ASIST is a two-day training designed to help family, friends, and community members identify someone at risk of suicide and provide them with the skills needed to make a life-saving intervention. The ASIST workshop is highly interactive, practical, and practice-oriented. It focuses on teaching suicide first-aid to help a person at risk stay safe and seek further help. This training is not recommended for anyone who has had a recent suicide loss.

This training is offered in light of World Suicide Prevention Day.

When: Thursday, September 18 & Friday, September 19, 2025 (Full)
            Thursday, October 30 & Friday, October 31, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Age: 18+
Cost: $50
Location: Spruce Grove Community Social Development (414 King Street, Spruce Grove)
Registration: Please register online
Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Contact: 780-962-7618 or csd@sprucegrove.org

The Bridging Connections team consists of Community Social Workers who are dedicated professionals offering compassionate and confidential support to Parkland County residents. Community Social Workers actively listen to individuals, identify solutions, and facilitate connections to pertinent community resources. Their role is to assist residents of all ages and situations in navigating life’s challenges.

Date: Wednesdays; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m (drop in and appointment based services available)
Ages: All
Location: Wabamun Community Centre (5217 52 Street) 
Registration: Call Spruce Grove CSD at 780-962-7618 to make an appointment if desired; however, an appointment is not required.

Caregiving can be overwhelming, and asking for support isn’t always easy. Do you know a caregiver who’s been putting themselves last? Are you a caregiver that could use a little appreciation boost?

We’ve prepared a small gesture to recognize caregivers strength, compassion, and the care they give every day.

Refer a caregiver or self-refer to receive a free Caregiver Appreciation package that includes useful resources and some little comforts!

Appreciation Packages Pick-Up Locations:

Spruce Grove Community Social Development (414 King Street, Spruce Grove)
Process to pick-up: 

Walk-in during opening hours (8:30a.m.-4:30p.m., Monday to Friday) OR

Call (780) 962-7618 OR Email csd@sprucegrove.org

Stony Plain Community & Social Development (4613 52 Ave #107, Stony Plain)
Process to pick-up: 

Please Call (780) 963-8583 OR Email connect@stonyplain.com

This is a Westview Dementia Collaborative initiative.

Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Center and the City of Spruce Grove are excited to be hosting the Human Rights Facilitator Training program which equips individuals with the tools and confidence to create meaningful spaces for learning, dialogue, and action around human rights issues in their communities. Rooted in human rights principles and anti-oppressive, decolonial practices, this program supports emerging facilitators to build stronger, more inclusive, and resilient communities.

This training, facilitated by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, will focus on the intersectionality of gender-based violence (GBV) and racism as the central theme. Using GBV and racism as a lens, participants will explore facilitation strategies that can be applied across a wide range of human rights issues. Through this approach, the training demonstrates how a single issue can spark community dialogue and evolve into collective action and strategic change.

Whether you’re new to facilitation or deepening your practice, this program offers you the opportunity to:

• Understand international human rights frameworks such as UN treaties and declarations—and how they apply locally;
• Explore facilitation as a method for advocacy and accountability, especially in addressing complex and intersectional issues like GBV;
• Develop skills for leading inclusive, intersectional, and decolonial dialogues;
• Learn to document and translate dialogue outcomes into practical tools and communications for community stakeholders and decision-makers.

Each participant will receive a copy of a Human Rights Facilitator Manual, including a toolkit of popular education activities and adaptable facilitation plans to support your work long after the training ends.

Date: September 22-26
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Community Social Development office, 414 King Street, Spruce Grove
Cost: $315/person (lunches are included)

(Thanks to a grant from the Government of Alberta, we are able to offer a reduced registration fee)

Subsidies and full bursaries are available if cost is a barrier.

Register here - Registration deadline is August 29, 2025 - REGISTRATION IS FULL

Join us to learn about how JustServe’s free volunteer opportunities website can support your organization’s volunteer recruitment efforts!

Date: Thursday, September 18
Time: 12 – 12:45 p.m.
Location: Virtual (the link will be sent to you 1 day prior to the session)
Cost: Free

Check out our Volunteer page for more information and to register.

This year, the City of Spruce Grove is hosting an evening of reflection and connection as we mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept 30) at Horizon Stage. This gathering creates space to journey through the Truths of Canada's past, deepen our understanding of the present, and envision a future together that is rooted in respect, justice, and shared responsibility. Through stories, reflections, and open conversation, we will honour the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples and confront the ongoing impacts of colonialism. This is a time to listen, learn, and explore how each of us can commit to the work of healing and reconciliation - individually and as a community. 

