The FASD Champion Award is presented to an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the FASD Community in the Central Alberta FASD Network region.
Definition of a Champion: “a person who fights or argues for a cause or on behalf of someone else.”
The following are individuals and/or agencies who have been nominated for going above and beyond to support someone with FASD. Or for increasing awareness of FASD in their workplace or our community.
The winner of the 2020 FASD Champion Award is:
Safe Harbour Society – Street Outreach!
Nominees
Blair Charters:
– Blair has FASD and he does motivational speeches for others to learn and have some understanding. Blair has spoken at the HUB, self advocate conference as well as many other places.
Darcy Assman
– Darcy goes above and beyond for those struggling with mental health on a daily basis at his workplace and in the community.
Drumheller Institution
– Very welcoming and accommodating for the FASD Network Corrections Services Coordinator coming into the Institution to provide FASD education, support and advocacy to the inmates. Have done an excellent job at allowing me to maintain connection to the men I am supporting in the Institution via phone once CoVid hit. Staff have shown great interest in learning more about FASD in order to better support inmates on their caseload.
Red Deer RCMP and Victims Services Unit (CPVS)
– The CPVS have been proactive and instrumental in partnering with the Network in a Youth Diversion Process. The CPVS have made it possible to identify youth that are suspected of or diagnosed with FASD and in conflict with the law, and provide an alternative to traditional sentencing. In partnership with the Network, A Better Way Restorative Justice Consulting, the CPVS and other stakeholders, the FASD Youth Restorative Justice Intervention Program was formed. This ground breaking program will increase community capacity, community safety and reduce recidivism.
Red Deer Remand
– Very welcoming and accommodating for the FASD Network Corrections Services Coordinator coming into the Institution to provide FASD education, support and advocacy to the inmates. Institution staff have been great about reaching out, doing referrals for inmates who are suspected of having FASD, or have had a previous diagnosis.
Safe Harbour Society – Street Outreach
– Staff have been so gracious about giving our harder to reach clients transportation to/from assessment appointments. They do an excellent job building rapport with clients, are very flexible when needed for our clients with poor memory and/or organizational skills. I appreciate that they always have an upbeat and welcoming presence about them and are happy to help us out with what they can.
Sheena Frantic
– FASD Service Coordinator with CSS
– Great advocate, she connects with agencies in the community to guarantee her clients are getting the best possible support.
Shirley Eashappie
– Shirley Eashappie has worked with First Nation Communities in the Justice System for 18 years. She has been a tireless advocate for recognizing the differences in people impacted by FASD throughout her career, and has worked hard toward the goal of having a Restorative Justice program and court via CCTV in the communities, which would overcome many barriers for people who currently face insurmountable obstacles in this system. Thanks to Shirley’s understanding of the impacts of FASD and her ability to work collaboratively with other agencies, there have been countless people who have been diverted from incarceration to supports and services.
South Central FASD Committee
– The SC FASD Committee consists of founding and new members who have volunteered their time to ensure that services for individuals with FASD and their caregivers are provided in their area. They work closely with the Executive Director of the CAFASD Network and have welcomed the Network as a partner on the committee. The work of the committee and the associated contracted organizations utilize creativity, and infuse true passion, into their work.
Trina Kennedy
– Trina Kennedy was the former long-time Clinic Coordinator with the CAFASD Network. The relationships, both professionally and personally, that Trina developed during her time with the Network have helped establish our Clinic as a centre of excellence. Trina has recently returned to the Network in a contracted capacity to provide training and education to our staff, and support our clients with behavioural planning. Since moving on from her position as Clinic Coordinator, Trina has remained an advocate for our clients and a supporter of the Network.
Val McCallum and Susan Habermehl
– They have been running a FASD group for many years and members in the group reach out and support individuals and families in the community and area.
Additional Nominees: We appreciate all nominations of the Central Alberta FASD Network staff and board; however they are not able to be entered to win the Champion Awards.
Chris Chabot
– Organizes community awareness events to raise awareness and provide information to the community on FASD. Supports individuals with FASD respectfully and compassionately, a great support for other community organizations that work with individuals affected by FASD and to obtain information on how one can effectively support individuals living with FASD. Chris is a great advocate, being present in the community and surrounding area (the reserves surrounding Rocky) reaching out to educate people with the aim of FASD prevention (information workshops and learning opportunities for those interested to learn more, speaking to youth) and supporting the community to support those that are diagnosed with or wanting support to go through diagnosis for FASD
Janel Dodd
– Janel has went above and beyond to serve mutual clients between Street Ties and the FASD network in Red Deer. She has been extremely diligent in checking on the client, updating us about their court matters and finding appropriate services and if she hasn’t heard from us in a while, she will check in with Street Ties to see how the client is doing and if there was anything she could do to help.
Penny Ure
– Penny has worked closely with the Network to ensure that applications for housing at youturn for individuals with FASD, are responded to in an efficient manner. Penny and her staff have received training through the Network and advocate strongly on behalf of our clients to ensure they receive the services that allow them to reach their full potential.
