Family Counselling & Support Services - In the Business of Instilling Hope

For over 20 years, Family Counselling and Support Services has been the primary counselling centre for Guelph & Wellington County.  “People in our community come to us when they need help,” says Jack Watkins, Executive Director of FC& SS.  “Because of our United Way funding we are able to be there for everyone.” 

Since the organization’s inception, United Way has provided funding to the Community Counselling and Counselling North programs which  provide support to individuals, couples, and families as they deal with different issues such as relationship problems; marital separation and parenting decisions; family violence; sexual assault; addictions; stress; depression and more.  “We provide our services on a sliding scale basis so that those who can’t pay can still receive services,” states Watkins.  “Because of our United Way funding, we don’t have to turn anyone away for financial reasons.” 

Along with providing funding for counselling programs, United Way also funds the organization’s Credit and Debt Counselling program which encourages individuals and couples to take an active problem solving approach to credit and debt issues.  “People generally come to us when the stress related to their debt begins to affect their marriage, their relationship with their children, their performance at work etc.” says Watkins. Through the program, counselors review a client’s debt, analyze budgets and set up a plan that the individual and/or couple can follow to help them improve their financial future.

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