The Spruce Grove GSA Society is a drop-in group for LGBTQ2S+ youth, their allies, friends, and family. While the organization has discontinued the pop-up GSAs, it has now returned to its regular hours of operation. It will be open the second and fourth Fridays of each month, with the possibility of the location changing. The regular GSA meeting place has temporarily been moved outside due to COVID-19. The group is currently meeting in the green spaces and parks in Spruce Grove.
Spruce Grove Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is a partnership between the city of Spruce Grove, Parkland County and the Government of Alberta. Its purpose is to provide locally driven, preventative social programs and initiatives to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. Its office is temporarily closed, but the organization is currently offering a variety of online programs.
This month, Spruce Grove GSA will be hosting a variety of outdoor events for youth and families, while the Spruce Grove Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) will be offering online programs for families and adults.
Spruce Grove GSA invites members and youth to join them for a tie-dye a shirt activity. The organizers are offering to supply the shirts, and are asking youth to connect with them via email or through social media and let them know what t-shirt size they wear, before July 11. The activity will take place on July 24. You can also bring your own white shirt. Check the group’s social media for updates on the location.
The family-friendly event is available both in-person and online. Spruce Grove GSA will be hosting campfires every Thursday at 6 p.m., starting on July 9. The outdoor events will be taking place at the Multicultural Heritage Centre. You can also attend via Zoom — you can find the instructions on how to join through the group’s social media. For those joining the in-person events, the organizers recommend wearing masks.
5411 51 St., Stony Plain, AB
Learn how to thrive despite the difficult and uncertain times that we are currently experiencing. In this program offered by Spruce Grove Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), participants will learn practical, hands-on tools that can increase their level of self-care, connection and personal understanding. Participants will also develop a “tough times action plan” to help them thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first session will be on July 28, at 6:30 p.m. The deadline to register is July 14.
In this program by FCSS, participants will learn about managing anxiety and will explore the difference between immediate, ingrained and more conscious responses to stress and anxiety. The participants will also be able to learn a variety of practical coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety. The first session will be on August 10, at 6 p.m. Registration is currently openand will close on August 6.
Both programs are free but have limited capacity. In each program, registrants are encouraged to attend all four dates since the information covered builds from week-to-week. Each program can accommodate 15 participants and will require a minimum number of registrants to run.
For more events and programs, you can visit the Spruce Grove GSA Society’s website.
