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.
Together we are one voice, so children, families, and communities thrive.
Sonja Polz – ALIGN Executive Director
Robecca Chahine – ALIGN President