Faces of FCSS April
April Allen
Volunteer Coordinator
Westlock & District FCSS
My name is April Allen and I’m the Volunteer Coordinator at Westlock & District FCSS. My role is to recruit and retain volunteers. I also run our social media, our website, make our event posters, put together our monthly newsletter, basically if it’s creative-I do it! This year I initiated the Kindness Campaign in Westlock and have over 30 businesses and agencies participating in “paint the town pink in support of Pink Shirt Month” and to stand in solidarity against bullying and promote kindness.
How have your life experiences helped in your role?
The asset I find most valuable is my ability to talk to anyone. I was a hairdresser for 10 years before I ventured into this career and that really has helped me when it comes to communication skills and just being able to relate to people in general. It has given me the ability to build and maintain relationships easily, which helps to bring new people into our office as well as retain them.
Also just being a mom in general helps with time management, problem solving and the ability to get stuff DONE!
Why did you get involved in FCSS?
I got involved in FCSS because I wanted a job that I would be able to manage with my growing family. But I got so much more than just a job. I slowly started learning about FCSS and it has truly changed my life. Not only do I have this wonderful work family, but I LOVE knowing that we have this province wide FCSS family that is literally just a phone call away.
What have you learned in your role with FCSS?
More like what haven’t I learned?! Just the everyday office things from our CVITP to Alberta Seniors Benefits, all of that! But the most important thing I am learning is support. We support people every single day in our office, but my work family supports me. Never did I ever think I could have this, and here it is. An amazing Executive Director who supports me in ways I didn’t even know I needed support in. I am so grateful for this little office and for the work we do in our community.
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.
