Resources & Helpful Links

As we continue to support everyone who works together for children, youth, and families in the region, we are sharing new resources regarding COVID-19.

• The Alberta COVID-19 Youth Mental health Resource Hub
• Multi- Faith Resources: Alienation & Seperation During a Pandemic
• Stronger Minds
• Positive steps for Mental Health during uncertain times
• Take control of your mental wellness
• Mental Health & Wellness
• Cognitive Behavorial Therapy & Mindfulness group
• Taking Charge of What You Can: A COVID-19 Toolkit
• TIC - Trauma Informed Care Collective - Toolkit
• Community Information for COVID-19
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Tagalog
• 
• No gym? No park? No problem! Introducing our physical activity resource guide
• Coping at Home for Families
• Building Resilient Families by promoting Positive Mental and Physical Health
• April, 2020 - COVID-19 Community Resources for Foothills Region - Black Diamond, High River, Okotoks, Turner Valley
• Be Well - Be Kind - Helping teenagers struggling with the stress of COVID-19
• Parent Learning Link
• COVID-19 and Your Mental Health
• Mental Health: Coping and Connection for Children and Families During COVID-19
• Practical and Emotional Preparedness for a Pandemic
• Hello-I-am-Coronavirus_child-resource
• What is Social Distancing
• Stress, Hope and the Role of Science: Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic
• FSCD Family Message - COVID-19 March 25, 2020 
• TEXT4HOPE
• Financial Assistance during COVID-19
• Emergency Social Services Funding (FCSS)

 

Yoga
Yoga for Stress Relief 
Yoga for Teens - YouTube

Screen Free Activities
101 Screen Free Activities
ScreenTime vs Lean Time

Sleep
Healthy Sleep

50 Ways to Take a Break 
 

Under Construction

• Cannabis Talk Kit- Know How to talk to your teen
• Canada's Lower Risk Cannabis use Guidelines
• Cannabis: What Parents/Guardians and Caregivers Need to Know
• Cannabis - Teen Mental Health

Black Diamond/Turner Valley

Ben's Thrift Store
Ben's Thrift Store selling clothes, footwear, cheap furniture, electronics, glassware, kitchenware, ornaments, small appliances.
Contact: 403-620-5035

Foothills Consignment House
Collectibles store in Black Diamond. Quality consigned furnishings, collectibles, unique Items and more. 
Phone: 403-933-2339

Jessica's Closet
Retail sales, thrift store, consignment, arts & crafts instruction & parties.
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-878-7756

Little Black Dress Consignment
A women's and children's consignment store.
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-933-4034

High River

Gary's Great Buys
Pre-owned items at bargain prices.
Phone: 403-908-0250

High River Salvation Army Thrift Store
The High River Salvation Army Thrift Store offers clothing and household goods that are in good usable condition. Vouchers for clothing are available from the Salvation Army.
Phone: 403-652-2195 Ext 3

J&D's Attic
Antiques, vintage, used books, furniture, clothing, jewelry, art, kitchenware, linen, garden decor, toys, games, electronics, small appliances, DVD's & CD's.
Phone: 403-862-0724

Selective Seconds
Clothing and treasures for the whole family, consignment boutique.
Phone: 403-917-1096

Okotoks

Foothills Salvage and Recycling Society
The Foothills Salvage & Recycling Society (FSRS) is a Not For Profit Society dedicated to keeping usable and recyclable items out of the landfill. In doing so, they make items accessible through the facility in several ways.  For sale to customers for purchase at an affordable price.
Phone: 403-648-3764

Man of Distiinction
Consignment for men, new & gently used.
Phone: 403-995-0616
Unit 12B 49 Elizabeth Street, Okotoks

Mission Thrift Store Okotoks
Provides used goods in a department store-like experience for value-conscious shoppers who can find deals they can feel good about. Offers quality new and gently used clothing, furniture, books, toys and other household goods. **Youth in need, with a letter of support from schools, or the Youth Branch of the Foothills Children's Wellness Network can access free items. This is done discreetly.
Phone: 403-995-8099

Okotoks United Church
Jacket Racket: Free winter clothing exchange, everyone welcome. 2019 Dates Pending
Phone: 403-938-4357

Rhoda's Elegance Consignment
Fashion consignment store.
email: [email protected] 

 

• Depression & Anxiety Self-Management for Teens
• Understanding Depression and Anxiety
• Feeling Anxious
• MindShift Mental Fitness Tips

General

Thinking Skills For Learning and Life Executive Functioning

Explore Education & Training
How Do I Get Into the Trades
Transition - Turning 18 What's Next

Education - Financial Assistance

Youth Paying for School
Apprenticeship and Industry Training & Scholarships
Alberta Scholarships
Apply Alberta - Student Funding
Scholarships Canada
 

Post Secondary/Skill Development

Aboriginal Futures Career and Training Calgary provides education, training and employment services to Indigenous people who live in Calgary or the surrounding area. Counsellors can help with:

• Individual career counseling
• Action plan development
• Resume and cover letter writing assistance
• Job search preparation
• Interview coaching

email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-253-5311

Academy of Learning is dedicated to helping students reach their goals quickly and easily, in a setting that builds confidence while building skills. Students receive intensive, hands-on training in a professional atmosphere. 