Date: September 30, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre, 1001 Calahoo Rd Spruce Grove, AB, T7X 1L6 
Cost: Free - Get your ticket here
Age: All are welcome to attend; Recommended age 12+

This event is in partnership with Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre and the Spruce Grove Public Library

For more information, please visit here

‘Creating Connection & Inspiring Experiences’

Help guide the creation of an inclusive and community-building social club. Join us at the Open Door Café, a family friendly event welcoming of anyone and everyone!

Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025

Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Location: Community Social Development (414 King Street, Spruce Grove)

To register here

A program of the Circle of Belonging

Join us for a special community event for Poverty Awareness Month 2025. Explore different paths of poverty through stories brought to life. Enjoy some hot soup and have dinner conversation on the state of poverty in our community. Together we can better understand poverty in our community.

Opening words from Elder Lewis Cardinal, Senior Advisor for the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre and “kihcihkaw askî–Sacred Land” in Edmonton.

Lewis Cardinal is a Woodland Cree educator and communicator from Sucker Creek Cree First Nation in Treaty 8. For over 30 years, he’s led work in Indigenous rights, cultural revitalization, and interfaith relations. Honoured with awards like the Indspire Award and Queen’s Jubilee medals, he continues to promote Indigenous education, governance, and community building through his consulting and media work.

Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Time: Doors open at 5:15 – 8 p.m.
Location: Heritage Park (5100 41 Ave, Stony Plain)
Cost: Free 

Register online to attend.

This is a social-emotional, interactive program that aims to assist children with increasing their social-emotional skills including communication and conflict resolution, resiliency, healthy relationships and boundaries, stress management, and growth mindset.

This program will also include an exploration of different emotions, including the impact of emotions on thoughts and behaviours, and how to manage emotions in a healthy way.

This program is in partnership with Alberta Parenting for the Future and Family Life Psychology and Wellness.

Dates: Wednesdays, October 15 – December 3, 2025

Please note that this is a 7-week program. Attendance to all sessions is recommended and expected. There will be no session on November 12 (Fall Break).
Time:  Drop off: 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
            Pick up: 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Ages: Grades 2-3
Cost: Free
Location: Cantiro Wellness Centre (#1, 344 Pioneer Road, Spruce Grove)
Registration: Please register online

Have you taken the SeniorConnect training? Are you interested in supporting seniors in need by connecting them to community resources? Looking for a new volunteer opportunity?

Join us for a fun evening to connect, celebrate, learn and share stories of making a positive impact in the lives of seniors in the community! 

What to expect:

• Overview of SeniorConnect program
• Impact stories
• Enjoy food and fun ice breakers
• Wellness Activity led by Judy Cooper of Meta Fitness
• Prize Draw

Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Meta Fitness (71 Boulder Blvd, #200. Stony Plain)
Cost: FREE
Registration: Call 780-963-8583 or email connect@stonyplain.com

SeniorConnect Tri Region is a partnership between the City of Spruce Grove, the Town of Stony Plain and Parkland County. This free online training program helps residents know how to recognize and respond to seniors in need. It is open to all residents in the Tri-Municipal Region. To learn more, visit SeniorConnect Tri-Region.

Start is an online, skills-based suicide prevention training program that anyone can learn in as little as one hour. Accessible from any computer or mobile device, the program features realistic audiovisuals and powerful e-learning technology. It also offers customizable elements based on users’ profiles and needs, and provides quick access to support and safety resources. Trainees learn life-saving skills to keep their family members, friends, co-workers, and others safe from suicide. Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of participation.

This training is offered in light of World Suicide Prevention Day.

What Learners Can Expect:

"By taking Start training, participants learn:

• Ways to become more comfortable talking about suicide
• How to recognize when someone is experiencing thoughts of suicide
• How to effectively connect someone to further intervention help
• How to be aware of local resources and use them as helping connections
• How to build and retain their skills through practice"

Please note: It is recommended that youth under 16 be supported by a trusted adult while they take the course in case of triggers or important questions that may require support.

Age: 13+
Location: Online
Duration: Typically, the training takes 1-2 hours to be completed online.Cost: FREE
Enrollment: Please enroll online
Enrollment Period End: September 30, 2025

Please note: Enrolled participants have 60 days to complete the training once they’re enrolled.

Contact: 780-962-7618 or csd@sprucegrove.org

WestView Dementia Collaborative - Information for Dementia Connections (Connect - Support - Share) and Resources for the Tri-Region. 

Community Conversation: Youth & Suicide Prevention

Join us for an important Community Mental Health Conversation as the Tri-Region comes together to build a supportive and resilient community. This event aims to foster open discussions on mental health and suicide prevention for parents and caregivers.

