Family and Children's Services of Renfrew County

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! 🌻💛🎡🚜🐄

07/05/2026

July is Disability Pride Month!

This month, Family & Children's Services of Renfrew County (FCSRC) joins communities across Canada in recognizing Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the contributions, strengths, experiences, and leadership of people with disabilities!

Disability Pride Month reminds us that disability is a natural part of human diversity. It is an opportunity to celebrate the richness of the disability community, reflect on how we can continue removing barriers, and build communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and belong.

At FCSRC, we have the privilege of building meaningful relationships with children, youth, adults, families, caregivers, and community partners whose experiences, perspectives, and strengths enrich our communities every day. Those relationships continue to shape our learning and strengthen our commitment to fostering inclusion, accessibility, and belonging across Renfrew County.

Whether Disability Pride Month is familiar to you or something you're learning about for the first time, we hope this month inspires curiosity, learning, and meaningful conversations about disability, accessibility, and inclusion!

💚 Learn. Listen. Include. Celebrate. 💚

Happy Disability Pride Month!

🖤💚💙🤍💛❤️

07/01/2026

🍁 Happy Canada Day! ❤️



From all of us at Family & Children's Services of Renfrew County, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, safe, and memorable Canada Day.



Whether you're enjoying a local festival, spending time outdoors, or gathering with family and friends, we hope your day is filled with fun, connection, and community!



Looking for something to do? Check out Renfrew Today for a roundup of Canada Day celebrations and events happening across Renfrew County.



Have a wonderful Canada Day!

06/29/2026

Check out the July programming at our EarlyON Child and Family Centre in Pembroke!