Pilots That Informed Developing Programs
Supported Employment Pilot
Alberta Works provided the funds to developed a supported employment project in 2015 for 5 individuals in High Level, Alberta. By the end of the program 11 individuals had been involved in the program. One of the findings of the program were that preparation for employment needs a timeline in order to prepare individuals by ensuring that they have appropriate identification, health coverage and tickets to ensure some training has been received.
High Level Youth Mentoring Program
Based on the Big Brother, Big Sister model; providing one on one mentorship to youth in the community.
This program was designed by the High Level Youth Mentoring Association and was operated by the NWR Society from 2009-2016. Small and transient community populations make it difficult to maintain a volunteer mentoring program.
Youth at Risk Pilot
Alberta Health provided funding in 2012 for an 18 month pilot to develop youth programming and transition programming for youth at risk in the region.
This funding helped to establish the core outline for the Youth Coach Program.
Teen Extreem
Youth pilot project partnership between the High Level Native Friendship Centre, National Association of Friendship Centres, Canadian Active After-School Partnership and NWR FASD Society provided the opportunity to explore the connection between peer mentors for youth with an FASD and physical, social, creative and emotional intentional programming.
One of the learning’s from this project is that preparation and training of individuals who would be seen as mentors is key to the success of any interactions, even when there are supervisors present to guide interaction and provide redirection.
UofA SLP Study
NWR FASD Society and the High Level Toy Lending Library Parent Link partnered with the U of A to explore weekly supported programming for women with an FASD.
This program was an opportunity to bring clients together that are impacted with FASD and work towards goals as a group. A longer program would ensure more social success.
FASD Youth Transition Coach - 2016
To provide a mentor who will connect with the individual at least 4 times per week
to encourage and support connections with health professionals to ensure medical needs are being met and healthy lifestyle choices encouraged
to seek support and or treatment for addictions if needed
to ensure a safe place to live
to support the transition into adult services including AISH and PDD if needed
to provide advocacy and teach self-advocacy skills
to support continued education
to support employment and employment planning
to provide goal planning and follow through
to collaborate with other agencies to ensure appropriate and timely support and programming
Supported Housing - 2016
This pilot project was being funded by the Alberta Government. At the time 6 individuals were being supported in the housing project. With 24/7 supervision and security as well as daily programming and volunteering, the individuals will develop life skills and explore areas of strength and interests.
The plan was to develop an apartment project that will house a larger number of individuals and provide programming and supports to the individuals and families as needed.
Increase long term housing for persons with FASD
Increase housing stability for 75% of residents
Increase the health and mental health status and quality of life for 65% of residents
Assist at least 75% of program participants to obtain employment or structured volunteer activities
Decrease the use of correctional facilities for 80% of residents and repeat involvement of 70%