SIL focuses on encouraging people to live as independent members of their community. Program participants are the focus and lead the strengths-based approach that includes a trauma informed perspective. SIL Case Managers work with people to identify and achieve goals specific to their needs and wants. The SIL team utilizes self-determination and relationship building to engage effectively with people long term. Relationships based on trust, respect and empowerment are developed between the person and their support team.

SIL offers:

• Case Management services which focus on meeting specific needs and goals, advocacy, therapeutic interventions, and counselling services.
• One-to-one community-based support that provides basic needs including housing, food, and clothing, as well as life skills development.
• A Resource Centre that offers social development and skill building, light meal program, free laundry, and various recreational activities.
• On-site psychiatric nurse providing both medical and psychiatric care.
• Work experience programming.
• Additional services through other New Directions service areas including Family and Individual Therapy are also available to program participants at no additional cost.

Referrals

All people referred to the program must be associated with one of the following agencies:

• Community Living disABILITY Services (CLdS),
• Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA),
• Child and Family Services (CFS) or Provincial Special Needs.

Once referred, SIL will connect with the person and their support team to ensure SIL is a good fit for them.

Note: Once a person receives approval for the SIL program, it may take several weeks for funding to come through before the person can utilize SIL services.