About

ALIGN Association is a collection of allies – a unified community of of agencies that represents the diverse needs of Alberta’s children and families. We are proud to champion the work of our front line service providers and to support our members. Together, we are stronger.

ALIGN Story
ALIGN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES (Formerly AASCF)

We are a collection of allies – a unified community of agencies that represents the diverse needs of Alberta’s children and families. We are proud to champion the work of our front line service providers and to support our members. Together, we are stronger. 

We are one voice for many – a collective voice for our membership that promotes the essential services our members provide. With a shared vision, we advocate for the causes and issues that directly affect our members and the children and families of Alberta. Together, we are bold.

We are more than 50 years of experience and wisdom; we are experts in leading practices in the sector. The community, teaching institutions, the Government of Alberta and other associations recognize us for our expertise across the province. Our leadership and participation on important issues involving our sector are constantly in demand. With our shared experience and wisdom we act as a central hub for our members to share information, research and resources. We are all working in one unified direction.

Together, we are bold. Together, we are experts. Together, we are stronger.

Message from the ED & President:

In 2023-2024, ALIGN Association of Community Services has continued its commitment to enhancing the lives of children and families across Alberta. This year has been one of significant growth and transformation as we navigated both opportunities and challenges with resilience and innovation.

During this period, notable activities and achievements included ALIGN’s continued focus on Government Relations, which fostered opportunities to develop collaborative working relationships. The organization continued its initiatives and project work, such as the Well-Being Toolkit, Indigenous Cultural Understanding, and Occupational Health and Safety & Wellness. These efforts were complemented by robust training programs and events. Additionally, ALIGN advanced its support for positive transitions under the Federal Act, Bill C-92, with successful summits providing space for collaborative discussions between Nations and agency service providers. Capping off this period, the ALIGN Conference in early 2024 was notably successful, featuring engaging keynote speakers, diverse presentations, and record attendance.

In early 2024, the Board and Executive Director identified the need for a more targeted strategic approach. With the imminent retirement of our long-standing Executive director and the impact of government cycles on our operations, we developed a refined strategic focus. This resulted in the creation of an 18-month Strategic Plan, which builds on the existing 2022-2027 plan while addressing the immediate needs and changes facing our association. This shorter-term plan ensures a more specific and adaptable strategy during this period of transition.

As we move into the coming year, our strategic focus will remain on serving as a collective voice for our members, supporting excellence in service delivery, developing system leadership and partnerships, enhancing organizational sustainability, and improving the well-being of children, youth and families. We are dedicated to amplifying our role in shaping and influencing the broader sector, creating lasting positive change. We will continue to integrate Indigenous perspectives into our practices, programs, and policies, fostering inclusivity and strengthening ALIGN’s ability to provide socially conscious and effective services. Through ALIGN’s collaborative efforts, holistic approach, and major grant projects, we are committed to making a lasting impact that uplifts the well-being of children and their families across Alberta. We are excited to continue our journey of making a meaningful difference in their lives.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated board of directors, employees, contractors, members, partners, and supporters whose unwavering commitment has been crucial to our success this year. Together, we look forward to building on our achievements and advancing our mission in the coming year. 

Together we are one voice, so children, families, and communities thrive.

Sonja Polz – ALIGN Executive Director
Robecca Chahine – ALIGN President

ALIGN Association of Community Services is a membership association of agencies providing services to children and families in Alberta. ALIGN (formerly Alberta Association for Services to Children and Families AASCF) formed in 1967 as a network of agencies with common interests. 

We have represented child welfare and family service providers in Alberta for over 40 years. During that time we championed the development of standards dedicated to residential and community childcare services, influenced social policy and legislation and advocated on behalf of service providers.

Currently ALIGN has several Regional Chapters throughout Alberta and are in the process of creating additional chapters to meet the changing needs of our members. The governing Board of Directors is made up of representatives from Regional Chapters, Aboriginal Community and Strategic Initiatives.

Memberships With:

• Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations.
• Child Welfare League of Canada 
• Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
• First Nations Child & Family Caring Society
• Volunteer Alberta

ALIGN Partnerships

• ALIGN participation in CYCAA Certification Committee and the Mental Health Services Protection Act Committee and Leadership Team
• AFKA and ALGN work together to support foster care and kinship caregiving and sit on GOA committees
• ALIGN participation on the Leadership Team and member of the AMP Children and Youth in Care Advisory Committee
• ALIGN and Inclusion Alberta work together to support Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)
• ALIGN and Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS) work together to support and advocate on behalf of Disability Service Providers – Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)