Featuring experts from Dochas Psychological Services, WestView Primary Care Network, the Canadian Mental Health Association Alberta Division & Centre for Suicide Prevention, this conversation will provide residents with the opportunity to:

- Break the stigma surrounding mental health
- Recognize warning signs of distress
- Navigate difficult conversations around suicide with emotional awareness
- Connect with local resources

This is a safe and welcoming space for all community members to listen, share, and learn. Let’s work together to create a stronger, more resilient Tri-Region. Let’s start the conversation!

Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom 
Age: 18+
Registration: Please register online.
Contact: 780-963-8583

Offered in partnership with Westview PCN, Town of Stony Plain, Parkland County, Centre for Suicide Prevention and Dochas Psychological Services.

SafeTALK – Suicide Prevention Workshop

This 3.5 hour workshop will equip you to be more alert to someone thinking of suicide and better able to connect them with further help. The workshop emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs, communicating with the person considering suicide and getting help or resources for the person. This workshop is not recommended for someone who has had a recent suicide loss. Participants can include but are not limited to: parents and caregivers; family and friends; youth aged 16 or older; natural helpers and advisors; educators and ministers; health practitioners; justice, law enforcers, emergency workers, and community volunteers.

Dinner will be provided for participants.

Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Time: 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: 414 King Street, Spruce Grove (Community Engagement space)
Age: 16+
Cost: $20 (cost will be reimbursed upon completion of the training)
Registration: Please register online.
Registration Opening: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Contact: 780-962-7618 or csd@sprucegrove.org

Offered in partnership with Westview PCN, Town of Stony Plain, and Parkland County, and the Government of Alberta.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

ASIST is a two-day training designed to help family, friends, and community members identify someone at risk of suicide and provide them with the skills needed to make a life-saving intervention. The ASIST workshop is highly interactive, practical, and practice-oriented. It focuses on teaching suicide first-aid to help a person at risk stay safe and seek further help. This training is not recommended for anyone who has had a recent suicide loss.

Save the date! Watch for details and registration coming up in November 2025.

When: Friday, January 23 & Saturday, January 24, 2026
Age: 18+
Contact: 780-962-7618 or csd@sprucegrove.org

Offered in partnership with Westview PCN, Town of Stony Plain, Parkland County, and the Government of Alberta.

The Tri-Region Grief Collaborative brochure includes information on registered and drop-in support groups being offered in the region.

Talking Circles come from the culture and traditions of Indigenous people in North America. All community members are welcome at these Talking Circles. Listen deeply with an opportunity to understand, learn, and establish a sense of community. Wearing Ribbon skirts/shirts is welcomed. 

Date: Thursdays - June 19, September 18, October 16, November 20, December 18
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free 
Age: 16+
Location: Skydancer Indigenous Cultural Centre (99 Campsite Road, Spruce Grove)
Contact: 780-962-7618

These are offered in partnership with Skydancer Indigenous Culture Centre, apfa, and Spruce Grove Public Library.

Every year, on September 10, we recognize World Suicide Prevention Day.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide and transforming how we perceive this complex issue. By initiating community conversations on suicide, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of understanding and support.

On September 10, community members are encouraged to Light a Flame of Hope (light a candle) at 8PM to honor the lives lost to suicide, support those who carry its weight, and stand together for prevention and hope.

Community members are also encouraged to get the conversation going on suicide on World Suicide Prevention Day and every day, as every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a more supportive and understanding society.

Are you between the ages of 12–18 and want to make a difference in your community? Join this youth-led art project focused on enhancing a space in Spruce Grove that feels welcoming, inclusive, and safe for everyone.

Whether you're into painting, planning, or just sharing ideas – there’s a place for you! Work alongside a local artist and other youth to co-create a vibrant outdoor space that reflects the diversity and creativity of our community.

Project details:

• Ages: 12–18 years
• Cost: FREE (all supplies provided)
• Register online by September 2, 2025

Planning sessions:

• September 8 | 5:30–8 p.m.
• September 15 | 5:30–8 p.m.
• September 22 | 5:30–8 p.m.
• Location: Community Social Development, 414 King Street, Spruce Grove

*Dinner provided

Painting/Art event:

• September 27 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (weather permitting)
• Location:  447 King St, Spruce Grove

*Lunch provided

This project is in partnership with Primary Care Alberta and is part of the Community for Youth Equity (C4YE) grant initiative — a collaboration of local organizations committed to amplifying youth voices and building a stronger sense of belonging through youth-led projects.