than any other country!

February: People in Saskatchewan use this cutesy nickname for hoodies.

Find out the answer on the next edition. 

FCSS | City of Lloydminster | 780-875-6184 Ext. 2908 | fcss@lloydminster.ca| www.lloydminster.ca/fcss