FCSS uses a “people helping people to help themselves” approach and offers a wide range of programs and services at the community level. Following are some examples of programs or services offered through FCSS.

1. 1. Services to assist communities to identify their social needs and develop responses to meet those needs, including:
      • raising public awareness around community issues,
      • developing strategies for community advocacy,
      • developing comprehensive social community plans and initiatives,
      • environmental scans, service reviews, strategic planning, program planning, or
      • in-kind support to community-based groups (until they are able to sustain themselves) such as provision of office space, printing, photocopying, help with preparing proposals.
   2. Services to promote, encourage and support volunteer work in the community, including:
      • recruitment, training and placement services,
      • resources to support volunteers, or
      • coordination of volunteer services.
   3. Services to inform the public of available services, including:
      • information and referral services,
      • community information directories,
      • newcomer services, or
      • interagency coordination.
   4. Services that promote the social development of children and their families, including:
      • parent-child development activities,
      • temporary or occasional parent relief services, or
      • support services for young school age children.
   5. Services that enrich and strengthen family life by developing skills so people can function more effectively within their own environment, including:
      • parenting and family life education and development programs,
      • marriage enrichment,
      • retirement planning,
      • programs for single adults and single parents,
      • courses designed to enhance self-awareness and personal growth,
      • individual, family and group counseling services that are educational and not treatment oriented, or
      • youth development services.
   6. Services that enhance the quality of life of the retired and semi-retired, including:
      • home support services,
      • education and information services,
      • outreach and coordination services, or
      • self-help socialization activities.

Ineligible Services:

Services provided under an FCSS Program must not provide primarily for the recreational needs or leisure time pursuits of individuals; offer direct assistance, including money, food, clothing or shelter, to sustain an individual or family; be primarily rehabilitative in nature; nor duplicate services that are ordinarily provided by a government or government agency.