• Personalized one-on-one support
• Develop your skills step-by-step

Phone: 403-652-2116

Alberta Government Registered Apprentice Training. Trade Secrets
The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is a way for registered high school students to become apprentices and earn credit toward their high school diploma at the same time.
Phone: 1-800-248-4823
ALL HIGH SCHOOLS - See Guidance Counsellors for employment and training information

Bow Valley College
Supports education in business, health care, and community services. They offer certificate and diploma programs in justice studies, and creative technologies. Programs include work experience. Also offers post-diploma certificates.
High River Campus
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-441-2399

Okotoks Campus
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-476-2233

Community Futures
A creative self employment program designed to assist students and youth in our region to turn their ideas into jobs. They will provide tools and resources to youth who with to start, grow and fund their businesses.
Phone: 403-995-4151

Inclusion Foothills (formerly Foothills SNAPS)
Programs offered through Foothills SNAPS include:

• One to One Family Support Transition Planning Program
• Sibshops (for the Siblings)
• Connections Registry (Respite, Community and program Assistants)
• Resource Library
• 1st R.E.D Cards
• HIRE (Having Inclusive Rewarding Employment)
• Foothills Employment First

They serve individuals with a barrier/disability between 16-65+; provide workshops, 1:1. Support and Transition Planning; JOBz: Youth Employment Initiative, 14-24, in-personal and distance approach; 1:1 support to all outlying communities surrounding High River and Okotoks. 
For general employment opportunities
See - Inclusion Foothills
JOB BOARD
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-603-3232 or Toll Free: 1-866-507-6277

High School Equivalency Diploma
High School Equivalency Diploma  Alberta Education offers two ways to earn a High School Equivalency Diploma: by accumulated credits or by completing and passing five General Educational Development (GED) Tests.

Inclusion Alberta Phone: 1-800-252-7556

MCG (McBride Career Group)
Provides: Assistance with resume development and cover letters, interview preparation, career and employment counseling, as well as information on educational and funding options. There are employment workshops and computer training sessions. Also, job postings by employers from local and surrounding areas.
Okotoks 
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-995-4377
High River
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-601-2660 

 

Alberta Income Support
Family Violence help with costs to leave. You may get: Emergency transportation to a safe place (for example, women’s shelter); costs to stay in a hotel or motel for a short time if shelters are full or not available; an allowance to buy personal items not provided by the shelter and other support.
Need to be a least 18.

Community Futures
A Creative Self Employment Program designed to assist students and youth in our region to turn their ideas into jobs. They will provide tools and resources to youth who with to start, grow and fund their businesses.
Phone: 403-955-4151

Government of Canada
Benefits - General information and Education planning and Student Aid

Jordan's Principle
Jordan's Principle responds to unmet needs of First Nations children no matter where they live in Canada. Under Jordan's Principle, we can:
• inform families about the help available for their child and how to access it
• coordinate access to products, services and supports
provide funding when it's needed to make sure products, services and supports are accessed without delay. Access to
• Jordan's Principle representatives across Canada
• local service coordinators in First Nations communities or organizations across Canada (contact your local Jordan's Principle representative to get this information) 
email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453)

KIDSPORT Society  of Alberta
Sports funding for children ages 6-18 years removing financial barriers.
Okotoks & MD
Phone: 403-831-7529
High River
Phone: 403-202-0251
General Information
Phone: 1-888-914-5437

Money Mentors
FREE phone or in-person Financial Consultations across Alberta. Offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Grande Prairie.
• Credit Counseling
• Money Coaching and more
Phone: 1-888-294-0076

Okotoks Family Resource Centre
EMERGENCY FOOD- General guidance and $25 gift vouchers
REC FEE ASSISTANCE – Apply on line. Supports children 6-18. Residents may qualify for a maximum of $200 subsidy annually toward the purchase of Town of Okotoks facility passes and programs.
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-995-2626

 

