About Heritage Family Services
At Heritage Family Services, as our name implies, our distinctive heritage profoundly influences each of us. We understand the importance of embracing our journey and understanding how it shapes our personal identity. We are shaped by past experiences, cultural influences, and the impactful connections we've made with others along the way. We wholeheartedly recognize that embracing and understanding one's heritage is enriching and essential to personal identity.
Our HistoRY
In 1972, Hank Hubert and Ron Foss, colleagues at Unit Three of the Youth Development Centre, a ‘Juvenile Delinquent Rehabilitation Center’ in Edmonton, Alberta (as it was known at the time), began discussing the potential of establishing their own Group Home. They developed a proposal, subsequently presented to the Government of Alberta, to establish such a facility in either Red Deer or Lethbridge. Concurrently, the government was planning to develop Youth Assessment Centers in both locations. They conducted a series of negotiations and were allowed to operate one of these facilities. Ron & Hank established F&H Residential and Assessment Services Ltd. and began operating the Youth Assessment Centre in Red Deer, Alberta. Initially functioning as a ‘Juvenile Detention Centre’ under the old Juvenile Delinquents Act, this marked the beginning of what is now thriving as Heritage Family Services Ltd.
Hank, Ron, and Larry Plancke, a YDC colleague, moved to Red Deer, where they expanded their team by hiring four additional staff members and launched operations at the Red Deer Youth Assessment Centre. Their first client was taken in on Halloween in 1975; they quickly identified a significant gap in treatment options for youth in Central Alberta. At the time, the only available options were in Edmonton or Calgary. Motivated by the pressing need for local care facilities, Hank and Ron searched for a suitable location to establish their first treatment center.
They encountered obstacles as the City and County of Red Deer hesitated to grant zoning approval for a youth group home. Despite challenges and initial perceptions of insufficient demand for such services, Hank and Ron persevered, and their determination led them to acquire an acreage just off Highway 11A, situated in the County of Lacombe. This location became the site of the Big Valley Boys Ranch, Central Alberta’s first Youth Treatment Centre. This marked the inception of numerous successful ventures initiated by F&H Child Care Services Ltd.
Over the years, the company has grown into an industry leader in providing quality care.
In alignment with the philosophy of keeping children in care close to their home community, the company has expanded its reach to include facilities in Lacombe, Rocky Mountain House, Ponoka, and Wetaskiwin.
In 1994, the company changed its name to Heritage Family Services Ltd. Ron Foss retired from the company in 1997, transferring ownership to Hank and Jay Hubert. Carrying forward the Heritage tradition, Hank and Jay’s son, Justin Hubert, assumed the Company CEO and Owner role, continuing the legacy of commitment to quality care and service.
We currently employ 180 dedicated individuals and care for over 100 children daily.
Our Philosophy
Our approach at Heritage Family Services is deeply rooted in the OnePerson Paradigm and the 6 Principles of CARE: Relationship-Based, Family Involved, Competence Centered, Ecologically Oriented, Trauma Informed, and Developmentally Focused.
OnePerson Paradigm
Imagine a circle with one person at the center – that’s our focus. We center our model around the individual we serve. Our entire team, which includes the service team, program coordinators, support teams, and administration, is oriented toward supporting and caring for that one person. It ensures our attention is always centred on their unique needs, experiences, and dignity.
- Developmental Relationships: We recognize that nurturing relationships are fundamental to helping children develop.
- Safe Environments: We prioritize creating non-coercive, safe environments where children feel secure and can learn new responses to stressful situations.
- Family-Focused Care: Family-focused care leads to the best outcomes for children.
- Adult Support: Children require adult support and opportunities to engage their innate capacity to develop and flourish.
- Purposeful Routines & Activities: We design purposeful routines and activities based on children's abilities and interests to help them develop important life skills.
- Participation & Interaction: We provide opportunities for children to participate and interact in their environment, fostering their growth and development.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and youth and want to be part of a team dedicated to their well-being, join us at Heritage Family Services!
Inclusion & Diversity
At Heritage Family Services, inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords; they are fundamental principles that shape every aspect of our organization. We believe that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves to feel welcome, respected, and valued. Our commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment is reflected in our programs, policies, and interactions.
Reconciliation
We firmly uphold the recommendations put forth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. We recognize the importance of these recommendations in respecting and honouring the history, culture, and rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Our core commitments are to ensure that Indigenous families remain united whenever possible and that our care honours and reflects cultural backgrounds to nurture bonds and preserve heritage.
