Family and Children's Services of Renfrew County

10/02/2026

Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions:
* Wednesday, October 7
* Wednesday, November 4

10/01/2026

🧡 Reflecting on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 🧡

Today, our community came together to walk, learn, reflect, and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

We were honoured to hear powerful stories and reflections from Survivors. Their courage in sharing the truth reminds us that reconciliation begins with listening, learning, and acknowledging the devastating legacy of residential schools and the intergenerational impacts that continue to be felt today.

One of the most powerful messages of the day came from the youth of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, who challenged us to think about reconciliation as "ReconcillACTION." Their message reminded us that reconciliation is not simply something we acknowledge once a year, but something we choose through our actions, decisions, and commitments every day.

At a time when denialism continues to challenge and undermine the experiences of Survivors, gatherings like this matter. They reflect our collective commitment to listening, learning, and acknowledging the truths that Survivors have courageously shared for generations, truths that are well documented and undeniable. Honouring truth is not only an act of remembrance; it is an act of responsibility.

We are grateful to the Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, families, and communities who continue to share their truths. Their generosity and strength make it possible for all of us to take up the work of reconciliation that is ours to do.

of Pikwakanagan First Nation
College
of Turtle Lodge
& Children's Services of Renfrew County

09/25/2026

Bonne Journée des Franco-Ontariens et des Franco-Ontariennes! 💚🤍

Aujourd’hui, nous célébrons la francophonie ontarienne, ainsi que les personnes, les familles et les communautés francophones avec qui nous vivons et travaillons partout dans le comté de Renfrew. Bonne Journée des Franco-Ontariens et des Franco-Ontariennes! 💚🤍

Today, we celebrate Franco-Ontarian culture and the Francophone people, families and communities we live and work alongside across Renfrew County. Happy Franco-Ontarian Day! 💚🤍

09/22/2026

🧡Walking Together for Truth and Reconciliation🧡

Join us on September 30 as we gather to honour Residential School Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and acknowledge the truths of the past and their ongoing impact today.

As a community, we come together in remembrance, reflection, and learning. We recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation through learning, accountability, and respectful relationships.

We honour the strength, resilience, cultures, and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, whose communities and ways of knowing and being continue to guide, teach, and enrich future generations!

🧡 Please join us in wearing orange if you are able.

Every Child Matters 🧡

09/10/2026

09/09/2026

❤️👟September is FASD Awareness Month👟❤️

September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month, and today, September 9, is International FASD Awareness Day.

FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol before birth. It is often an invisible disability, and every person with FASD has their own unique strengths, abilities and support needs.

Research suggests that FASD may affect at least 4% of people in Canada, although its true prevalence is difficult to determine because it is frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

This year’s theme, “Everyone Plays a Part: It Takes a Community” reminds us that meaningful support extends far beyond any one person, family or professional. Families, friends, neighbours, schools, workplaces, service providers and communities all have a role in creating greater understanding, reducing stigma and helping people with FASD feel valued, included and supported throughout their lives.

Supporting healthy pregnancies is a shared responsibility. Alcohol exposure can happen before someone knows they are pregnant, and alcohol use during pregnancy may be connected to complex circumstances such as trauma, poverty, housing instability, stress, social isolation or barriers to healthcare. Prevention begins with compassionate conversations, accurate information, accessible support and alcohol-free choices, without blame or judgment.

Awareness matters because understanding can change how we respond. When we recognize that someone may need a different approach or accommodation, we can move from misunderstanding behaviour to providing meaningful support.

Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County offers FASD supports and programming for children, youth and their families. A formal diagnosis is not required to reach out and ask questions. If you believe your child or someone you care for may be affected by FASD, or if your family could benefit from support, we encourage you to connect with our Children’s Community-Based Programs FASD Team to learn more about the resources and supports available right here in Renfrew County.

Together, we can build a community where people with FASD and their families are understood, supported and able to thrive! ❤️👟

Learn more about FASD Awareness Month and how everyone can play a part: https://canfasd.ca/fasd-awareness-month/everyone-plays-a-part/

09/04/2026

🎒Back to School: Kindness in Action!🎒

Sometimes, it only takes one person with a big heart to make a meaningful difference.

Recently, Sarah Hogan (pictured here with her parents, John and Carrie Hogan) reached out to Family & Children's Services of Renfrew County with a simple goal: to help local children and youth head back to school with the supplies they need to succeed. ✏️✂️

Thanks to her initiative, and the incredible generosity of community members from Barry's Bay and across Madawaska Valley, we received a wonderful collection of back-to-school donations that supported many families in need throughout Renfrew County.

This is a powerful reminder that one idea, one act of kindness, and one person willing to step forward can create a ripple effect that benefits so many others.🙌

We are deeply grateful to Sarah, her family, and everyone who contributed to this effort. Your generosity demonstrates what community care looks like in action. Thank you for helping local children and families start the school year strong! ⭐️

If you would like to support children, youth, and families in Renfrew County, donations can be made through our website: www.FCSRenfrew.on.ca (Eligible donations will receive a charitable tax receipt).

07/09/2026

🌻🎡🚜 Sunflower Hour at the Beachburg Fair! 🚜🎡🌻

Family & Children's Services of Renfrew County had a great time at Sunflower Hour helping kick off the Beachburg Fair today!

Thank you to all the families and friends who joined us (despite a few raindrops!).

Congratulations to the winner of FCSRC’s Sunflower Hour Prize Basket! 🧺

A special thank you to the Beachburg Fair for hosting this meaningful event! Sunflower Hour provided a welcoming opportunity for families to enjoy all the excitement of the Beachburg Fair at their own pace.

We loved being part of this wonderful afternoon and look forward to seeing everyone again next year! 🌻🫧

Be sure to check out www.beachburgfair.ca for a great line-up of family friendly activities this weekend! 🌻💛🎡🚜🐄