You Belong Here Sun, 26 Jul 2026 04:08:55 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2185165 en-ca © 2026 You Belong Here yes e7fcb0e8-9118-5d66-aa7f-5dbf048b818d fcs.strathcona@gmail.com Strathcona County episodic false Many people long for a sense of community and connection in Strathcona County. We want you to know, you belong here. Join our staff from Family and Community Services as they explore the topic of belonging and connection in our community. Each episode includes an engaging discussion, tangible tips, and information on local resources.


Get episodes and links to local support in your inbox. Visit strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere and subscribe to our “You belong here” e-newsletter today.  


Please note: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations, employers, or sponsors. All content is for informational purposes only. Any statements made in this podcast should not be construed as professional advice, and listeners should use their discretion and consult with appropriate professionals when necessary. The hosts and guests do not assume any liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information shared.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Strathcona County fcs.strathcona@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/jjb792sbh9r8oxgygvzyqba9jxqc?.jpg You Belong Here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2185165 Season wrap-up: Reflections, resilience and hope Season wrap-up: Reflections, resilience and hope In this season three wrap-up episode of You Belong Here, the hosts come together to reflect on the stories, insights and community connections that shaped the season. From the importance of safe, welcoming spaces to the power of collaboration across local supports, this episode highlights the people and organizations working behind the scenes to help others feel seen and supported in Strathcona County.  

]]> In this season three wrap-up episode of You Belong Here, the hosts come together to reflect on the stories, insights and community connections that shaped the season. From the importance of safe, welcoming spaces to the power of collaboration across local supports, this episode highlights the people and organizations working behind the scenes to help others feel seen and supported in Strathcona County.  

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-19294279 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400 851 3 6 full false Emergencies and community preparedness in Strathcona County Emergencies and community preparedness in Strathcona County In this episode, Brad is joined by Lawreen, a 9-1-1 dispatcher with Strathcona County Emergency Services, and Kira, a Community Safety Education Coordinator. Listen in as they discuss what to expect when calling 9-1-1 and share practical tips for emergency preparedness and wildfire prevention.  

Visit us at strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to find more information, including links to the resources mentioned in this episode, and sign up for our monthly e‑newsletter.

]]> In this episode, Brad is joined by Lawreen, a 9-1-1 dispatcher with Strathcona County Emergency Services, and Kira, a Community Safety Education Coordinator. Listen in as they discuss what to expect when calling 9-1-1 and share practical tips for emergency preparedness and wildfire prevention.  

Visit us at strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to find more information, including links to the resources mentioned in this episode, and sign up for our monthly e‑newsletter.

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-19224365 Mon, 25 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1527 3 5 full false WESeniors programs and outreach in Strathcona County WESeniors programs and outreach in Strathcona County In this episode, Brad sits down with Lorena and William to explore how WESeniors is creating meaningful connections and helping seniors stay engaged, informed and supported in our community. Listen in and learn more about the impact they’re making and the programs and services they offer. 

Visit us at strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to find more information, including links to the resources mentioned in this episode, and sign up for our monthly e‑newsletter.  

]]> In this episode, Brad sits down with Lorena and William to explore how WESeniors is creating meaningful connections and helping seniors stay engaged, informed and supported in our community. Listen in and learn more about the impact they’re making and the programs and services they offer. 

Visit us at strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to find more information, including links to the resources mentioned in this episode, and sign up for our monthly e‑newsletter.  

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-19066319 Mon, 04 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400 1381 3 4 full false Addiction and family recovery in Strathcona County Addiction and family recovery in Strathcona County There’s power in knowledge, but even more power in hope. In this episode, German sits down with Lerena from PEP Society for a heartfelt conversation about addiction, family recovery and community support. Whether you’re personally impacted by addiction, supporting someone you care about or simply wanting to better understand your community, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone and support is available. 

Visit us at strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to find more information, including links to the resources mentioned in this episode, and sign up for our monthly e‑newsletter.

]]> There’s power in knowledge, but even more power in hope. In this episode, German sits down with Lerena from PEP Society for a heartfelt conversation about addiction, family recovery and community support. Whether you’re personally impacted by addiction, supporting someone you care about or simply wanting to better understand your community, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone and support is available. 

Visit us at strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to find more information, including links to the resources mentioned in this episode, and sign up for our monthly e‑newsletter.

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-18976826 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 1531 3 3 full false A Safe Place in Strathcona County A Safe Place in Strathcona County In this episode, Doneka sits down with Cortney from A Safe Place to discuss family violence and the support available in Strathcona County. Learn how to recognize warning signs, respond with compassion and connect yourself or someone you care about to resources that can help.  

Visit us at strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to find more information, including links to the resources mentioned in this episode, and sign up for our monthly e‑newsletter.

]]> In this episode, Doneka sits down with Cortney from A Safe Place to discuss family violence and the support available in Strathcona County. Learn how to recognize warning signs, respond with compassion and connect yourself or someone you care about to resources that can help.  

