Barons-Eureka-Warner FCSS celebrating 55th anniversary

Posted on November 6, 2025 by Sunny South News

By Garrett Simmons
FCSS Communications

Barons Eureka Warner Family and Community Support Services has a long and distinguished history here in southern Alberta.

The organization is now in its 55th year serving its 16 communities, an accomplishment that members of the FCSS board are particularly proud of.

“We were going to have a 50th birthday party event and then COVID hit,” said Merrill Harris, who served 13 years on the board as the M.D. of Taber’s representative.

He added one thing sets the organization apart – the people who put their hearts and souls into their jobs.

“The FCSS staff is second to none,” said Harris. “They are there to help families, young adults, seniors and really do a lot in our communities to help people build their self-confidence and self-esteem. Programming centres around children, babies, helping mothers who are unsure of themselves and giving them that self-confidence that they can be good mothers.”

The value of FCSS was on full display at the 55th anniversary celebration on April 2 in Coaldale during an all-council meeting, which brought councillors together from all of the organization’s communities.

“Everyone had the opportunity to come and hear some of the positive stories,” said Harris, who added that often times, local councillors not involved with FCSS may not know a lot about the organization.

At the event, Harris added a mother and father spoke about how FCSS counsellors helped their son through a very difficult situation.

“Those kinds of positive stories are what FCSS is all about.”

Over the years, FCSS has dedicated significant resources to assisting the low-German Mennonite community in southern Alberta, as they acclimatize themselves to the area. It’s another FCSS success story, according to Harris.

“There are tons of positive stories about how FCSS has helped people in our region, from babies all the way up to seniors,” he said. “The staff is excellent and anybody that thinks they have a need, this is a great place to start. If FCSS can’t help, they will connect you with the help they need.”

Garth Bekkering, who has served as the Town of Taber’s FCSS board representative for 20 years, said a lot has changed with the organization over the last two decades.

“I would say the community participation has increased over the years,” said Bekkering, who added recently, more people have reached out to FCSS for assistance, as the stigma associated with asking for help has dissipated. “Over the years, that has gotten better, and more people have been open to saying they have a problem, and I need some help.”

Bekkering added as FCSS has increased its profile in southern Alberta, more local citizens have realized the positive impact the organization can have.

“There has been a growth of participation in the communities and a growth in the awareness in the communities,” said Bekkering. “I think there has been a real positive impact.”

Dave Degenstein, the current FCSS board chair, said the 55th celebration also put a spotlight on some of the challenges the organization has faced in recent times.

“As our world becomes increasingly complex and the pressures on individuals and families in our communities increases, the services provided by FCSS also become more challenging,” he said.

Degenstein added the organization’s staff have met these challenges head on.

“I wish to thank executive director Zakk Morrison and the FCSS team for their excellence in delivery in adapting to and delivering services to address those evolving needs,” said Degenstein, who also gave credit to his fellow board members. “I wish to express my appreciation to those on the board who represent our 16 communities for your commitment, engagement and dedication.”

The board chair added the 55th anniversary year has been particularly special, considering FCSS has achieved a number of its goals this year.

Degenstein highlighted two achievements in particular – attending parades in each of the 16 FCSS communities and attending seniors’ events in all 16 communities during seniors’ week.

Bill Chapman, the current vice-chair of the board, added the organization benefited greatly from a refresh of its bylaws.

“The board updated its bylaws and with that, set a new standard in operations,” said Chapman. “Administration and staff greatly valued Zakk’s leadership, and they quickly lined up to create new processes for operations and managing the clients it was responsible for.”

He added the board continues to strive towards meeting its four main goals, as outlined in the FCSS strategic plan – timely and relevant service delivery, enhancing community spirit, serving as an entry point for supports and capturing impact.

Heading into the future, Chapman is looking forward to how FCSS can contribute to the work being done by the Prentice Institute at the University of Lethbridge. At the 55th anniversary celebration, those in attendance heard more about the initiative from Dr. Lars Hallstrom, who delivered the keynote address.

“He and his staff are conducting a two-year needs assessment study of the region that reports issues of homelessness and sociological pressures that communities are facing,” said Chapman. “This study will help the BEW FCSS and member municipalities understand and formulate goals to address those needs in their communities. Thank you to The Town of Stirling for sponsoring the Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) Grant to cover the cost of this Needs Assessment project.”

To participate in the Prentice Institute Needs Assessment visit https://bit.ly/surveyfcss

For more information about FCSS services visit http://www.fcss.ca