Building a Stronger, More Supportive Sherwood Park

Sherwood Park is a community that takes pride in its safety, its strong neighborhoods, and its commitment to supporting one another. But like any growing community, we face challenges—challenges that require us to take a closer look at how we support our most vulnerable residents.

Strathcona County’s Family and Community Services (FCS) does incredible work providing vital resources, counseling, and programs to those in need. However, to truly make a lasting impact, we must go further. We need to address the root causes of vulnerability and create proactive, community-driven solutions that ensure no one in Sherwood Park is left without support.

Why This Matters

As a Community Peace Officer, I have seen firsthand how people can fall through the cracks. Mental health struggles, housing insecurity, financial hardships, and substance use issues don’t just affect individuals—they impact families, businesses, and the broader community. What I’ve also seen is that when people receive the right support at the right time, they can rebuild their lives.

I once worked with an individual who had lost their job, struggled with mental health, and didn’t know where to turn. They needed help, but navigating services was overwhelming. When they finally connected with the right resources, things turned around—but it shouldn’t have taken that long. We can and must do better.

The key is connection—ensuring that people in crisis have direct access to the services they need, without unnecessary barriers. It means not just offering help, but making sure help is actually reaching those who need it most.

What We Can Do

Sherwood Park has the resources and the heart to do better. We need to:

Strengthen partnerships with local organizations, outreach programs, and non-profits to provide wraparound support.

Improve access to affordable housing and mental health services to address long-term stability.

Create dedicated outreach initiatives that connect with vulnerable residents before they reach a crisis point.

This approach doesn’t just help those struggling—it strengthens our entire community. When we invest in support systems that work, we reduce strain on emergency services, enhance public safety, and create a healthier, more connected Sherwood Park for everyone.

Leadership That Listens, Solutions That Work

FCS provides an essential foundation, but we have an opportunity to build on that work and create real change. As a leader, I believe in listening, learning, and taking action to make our community better.

Together, we can make Sherwood Park a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s start the conversation. I want to hear from you—what solutions do you think would make the biggest impact?