About

ALIGN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES (Formerly AASCF)

ALIGN Association of Community Services is a membership association of agencies providing essential services to children and families across Alberta. Established in 1967 as the Alberta Association for Services to Children and Families (AASCF), ALIGN began as a network of agencies with shared interests. Over the past 40 years, we have proudly represented child welfare and family service providers—championing the development of service standards, influencing social policy and legislation, and advocating for frontline agencies.

Today, ALIGN has several Regional Chapters across Alberta, with plans to expand to meet the evolving needs of our members. Our governing Board of Directors includes representatives from Regional Chapters, the Aboriginal Community, and Strategic Initiatives—ensuring diverse voices
shape our collective impact.

We are a unified community of allies, advocating for the essential services that support Alberta’s children and families. We champion the work of frontline service providers and empower our members with knowledge, research, and resources. Together, we are stronger.

We are the collective voice of our members—leading conversations that drive meaningful
change. With a shared vision, we amplify the issues that matter most. Together, we are bold.

With over 50 years of leadership and expertise, ALIGN is recognized across Alberta by communities, teaching institutions, the Government of Alberta, and other organizations as a trusted advisor and thought leader. Our leadership in shaping the sector is in constant demand. Together, we lead.

Together, we lead. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are bold. 

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

As part of our commitment to strengthening the sector, ALIGN also serves as the fiscal agent for the Community Initiatives Against Family Violence (CIAFV), supporting its mission to address and prevent family violence in Alberta.

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)