Black Diamond/Turner Valley

A Frozen Meal or Two  (Youth with a Mission)
Free delivery of a meal for those in need of short-term help.
Support’s residents in Turner Valley, Black Diamond and Area.
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-667-2447 (leave a message)

Oilfields Food Bank - Turner Valley & District Food Bank Association
Serving Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Longview, Millarville and Priddis as well as the surrounding MD of Foothills. The food bank operates out of the United Church in the Valley (across from the elementary school).
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-861-1847

High River

Food Connections High River (Wild Rose Community Connections)
Wild Rose Food Connections (formerly High River Food Connections) is a food security initiative created by Wild Rose Community Connections.
Wildrose-Food-Connections-December-2019-Brochure
FOOD-RESOURCES-IN-HIGH-RIVER-December-2019

Lunch in a Crunch: Students can text or call 403-813-9819 to be directed to where they can pick up a free, anonymous lunch.


Food for Thought
Provides healthy, no cost lunches to children in local schools Pre 5 – 12, who for various reasons do not bring a lunch to school.
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-422-0475

High River Good Food Box Program
Fresh produce available every month, at a low cost – pick up location in town.
Search Facebook for High River Good Food Box Program. Facebook@highriverfoodconnections
Phone: 403-652-2200

High River Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee
Skatemania Free program that happens for youth on five Thursdays in June, July and August
Free Food and Prizes .
Instagram @hr_youthmyac

High River United Church
SIMPLE SUPPERS- Supper served at 5:30pm free of charge (donations accepted).  Everyone is welcome!   
September through June on the third Wednesday of the month  (second Wednesday in December)
email: [email protected] 
Phone: 403-652-3168

High River - Salvation Army Food Bank Services
Provides food to residents in the foothills. Anyone can access the food bank. If you’re in need all you need is ID.
Phone: 403-652-2195 Ext 2

Okotoks

Meals on Wheels - Sandstone Lodge
Anyone can access meals living in Okotoks. No exclusion criteria. Meals are $6.25.
Operates out of Okotoks Sandstone Lodge.
Phone: 403-938-6404

Okotoks Family Resource Centre - Emergency Food
$25 grocery gift cards for emergency needs. Provided after assessment and one- time
 needs for foothills residents who are in immediate need (including youth).
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-995-2626

Okotoks Food Bank
The Okotoks Food Bank provides food assistance to locals in need.
Programs you might be interested in .
• Help Yourself Shelf Program
• After the Bell
Phone: 403-651-6629

Okotoks United Church
School Lunch Program: Lunches are provided to students attending school within the Foothills School Division.
Food for Fun: Everyone is welcome to attend on the dates that the Church is offering free lunch.
email:  [email protected]
Phone: 403-938-4357

 

• My Health Alberta
• Youth Addiction and Mental Health
• TELUS - Helping Youth Achieve Independence 
• Calgary Youth Services Guide
• General Information Call 211

Care-Kits

Health and Wellness Resources Click here for a printable version

Alberta Health Services

Sexual Health Resources - Okotoks and area

Well on Your Way - Helping Youth Transition to Adult Healthcare
 

Main Switchboard 403-652-2200
High River Community Cancer Centre
High River Public Health Centre

Alberta Courts

Youth-Criminal-Justice-Act-Pocket-Guide

Department of Justice Canada, YCJA Resources

Okotoks Provincial Court
98 McRae St.,
Okotoks, AB
SITTINGS:
Every Friday (Youth) (courtroom 001) 9:30 A.M.
Every 1, 2 & 3 Monday Provincial Statutes (First Appearance)
Case Management Office (CMO) 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Phone: 403-938-7953

Alberta Law Line
The Alberta Law Line is a program of LAA that provides free legal information, referrals, and advice* to Albertans over the phone. All calls are confidential. 
Legal Aid Alberta
Youth Criminal Law
All youth (12 to 17 years old) are eligible to receive representation by a lawyer through Legal Aid Alberta when charged with a criminal offence, as this is mandated under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Services are available to young person’s facing charges in the Youth Courts of Calgary and Edmonton.
Legal assistance is most often provided for:
• Serious criminal charges;
• Charges laid under the Youth Criminal Justice Act;
• Family law issues;
• Child welfare matters;
• Civil law issues, such as adult guardianship/trusteeship (when the client is the subject of the application) and income support; and,
• Immigration/refugee claims 
Phone: 780-644-7777 or Toll Free 1-866-845-3425

Calgary Legal Guidance
Calgary Legal Guidance is a client-centered organization that provides free legal assistance, information, and advocacy to individuals experiencing financial hardship who need legal services and representation.
Phone: 403-234-9266

