HOW CAN FSGC SERVE YOU?

The FILIPINO SOCIETY FOR GROWTH AND CHANGE is a NON-PROFIT and CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION, which advocates for new immigrants, foreign skilled workers and Filipino Canadians in Alberta belonging to the low income group who needs legal, employment, educational, financial, spiritual, health, affordable housing, and other social needs. All services are given free of charge.

To avail of such services, call (780)406-0828 to book for an appointment at the PAG-ASA CENTER on 11030 Avenue St. Albert Trail (Knights of Columbus Bldg. across from St. Andrew’s Church and close to Westmount Shopping Mall). Office hours start from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

Specific Support Services Groups and Services Offered to the Poorest of the Poor:

1. New immigrants, Caregivers/Nannies and Skilled Workers Support Advocacy Group helps you with issues of employment (chairperson: Vic Gonzales 462-6739) , temporary skilled workers and recruitment agencies (Chairperson: Elnardo Chaves 476-8353, Merly Flores 695-4971) immigration issues with spouses and custody of children (Chairperson: Chit Amiscaray 473-6323), change of jobs and upgrading/career training (Chairperson: Bella Servitillo 473-9441; settlement of newcomers and accommodation(Chairperson: Lyla Gray 428-6054)

2. Senior Advocacy Group assists you in the preparation of income tax returns (Chairperson: Romeo Evasco 439-5168); provides information relative to benefits (Chairperson: Carmelita Gorospe 497-0069), rights and Personal Directory of Seniors (Chairperson: Edith Dimaculangan 406-0828); provides an alternative activity for seniors such as reading and writing, publishing the Senior’s Perspective(Chairperson: Edith Dimaculangan 406-0828); and provides assistance in finding affordable housing for seniors-at-risk due to family disputes and possible abuse (Chairperson: Lyla Gray 428-6054).

3. Learning Communication and Coping Skills Group is the group in-charge of providing courses on the following areas: a) coping skills for single parent to improve family relationship; b) anger management and language; c) improving relations with family through better communication and understanding of culture. Classes are offered every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. at the Pag-Asa Center. This requires a pre-registration for all applicants through ECALA (Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association) funding. (Chairperson: Marlon Ursulum 993-7198)

4. Philippine Trained Professionals for Better Jobs Group assists people relative to their queries or problems on their respective status such as upgrading their working visa to permanent visa, career change, resume writing, IQAS (International Qualification Assessment Service), university registration, job designation, or preparing for an interview.

5. Support Group for Families who are experiencing difficulties with a member(s) who is dependent on drugs, gambling and alcohol. Provides counselling, assistance regarding loss of income and bankruptcy, violence in the family, disharmony in the family (Chairperson: Nito Amiscaray 473-6323).

6. Paralegal Services Group provides assistance in the preparation of affidavits, getting appropriate lawyer, translating in court cases and providing support and advice. This is free service including specific service such as taking, transcribing and recording depositions and interpretation (Chairperson: Nestor Dimaculangan 456-7054).

7. Prayer Support Group believes in the power of prayers and the need to connect with God. Bring your petitions; we have people who will provide prayer intercession for all your petitions. (Eve Medalla-708-1880, Fr. Jo, Fr. Nilo, Alma, Bong and Rhoda, Ella)

8. Youth and Family Protection and Welfare Group provides networking to access government social services such Family Services and Child Services, provide parenting skills for various age levels, shelters for youth experiencing violence in the home, zero tolerance to bullying or abuse.

9. Support Group for Working Mothers and Single Parents assist in the following areas: a) build a positive environment in your home + Raise YOUR TEENS with appropriate values leading towards the attainment of high standard work ethics and goals; b) learn how to assist your child against bullying, racial discrimination,harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and gambling; c) money budgeting for better financial management. Classes to learn communication and coping skills are offered every Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-12 noon at Pag-Asa Center. Needs to be pre-registered. Phone 406-0828 for appointment.
· How to manage conflicts in the family and coping skills for parents
· Anger management and language
· How to deal with issues with teens

10. Support for New Immigrants coming directly from the Philippines. Email Pag-Asa Center before leaving RP for needed information and other support. We are on the internet.