Faces of FCSS Jannette
Jannette Riedel,
Director, Mannville-Minburn-Innisfree FCSS & Yellowhead Community Support Society
With 30 years of experience in the FCSS world, I’ve had the opportunity to work across multiple levels of community development—from frontline program delivery to provincial-level evaluation and training. My passion lies in helping individuals, families, and communities build capacity, resilience, and connection within an inclusive environment where they feel supported and empowered.
As Director of Mannville-Minburn-Innisfree FCSS, I manage all aspects of our local operations, including financial oversight, budgeting, staff supervision, and volunteer coordination. I lead the development and implementation of prevention-focused programs, as mandated in the FCSS Act and Regulation, that align with provincial prevention strategies and address key social issues—supporting mental wellness, family resilience, and social inclusion.
From 2010 to 2023, I served as an Outcome Measures Trainer and FCSS Program Consultant with the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services, in collaboration with FCSSAA. In this role, I supported FCSS programs across the province in strengthening their evaluation practices and measuring impact. I worked with a team to develop training materials, facilitate workshops, and collaborate directly with program leads to help them identify outcomes, improve services, and tell their story through data. I also provided support with financial reporting and ensured alignment with provincial standards.
As the Director of FCSS, I also collaborate regularly with other government ministries and partners to ensure coordinated, effective support for families and communities. Since 2016, I’ve held the role of Contract Manager for the Family Resource Network (FRN) Spoke Service: Caregiver Capacity within the Kalyna Network. In this position, I manage the provincial contract, ensure service delivery compliance, and support our local FRN Coordinator in delivering caregiver programming that reflects both community needs and government expectations.
Why I Got Involved in FCSS
My journey into FCSS began when the Village Chief Administrative Officer encouraged me to apply for a local position. At the time, I had experience in early childhood education through my work at the Lakeland College daycare, along with a background in administration and bookkeeping. What truly drew me in—and continues to inspire me—is the FCSS philosophy of “helping people to help themselves.” It aligned perfectly with how I was raised and how I’ve lived: in connection with others, learning by doing, and always finding ways to contribute to community life.
How My Life Experiences Shaped My Role
Growing up in a small rural village, I experienced firsthand both the challenges and the strengths of rural living. We didn’t always have easy access to resources, but we had something just as valuable: community. Whether it was through family, neighbors, or local events, we leaned on each other. That sense of shared responsibility and connection shaped who I am and how I approach my work today.
As a student in the local school system, I learned early on the importance of belonging and perseverance. Later, as I married and raised a family in the same kind of close-knit setting I grew up in, I became even more involved in community life. I volunteered on school councils, held the position of President of the Dance Association, filled the role of Team Manager for Minor hockey and Secretary-treasurer of the Curling Club, and also contributed to the local Chamber of Commerce. These experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the unique needs of families, the value of volunteerism, and the power of local leadership.
Over the years, I’ve continued to take on new challenges, embrace learning opportunities, and support others in doing the same. These personal experiences—raising a family, engaging in local organizations, and living rural life—have shaped my approach to community development: meet people where they are, build on strengths, and work together to create lasting change.
What I’ve Learned
Throughout my career, I’ve come to understand that while everyone faces challenges, access to support makes all the difference. Some people have networks and resources to help them navigate life’s ups and downs, while others struggle in silence—often due to barriers beyond their control. And some still fall through the cracks.
This reality continues to drive my commitment to inclusive, prevention-focused programs that respond to real needs and honor the dignity of every individual. I’ve learned that sustainable change happens when people feel seen, heard, and valued—and when services are created with communities, not just for them.
Whether through formal programming or informal community connections, FCSS plays a vital role in helping individuals, families, and communities not just survive—but thrive.
This work is more than a job—it’s a calling rooted in my love for community and a lifelong commitment to making a difference.
Faces of FCSS
If you want to be featured, or have someone you think should be featured, as a Face of FCSS, contact: communications@fcssaa.org
FCSSAA
The Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) was founded in 1981, as a member-driven organization dedicated to bringing Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) programs from across the province together. We provide the platform for our member programs to connect and collaborate, so they can maximize resources and speak with an informed, credible, unified voice to all stakeholders.
