ST. PAUL – Building relationships is crucial to the strength of community, according to staff from St. Paul and District Family Support and Community Services (FCSS).
One of the ways FCSS is helping build relationships is through its block party program, which recently included a block party held at Lambert Park on Aug. 2.
Neighbours close to the park had the opportunity to connect and have fun with each other or “maybe reconnect” if they haven’t seen each other in a long time, said Lynn Smid, director with FCSS. Speaking of the turnout, she said it was a great day, gesturing to the families who turned up and the children playing.
Smid also encourages other residents to reach out to FCSS if they want to host their own block party. People can apply to the Neighborhood Party Program, which can provide up to $200 to host a block party in their neighbourhood.
The block party program will run until the end of the month.
To apply for the block party rebate program, residents can call FCSS at 780-645-5311, or visit stpaulfcss.ca to download a toolkit.
Reasons to host a block party are simple and include having fun, building friendships, and creating a sense of belonging. Also, by getting to know neighbours, it can increase a sense of safety and security in the neighbourhood.
FCSS also recently rehauled its website, allowing visitors to be able access and navigate services more easily. “We do a lot of things,” said Smid, referring to the many programs available through FCSS.