Visit us at strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to find more information, including links to the resources mentioned in this episode, and sign up for our monthly e‑newsletter.

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-18854531 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 1746 3 2 full false Houselessness in Strathcona County Houselessness in Strathcona County Houselessness in Strathcona County may not always be visible, but it’s happening right here in our community. In this episode, Doneka sits down with Tom, Director of RCMP and Enforcement Services and Kesa, Director of Family and Community Services. Together they discuss the complexity of houselessness, how their departments collaborate on response efforts (including a newly approved pilot project), and what residents can do to support themselves and others. 

Visit us at strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to find more information, including links to the resources mentioned in this episode, and sign up for our monthly e‑newsletter.

]]> Houselessness in Strathcona County may not always be visible, but it’s happening right here in our community. In this episode, Doneka sits down with Tom, Director of RCMP and Enforcement Services and Kesa, Director of Family and Community Services. Together they discuss the complexity of houselessness, how their departments collaborate on response efforts (including a newly approved pilot project), and what residents can do to support themselves and others. 

Visit us at strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to find more information, including links to the resources mentioned in this episode, and sign up for our monthly e‑newsletter.

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-18748996 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0500 1756 3 1 full false Land Acknowledgement Land Acknowledgement Strathcona County is located on Treaty Six Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Regions Two and Four. Strathcona County honours the First Peoples of this land. We recognize that we stand upon land that carries the footsteps of Cree, Métis and Blackfoot among many other Nations who have been here for thousands of years. Therefore, Strathcona County has an inherent responsibility to foster healthier relationships with First Peoples and further the Calls to Action as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

]]> Strathcona County is located on Treaty Six Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Regions Two and Four. Strathcona County honours the First Peoples of this land. We recognize that we stand upon land that carries the footsteps of Cree, Métis and Blackfoot among many other Nations who have been here for thousands of years. Therefore, Strathcona County has an inherent responsibility to foster healthier relationships with First Peoples and further the Calls to Action as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-18719911 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500 29 3 full false Season 3 teaser Season 3 teaser In this mini episode, podcast hosts German, Doneka and Brad discuss the season to come and the episodes they are most excited about. 

]]> In this mini episode, podcast hosts German, Doneka and Brad discuss the season to come and the episodes they are most excited about. 

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-18714516 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500 641 3 trailer false Building resilient families and kids Building resilient families and kids Join our host German and special guest Lisa from Strathcona County’s Family Resource Network for the final episode of season two. In this episode, German and Lisa talk about the importance of having support at every stage of parenting and highlight how the Family Resource Network can help you and your family. 

]]> Join our host German and special guest Lisa from Strathcona County’s Family Resource Network for the final episode of season two. In this episode, German and Lisa talk about the importance of having support at every stage of parenting and highlight how the Family Resource Network can help you and your family. 

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-17217639 Mon, 02 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400 1459 2 5 full false Finding local support when you need it Finding local support when you need it Join our host Brad and guest Teri from Family and Community Services as they explore accessing support through Strathcona County’s Solutions Navigation team. This episode highlights the importance of reaching out for support when you need it and what you can expect when working with the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Family and Community Services.  

]]> Join our host Brad and guest Teri from Family and Community Services as they explore accessing support through Strathcona County’s Solutions Navigation team. This episode highlights the importance of reaching out for support when you need it and what you can expect when working with the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Family and Community Services.  

]]> Buzzsprout-17007489 Mon, 05 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400 1203 2 4 full false Biting into food insecurity and meeting basic needs Biting into food insecurity and meeting basic needs Join our host Doneka and guests Chelsea from Family and Community Services and Tracey from the Strathcona Food Bank as they discuss the realities of food insecurity and meeting basic needs in our community. In this episode you will learn more about different experiences of food insecurity and where you can find support and resources.

]]> Join our host Doneka and guests Chelsea from Family and Community Services and Tracey from the Strathcona Food Bank as they discuss the realities of food insecurity and meeting basic needs in our community. In this episode you will learn more about different experiences of food insecurity and where you can find support and resources.

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-16817965 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0400 1907 2 3 full false Exploring youth mental health and well-being Exploring youth mental health and well-being Join our host Brad from Family and Community Services and special guest Dani from BGC Strathcona County, as they dive into the topic of youth well-being and the importance of belonging and connection. This episode is jam-packed with information on local resources and tangible tips for parents, caregivers and youth.

Visit strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to learn more and sign up for our new e-newsletter.

]]> Join our host Brad from Family and Community Services and special guest Dani from BGC Strathcona County, as they dive into the topic of youth well-being and the importance of belonging and connection. This episode is jam-packed with information on local resources and tangible tips for parents, caregivers and youth.

Visit strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to learn more and sign up for our new e-newsletter.

