Life s Journey 102-720 Broadway Winnipeg MB Phone: (204) 772-1591 Fax: (204) 772-1784 E-mail: info@fasdlji.ca
Our Values Hope. - At Life s Journey we focus on the hopes, strength and courage of individuals. We strive to foster hope through celebration of all successes big and small. Our hope is contagious as we enjoy our time together and share our lessons learned on life s journey. We have an ongoing commitment to build on the foundation of hope with the input of our participants, staff, families and stakeholders to improve outcomes for all. Dignity and Respect - All people have basic rights. We at Life s Journey strive to ensure equality and dignity through strong advocacy and a commitment to provide consistent, responsive, reliable, lifelong services. We empower inclusive environments and celebrate the diverse voices of our participants, staff, and community members. Well Being - We support inclusive homes and communities for our participants through individualized programming and planning. We provide Wellness programming, clinical services and cultural teachings to balance mind, emotions, body and spirit. We value safety for everyone. We strive to create a responsive culture of self care, safe work practices and ongoing proactive measures. Relationships - At Life s Journey our focus on building nonjudgmental and encompassing relationships has contributed to respectful, compassionate, productive, and dignified associations. Our foundation of collaboration contributes to quality service as we work together to foster a sense of belonging, acceptance and empowerment in our communities.
The Participant Advisory Committee The Participant Advisory committee (PAC) is comprised of participants from each of the agency programs. PAC meets every second month to discuss and provide input related to important issues such as: housing, programming, resources, staff training, and events. The committee members contribute to the development of initiatives, future projects including a parenting group, and a resource guide for participant and community use. Furthermore this provides a forum to voice concerns, generate ideas, and ultimately contribute to the direction of the agency. This collaboration between participants and staff has encouraged and amplified the need for participant focused and led programming. Feedback from one PAC member: I ve been involved with Life s Journey for over 10 years now and involved with the P.A.C. since it began. When I went to my first P.A.C. meeting I was a little shy and intimidated. I didn t know what to expect and how the staff involved would take my input and opinions on what would be good for participants and myself. After the first half an hour of our meeting, people started opening up and letting their opinions come out and be heard. We discussed the types of programming we would like to see, such as parenting programs, cooking classes, art programming, summer outings (eg: BBQs, fishing, soccer, football). I was involved in organizing one of our first outings - our first agency bowling activity at Polo Park. It was a great turn out for one of our first outings, lot s of participants showed up and a lot of staff. We had drinks, pizza and a few games of bowling. Right now I am working on several things with Life s Journey, such as brainstorming ideas for the summer events and working on a community resource guide to hand out to other community resources that also involve individuals with FASD. I ve also been helping to facilitate trainings that help workers understand FASD in a different way. Ever since I ve been involved with the P.A.C., I ve felt more welcome and a larger part of Life s Journey. I feel more important as I am asked for my opinion when staff are trying to put together programming ideas. Table of Contents Organizational History Residential Department Outreach Department Rural Services Spectrum Connections Program Cultural Services Clinical Services Addictions Programming Housing Wellness & Day Programming Participant Advisory Committee
Brief Organizational History FASD Life s Journey Inc. was formed in April 2005. The agency currently provides disability specific services to adolescent and adult Manitobans affected by neurological and co-occurring disorders. Prior to the incorporation of Life s Journey as a stand alone agency, the vision for an FASD specific service agency was initiated when an FASD Think Tank was hosted by the Coalition for Alcohol and Pregnancy in 2003. Community Living Manitoba acquired funding to develop the Manitoba FAS Community Mobilization Project (FASCMP). One of the outcomes of this project was the development of a not for profit agency in 2005, FASD Life s Journey Inc. On September 1, 2005 FASD Life s Journey Inc. began providing outreach supports to a relatively small number of participants funded by Family Services Supported Living Program (now Community Living disability Services) and the Provincial Special Needs Program. By the end of 2005, the agency had developed a residential care facility and a foster placement to begin residential services. The agency experienced steady growth in the first few years of operation responding to the need presented by the community; the Province