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 such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, banking and medical appointment support.
• A Resource Centre that offers social connections, social development and skill building, light meal program, access to donations, free laundry, and various recreational activities.
• On-site psychiatric nurse provides both medical and psychiatric care. The nurse collaborates with case managers and community service workers to develop support strategies and respond to behavioral issues in the resource center as they arise.
• Work experience programming for job skill development and income supplements.
• Additional services through other New Directions service areas including Family and Individual Therapy are also available to program participants at no additional cost.

SIL staff work with people to set goals that assist with building confidence and help make decisions in a supported environment.

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.

Referrals can be completed by the person’s Community Service Worker, Community Mental Heath Worker or Social Worker. A person’s parent/guardian can make a referral in consultation with one of the four agencies.

To refer an individual to the SIL program, fill out the referral form.

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

SIL Coordinators and Case Managers will meet with the person to discuss their goals and the next steps in the intake process.

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.