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-16670381 Mon, 03 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500 1340 2 2 full false Healthy Aging in Strathcona County Healthy Aging in Strathcona County Join our host, Doneka and guests Stephanie from Family and Community Services, and Alison from Recreation, Parks and Culture as they explore healthy aging in Strathcona County. Through this engaging discussion you will learn more about the County’s Healthy Aging Framework, how healthy aging looks different for everyone, and what municipal resources and programs are available in our community. 

Visit strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to learn more and sign up for our new e-newsletter.

]]> Join our host, Doneka and guests Stephanie from Family and Community Services, and Alison from Recreation, Parks and Culture as they explore healthy aging in Strathcona County. Through this engaging discussion you will learn more about the County’s Healthy Aging Framework, how healthy aging looks different for everyone, and what municipal resources and programs are available in our community. 

Visit strathcona.ca/YouBelongHere to learn more and sign up for our new e-newsletter.

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-16534814 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500 1391 2 1 full false Destigmatizing mental health: Fostering a culture of connection and support in Strathcona County Destigmatizing mental health: Fostering a culture of connection and support in Strathcona County In this episode, Brad, Doneka and Ashley delve into the impact of social and self-perceived stigma related to accessing mental health supports. The team offers practical insights on fostering compassion and understanding while shedding light on the importance of challenging societal views and promoting inclusivity. Through personal anecdotes, they emphasize the significance of creating a supportive environment for all, encouraging listeners to seek help and foster a culture of connection.

]]> In this episode, Brad, Doneka and Ashley delve into the impact of social and self-perceived stigma related to accessing mental health supports. The team offers practical insights on fostering compassion and understanding while shedding light on the importance of challenging societal views and promoting inclusivity. Through personal anecdotes, they emphasize the significance of creating a supportive environment for all, encouraging listeners to seek help and foster a culture of connection.

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-14273013 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0500 1489 1 5 full false Finding Common Ground: Navigating Polarities and Cultivating Compassion in Your Community Finding Common Ground: Navigating Polarities and Cultivating Compassion in Your Community In Episode 4 of the You Belong Here Podcast, the crew discusses the concepts of polarities, compassion, and how to begin to cross the occasional divides we can see in our social groups, families, and communities. 

]]> In Episode 4 of the You Belong Here Podcast, the crew discusses the concepts of polarities, compassion, and how to begin to cross the occasional divides we can see in our social groups, families, and communities. 

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-13579162 Tue, 12 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0400 1415 1 4 full false The art of listening: Strengthening connections and building trust The art of listening: Strengthening connections and building trust In this episode, we explore the importance of active listening, uncovering its positive impact on building connections and trust. Through practical tips and real-life experiences, we discuss the art of active listening and its role in strengthening relationships. Join us as we navigate the challenges and rewards of this essential skill, empowering you to prepare for difficult conversations in your personal and professional life. 

]]> In this episode, we explore the importance of active listening, uncovering its positive impact on building connections and trust. Through practical tips and real-life experiences, we discuss the art of active listening and its role in strengthening relationships. Join us as we navigate the challenges and rewards of this essential skill, empowering you to prepare for difficult conversations in your personal and professional life. 

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-13278854 Wed, 02 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400 1924 1 3 full false Collective belonging: Celebrating difference and flourishing together Collective belonging: Celebrating difference and flourishing together In this episode, we explore collective belonging, celebrating differences, and flourishing together. We discuss the shift from certainty to curiosity, embracing tolerance and inclusivity for differences, and the power of simple acts of kindness. We delve into finding hope, common values, and a sense of meaning, while normalizing the fear and uncertainty of reaching out to others. Through suspending judgment, engaging with new people, and sharing our skills and passions, we discover the transformative impact of community involvement and the importance of belonging for all.

]]> In this episode, we explore collective belonging, celebrating differences, and flourishing together. We discuss the shift from certainty to curiosity, embracing tolerance and inclusivity for differences, and the power of simple acts of kindness. We delve into finding hope, common values, and a sense of meaning, while normalizing the fear and uncertainty of reaching out to others. Through suspending judgment, engaging with new people, and sharing our skills and passions, we discover the transformative impact of community involvement and the importance of belonging for all.

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-13067004 Wed, 05 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0400 1700 1 2 full false Connection: Creating a sense of belonging Connection: Creating a sense of belonging Welcome to You Belong Here, a podcast dedicated to exploring the power of connection and its profound impact on our lives. Join hosts Ashley, Brad and Doneka, from Strathcona County Family and Community Services, as they share practical strategies for embracing vulnerability, cultivating self-compassion, and building deep connections that foster a sense of belonging. 

]]> Welcome to You Belong Here, a podcast dedicated to exploring the power of connection and its profound impact on our lives. Join hosts Ashley, Brad and Doneka, from Strathcona County Family and Community Services, as they share practical strategies for embracing vulnerability, cultivating self-compassion, and building deep connections that foster a sense of belonging. 

]]> Strathcona County Buzzsprout-12925701 Wed, 07 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0400 1417 1 1 full false