began funding a much more substantial response to people affected by prenatal exposure than what had previously been supported. FASD Life s Journey Inc. has consistently sought the input of Clinical Services since prior to incorporation represented by Psychology, Psychiatry and more recently Occupational Therapy, and additionally has provided cultural services since early in the project days. In October of 2007 a Request for Proposals was issued by the Province of Manitoba for the development and delivery of Spectrum Connections FASD Services. In November 2007 FASD Life s Journey Inc. was notified that the agency was the successful proponent and entered into a partnership with the Government of Manitoba. Housing Life s Journey Strives to provide a range of housing models to meet the diverse and changing needs of our participant group. Participants may transition throughout different housing models as their needs and goals change. Currently Life s Journey offers the following housing options: Shift staffed residences are available through the Residential Programs. Shift staffed residences support anywhere from 1 to 3 participants and are staffed around the clock. Specialized adult foster placements The agency s Cluster Housing models provide the independence of a furnished, self-contained suite with varying levels of onsite and community staff support. The agency currently operates two room and board housing resources, one for males and one for females. Each resource houses up to 12 participants Each of these housing models are double staffed around the clock; supports are available onsite in conjunctions with community supports. A Rooming house offers 8 suites for females; this housing model is not staffed, however staff attend throughout the day to provide in-house and community supports. Access to safe and suitable housing plays a significant role in one s overall health, wellness, stability, and quality of life; it provides a necessary foundation to over services and supports. Our goal is to match participants with the most suitable resource with significant consideration for individual goals, strengths, and needs. The Spectrum Connections Program started providing support in 2008 to transitional youth and adults affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol who are not eligible for other Government funded programs. This is a unique resource in North America which has to date evolved from an Outreach program to an Outreach and Resource model of service since 2012. 1
Wellness & Quality of Life Programming One of the agency s goals is to provide meaningful programming and opportunities that contribute to one s quality of life and overall wellness. Life s Journey provides lifelong supports, and well-being is a lifelong process of enhancing physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being. Physical well-being may include physical activities, movement and fitness; nutrition and healthy eating Intellectual well-being may include intellectually stimulating activities, expanding knowledge & skills, trying new things that challenge your mind Emotional well-being may include self-care, relaxation, stress reduction Social well-being may include positive & meaningful relationships, inter actions with others Spiritual well-being may include religion, culture, values, ethics, morals & beliefs Environmental includes the environment in which we live Residential Department The Residential Department endeavours to be a place of healing and growth for program participants. It provides Residential and Community supports for individuals who have been referred to FASD Life s Journey. Residential supports include 24 hour shift staff homes, family-like foster placements, and a supported independent apartment living location. Community Supports include encouraging engagement in various cultural and recreational activities that Life s Journey offers (including day and evening activity programs), transporting individuals to appointments (medical, systems, justice, etc.), and with other needs (such as banking, shopping, etc.), and assisting individuals with developing independent living skills. In planning programming, we strive to provide opportunities that will address various areas of well-being, as well as opportunities that may be new, interesting, and challenging for an individual. Programming opportunities vary by program & may include but is not limited to: Cooking & Baking groups Arts & Crafts Music & Karaoke Gym, fitness, yoga Sports & Recreation Swimming Bowling BINGO Academic, literacy, information sessions Cultural activities (drum groups, sweats, healing groups) Other community activities & outings Wellness is important as it directly impacts one s actions and emotions and it can contribute to success in other areas of one s life. Wellness programming can provide a meaningful, productive role, opportunity to try new things & develop skills, teaches lifelong skills, build relationships and experience peer mentorship and role modeling, helps develop & maintain lifelong leisure interests, helps identify strengths & vulnerabilities, and can ultimately contribute to greater self-esteem and self-worth, and an overall enhanced quality 5 of life.