Dial A Law- If you wish to listen by telephone to a pre-recorded Dial-A-Law topic, please call the Dial-A-Law Operator at the following numbers:
Phone: 403-234-9022 or Toll Free 1-800-332-1091

Centre for Public Legal Education in Alberta (CPLEA)
CPLEA has developed resources for young people who want general information about their rights or who’ve been accused of committing a crime.
Youth-Criminal-Justice-Act-Poster

Elizabeth Fry Society
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary (EFry) helps builds bridges. Offering support to women and youth engaged with the legal and justice systems by providing practical programs, basic necessities and connections to community resources.
Elizabeth-Fry-Brochure
Phone: 403-294-0737 Toll Free: 1-877-398-3656

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS)
Community support and information that provides connection and referrals to resources within the community.

FCSS Black Diamond/Turner Valley
Phone: 403-933-4348 ext 212

FCSS High River
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-652-8620

FCSS Okotoks
Phone: 403-995-2626

Foothills Regional Victim Services
Provides victim crises response 24/7, Referral to resources and information for victims of their rights when dealing with the criminal justice system.
Phone: High River Office  403-652-2359
Phone: Okotoks Office  403-995-6457
Phone: Court Support  403-995-6455

 Calgary John Howard Society
They provide housing, education, employment programs and support for at-risk youth and adults, and those involved in the justice system.
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-266-4566

Native Counseling Services of Alberta
Access to a support Court workers, if charged with a crime, are involved with Children’s Services, or are under 18 and in trouble with the law, an NCSA Court worker can help you.
NCSA Court workers are free-of-charge and can:
• go to court with you
• help you understand your legal matter and options
• help you complete and file court documents
• connect you with programs and services
• organize Restorative Conferences
Phone: 403-237-7850

Ofice of the Child and Youth Advocate Alberta
Provides Legal Representation for Children and Youth (LRCY) provides lawyers for children and youth in child intervention matters.What does LRCY do?
• Receives referrals from young people, caseworkers, the Court, parents, foster parents, other caregivers and  concerned individuals
• Appoints lawyers from a roster
• Sets and monitors service standards for lawyers
• Pays lawyers for services provided
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-297-8435 

Student Legal Assistance
Student Legal Assistance (SLA) provides free legal information and representation to low-income residents
of Calgary and the surrounding area.  For individuals who qualify for Student Legal Assistance, Student Caseworkers will be able to provide legal information and representation.
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-220-6637

Youth Law at The Alex
(Also known as Children’s Legal and Educational Resource Centre CLERC)
Offer legal advice, information, representation, referrals and services to children and youth. Lawyers at Youth Law provide representation to young people 19 years of age and under who have nowhere else to turn for legal support. Help to deal with: family issues (e.g., visitation and residency matters, child support, independent living questions, adoption and pregnancy matters and arranged marriages).
• employment questions
• landlord and tenant questions
• human rights issues
• school issues
• guardianship questions
• independent living
Phone: 403-207-9029

 

As we continue to support everyone who works together for children, youth, and families in the region, we are sharing new resources from Alberta Health Services Provincial Addiction and Mental Health.

• Parent Learning Link
• COVID-19 and Your Mental Health
• Mental Health: Coping and Connection for Children and Families During COVID-19
• Practical and Emotional Preparedness for a Pandemic

Strong brains are built by supportive relationships. Our Time Together Cookbook will help you and the children you care about build strong brains together.

Happy Cooking, Happy Brain Building!

See Our Time Together Cookbook here
 

Under Construction

• Building Resilient Youth: Practical Tips for Helping your Youth Make Healthy Choices - A PAD Parent Resource
• Brains Journey to Resiliency - Video
• Nadine Burke Harris:How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime - Video
• Experiences Build Brain Architecture - Video

Alberta Community and Social Services
Connects Albertans to benefits and services for seniors, people with disabilities, low income, bullying, family violence, homelessness and more. Access is available online, by telephone or in person.
Phone: 1-877-644-9992

Heaven Can Wait (Animal Shelter)
Phone: 403-601-2520

Boys & Girls Club of Calgary

McMan Youth, Family and Community Services

Woods Homes

Youth Unlimited

Calgary John Howard Society

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS)
Community support and information that provides connection and referrals to resources within the community.

FCSS Black Diamond/Turner Valley
Phone: 403-933-4348 ext 212

The Town of High River currently operates 33 affordable housing units. The program is managed through Community Support Services and a property management company.
Applications are available at the FCSS Resource Centre located at the Charles Clark Medical Centre.
Note: The units are not subsidized but rent is set at an affordable rate as determined by Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs. Potential tenants may qualify for a subsidy through the Foothills Foundation.
FCSS High River
Phone: 403-652-8620

FCSS Okotoks
Phone: 403-995-2626

Narrow Road Home
Women’s residential addiction recovery home. A women’s home offering individualized recovery and healing programs.