Outreach Department The Outreach Department provides outreach and housing supports to individuals who are residing within the community or within an outreach housing model. Individuals deemed eligible for Outreach services must be eligible for funding from either Provincial Special Needs, Community Living disability Services or Community Mental Health and they must be interested in receiving support (voluntary program). The Outreach departmentis housed out of the head office at 720 Broadway; support is provided 7 days/ week including evening and weekend hours. Participant-centred support is provided 1-1 within the community, with a large emphasis on relationship. Basic needs are a primary area of focus, along with the participant s personal goals & the development of independent living skills. Other support considerations include: clinical, cultural, addictions, programming, safety planning, and wellness & quality of life. Group programming is available with a strong recreation, skill & self-esteem building, and peer support focus. Arts & crafts, scrap booking, cooking/baking, bowling, BINGO, and swimming are examples of common group activities. Rural Services Life s Journey is working towards providing a full range services described in the Outreach and Residential descriptions to the cities of Brandon and Steinbach and surrounding communities. The services in Brandon includes shift-staffed placements, specialized foster placements, and the Rural Connections Program. The Brandon office works closely with the Winnipeg offices as we continue to develop, implement, and coordinate staff training, participant programming, and services. Services in Steinbach are Rural Connections and Outreach services and the offer of Residential and Foster programming. The Steinbach office also works closely with the Winnipeg operations. 1.Finding the Right Road personal skill and capacity building group that runs for a period of six weeks periodically throughout the year. Important considerations regarding participants in this group; Participants should be interested in developing social relational skills, personal capacity and supports Participants should be able to relate to others in a manner consistent with group interaction. Participants must be willing and able to attend group programming for three hours a day in the afternoon on a four-day-a-week basis for a period of six weeks. 2. A regular recurring readiness development for recovery track on topics related substance use disorder in an educational resource-based environment. This is intended as an opportunity for both direct service staff and associated participants to attend together with a view to developing durable mentorship relationships around issues of substance use difficulties utilizing a harm reduction focus. 3. Regular individual appointments with the coordinator intended to identify, develop and implement sustained case management strategies for participants who are not comfortable with group settings or are difficult to engage regarding substance use disorder issues. An opportunity for case managers to attend with associated participants with a view to identifying level of severity and corresponding level of service considerations in a collaborative and trust-building forum. Components of substance use disorder services available to the agency such as psychiatry and psychology continue to provide diagnostic, risk and other assessments that inform the program services described above. The ability to offer a range of addictions programming and resources internally is quite exciting. Access to resources to help address substance use issues is often a goal for program participants and we are pleased to offer various streams to meet these goals.
Substance Use Disorder Continuum of Services The manner in which substance use disorder treatment and support approaches has developed historically in the agency is viewed as an organizational strength that continues to inform practice. Current Life s Journey approaches to substance use treatment embrace the applicability and advantages of individualized treatment planning in working with each participant associating with the agency. Simple program-driven treatment planning in the form of referral to external agencies is often an awkward fit for this population. This is distinct from the continuing applicability of making use of program-driven components in external agencies as constituents of an agency substance use disorder treatment plan. Life s Journey recognizes the need for onsite addictions services that is flexible, accessible, and accommodating for a variety of challenges and needs. We make a concerted effort to support program participants with varying levels of substance use involvement, to meet individuals where they are at with their use, and to provide a safe and supportive environment where participants can work on their goals around use and recovery. A long standing element of the agency s addictions programming are peer led Dual Recovery Groups that are supported by agency staff. The Men s group meets weekly and the Women s group meets biweekly, both at the Broadway Office. The groups provide a safe space for the participants to discuss matters pertaining to addictions and mental health and to access peer support. These groups are considered an integral part of a participants aftercare plan from internal or external addictions programming. Dr. Wakeman is a consulting psychiatrist with a working background in addictions and mental health. Dr. Wakeman is available for sessions with participants as well as staff consults and advocacy within the community; he provides valuable feedback to both staff and participants and assists with addictions planning and treatment recommendations. A formal addictions program began in 2015, facilitated by an Addictions Coordinator. Concepts underpinning current approaches include but are not limited to: supportive mentorship approaches, biopsychosocial-spiritual understanding, harm reduction focus, community as method, co-occurring disorders, neurobehavioral approaches, brief solution-focused motivational approaches, stages of change, levels of involvement, and social and vicarious learning. Substance use programming at Life s Journey is an adjunct service available to all outreach, resource and residential programs in the agency. Three streams are currently being utilized incorporating the above; Spectrum Connections Program The Spectrum Connections Program provides individualized services to transitional youth and adults who are impacted by FASD and are ineligible for other government support programs. This program supports youth and adults living with FASD to function interdependently within the community while increasing their functionality and quality of life with the aid of environmental adaptations. Individuals deemed Eligible for the Spectrum Connections Program must: Want the service (voluntary program) Have a formal diagnosis within the fetal alcohol spectrum OR confirmed alcohol exposure in-utero Benefit from a maximum of 3 to 4 hours of support per week Be a minimum of 15 years of age Be ineligible for Community Living disability Services, Provincial Special Needs, and/or Community Mental Health Rural Connections Program The Rural Connections Program provides individualized services to transitional youth and adults who are impacted by FASD and are ineligible for other government support programs. This program supports youth and adults living with FASD to function interdependently within the community while increasing their functionality and quality of life with the aid of environmental adaptations. Individuals deemed Eligible for the Rural Connections Program must: Want the service (voluntary program) Have a formal diagnosis within the fetal alcohol spectrum OR confirmed alcohol exposure in-utero Benefit from a maximum of 3 to 4 hours of support per week Be a minimum of 17 years of age Be ineligible for Community Living disability Services, Provincial Special Needs, and/or Community Mental Health Must live in Steinbach or Brandon (or within an hour of each city centre) 6
Indigenous Spiritual Care/Cultural Services Programming Cultural programming is an integral part of the service offered at Life s Journey. Over the past several years, Cultural services have been prioritized for both programming and intervention strategies, and from the agency s perspective, its importance is most significant when considering the dynamic service delivery blend that occurs at Life s Journey. sacred songs and the circle of life teachings. Each drum circle begins with a smudge ceremony and prayer and the participants learn about their culture through singing the sacred prayer songs. The cultural team also facilitates house blessings, mediations, trainings for staff, and also offers opportunities for the participants and their staff to meet for one-on-one sessions, to sing, drum, and smudge in an effort to express themselves, share their stories and continue the journey to healing. Approximately 80% of our participants are of Aboriginal descent, and are interested in healing through cultural healing, combined with westernized healing methods. Having a team of Indigenous Spiritual Care providers our agency provides a wrap around service continuum to address a holistic method of care for our participants. Our cultural program has worked collaboratively in conjunction with our addictions coordinator and other mental health professionals within our agency to address the ongoing need for Aboriginal cultural sensitivity. The cultural events and programming are led by the Indigenous Spiritual Care team, Elder and cultural worker; they are supported by staff and participants. The presence of our valued Indigenous Spiritual Care team has contributed to the growth and awareness of staff and participants around customs, celebrations and self identity of the participants. Life s Journey s Indigenous Spiritual Care team has offered the following: Aboriginal teachings for staff and participants, sweats for the participants and staff, weekly healing groups, seasonal celebrations, as well as other events that occur throughout the year, such as medicine picking, the Sundance ceremony, full moon ceremony and other ceremonies. The Indigenous Spiritual Care team is available to meet with the clinical team to provide input into care plans, and have one-to-one sessions with participants to foster a sense of identity and reinforce the practice of Aboriginal ways in healing. The weekly healing groups provide opportunity to learn about the Aboriginal teachings, and how they relate to our daily lives within a peer support model. The participants support each other, learn, and cleanse as a part of the circles ritual. The indigenous Spiritual Care team facilitates three weekly drum groups; two groups are for women while the other group is co-ed. The program participants and their mentors meet weekly to honor and learn about the drum,