Rowan House Society
Rowan House Emergency Shelter is a short-term women’s emergency shelter located in the MD of Foothills. They provide a safe, supportive environment for women and their children fleeing domestic violence. Inclusion Criteria:

• Women and children who are fleeing abuse.
• A teen (16 years of age) who is pregnant or has a child

Phone: 403-652-3311 or Toll Free 1-855-652-3311

Westwinds Communities
Westwinds Communities provides subsidized housing and services for individuals and families.
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-652-8600

 

Alberta Health Services
Alberta Health Services Rural  facilities in Black Diamond, High River and Okotoks have multiple youth focused opportunities for volunteerism from age 14 upwards. Youth are welcome to join and experience volunteering in a health care environment.
• High River Hospital
• Okotoks Health and Wellness
• Oilfields Hospital Black Diamond

Big Brothers Big Sisters
Ages: 6-12 (mentees), 14-17 (mentors) years old
Time Commitment: 1 hour per week for one year (excluding school breaks)
Availability: Okotoks. Meeting weekly at the school

Food Banks
Black Diamond
Phone: 403-933-4114

High River
Phone: 403-652-5054

Okotoks 
Phone: 403-651-6628

Foothills Comminty Immigrant Services
Culture Club members can be trained to become Youth Cultural Ambassadors.  To become one, there is 1.5 to 3 hours training workshop. Training is done in the school.
High River: 403-652-5325
Okotoks: 403-938-4699

Inclusion Foothills (formerly SNAPS)
Inclusion Foothills provides support, education and information to youth and families
Multiple volunteering opportunities in several programs.
Phone: 403-603-3232 or Toll Free: 1-866-507-6277

High River Mayor's Youth Advisory Council
The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) is a group of local youth helping High River be a vibrant, well planned community, with youth and for youth. The MYAC members:
• Share their priorities in the community • Bring about change
Provide a Youth Voice in High River.
Volunteer opportunities for ages 14-19
Phone: 403-603-3454

High River Food for Thought
Prepare free lunches for students Pre K-12
Volunteer High school students needed.
email: [email protected]
Phone:  403-422-0475

Literacy for Life
Opportunities to help with promotion and awareness, photography/videographer,  helping in the office when needed with shredding paper, folding, cutting, labeling. Helping with events like the Teddy Bear Picnic, Dog Tale screenings. maybe helping with social media.
Melody Jewell - Volunteer/Program Support
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-652-5090
 
Millarville Racetrack
Variety of volunteering opportunities to support year-round events.
email:  [email protected]
Phone: 403-931-3411

Oilfield's Sports Association
They have recreational sporting opportunities for youth – with volunteer opportunities.
Phone: 403-933-7016

Town of Black Diamond
Oilfields Sports Association, Girl Guides, Scouts
email: [email protected]

Town of High River
Town of High River actively promotes volunteerism in the community among residents and visitors.
Download the FREE ‘Our High River’ App on Google Play or the App Store
The activation code is: our high river
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-603-3547

Town of Okotoks
Contact the Volunteer Resource Centre or fill out your: 
Application Form
email: [email protected]
Phone: 403-938-8936

High Schools
• Oilfields High School
• Highwood High School
• Foothills Composite High School, Alberta High School of Fine Arts
• Holy Trinity Academy
• Notre Dame Collegiate
• St Luke’s Outreach Centre

Volunteer Alberta
Information resource and connection to volunteer opportunities locally and more.
They use Volunteer Connector a new provincial volunteer matching site for Alberta. Volunteer Connector postings include information to help you find the perfect fit – like time commitment, age requirements, and information about training. You can search for opportunities using filters related to the most common motivations—and barriers—for getting involved.

Wildrose Community Connections - Food Rescue & Soup for the Soul
Food Rescue
Description: Food Rescue-rescue food from several different grocery stores. Rescues occur Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9-10:30 am. Volunteers can sign up for one shift to try it out before doing any paperwork.  Training is available on site.
Soup for the Soul
Description:  Soup for the Soul Program-volunteers meet with isolated seniors/individuals in their homes to share soup and a bun (provided) as well as some great company. Volunteers can set up a visitation schedule that works for them. 
The rescue shifts do require lifting.
email: [email protected] 
Phone: Sarah - 403-601-0979 or Brianne - 403-498-5255