SWS is a community-based program that assesses and teaches living skills and lifeskills to teens requiring extra supports as they move towards adulthood and supported independent living. Often youth in this program will be transferring on to the adult support system(s) i.e. Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) and/or Adult Mental Health (AHS Programs and Services) and will receive informed supports to transition smoothly. SWS provides the resources and hands-on guidance to youth (and families) during this transition. Youth in SWS have two types of housing options; Mentor Support Home and Chimo 5 Transition Home (Link).
The youth lives in a mentor support home and receives hands-on supervision and support based on the youth’s needs. Mentors are part of the treatment team, developing and strengthening the youth’s skills for independence. Youth are also assigned an SWS Coordinator who provides ongoing assistance to the youth and Mentor. Youth Workers are also assigned for those youth requiring hands on guidance while in the community.
Youth are encouraged to attend a day-program throughout the year that is appropriate to their needs, such as school, work or an alternative option. They also must meet with their Coordinator for a minimum of 5 hours each week for task-oriented and goal-directed skill development.
Children’s Services: Youth aged 16-21, inclusive, who have Children’s Services Status are referred by their Case Worker.
FSCD: FSCD families receiving supports for their children (aged 12-17, inclusive) to be out of home may also refer their children with the support of their FSCD Caseworker.
Contact the SWS Program Manager
SWS Program youth:
"The thing I love about Chimo was the opportunity it gave me to further myself in life. I learned how to better take care of myself, and that is something I take with myself into the future. I will continue to grow in the knowledge that Chimo provided me with. And I will treasure it always."
Chimo SWS employee:
“I am very happy to be supported by a team and supervisor who allow me to think outside the box. This opportunity allows me to cater to our youth individually and to focus on a person-centered approach. At SWS, we focus on building effective relationships with our youth in order to delve into their interest and to formulate transitional goals that are motivating and sustainable for each client. My ability to be flexible provides our youth with successful opportunities.”
SWS Coordinator:
"During a visit with a SWS youth at EYOC a lady I know from the Advocates’ office was also visiting a different youth. Her youth left and she was waiting to see another one. The SWS youth I was with complimented her on her gold watch and how much he loved it! So she came over and chatted with him about her watch and introduced herself, saying she was from the Advocate’s office and that she comes here to meet with different youth if he ever needs an advocate. The SWS youth said, “Its ok, I already have an advocate, Sally Jones.” The Advocate just smiled and said I know Sally and I’m glad you think of her as your advocate, and went back to her table."
To contact staff in individual programs, see Our Team
Evergreen Court
#103, 10585 111 Street
Edmonton, AB T5H 3E8
Email: Administration | CGC | LMT | SWS
Ph: (780) 420-0324
Fax: (780) 426-0393
11715 G 108 Ave NW
Edmonton AB T5H 1B8
Email: SOLO
Ph: (780) 408-4890
Fax: (780) 420-0410
We respectfully acknowledge that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway / Saulteaux / Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others whose histories, languages and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.
The Chimo Youth Retreat Centre has an Indigenous Cultural team who works with our children, youth and families in sharing knowledge, engaging in traditional practices or teachings and promote understanding, awareness, appreciation and preservation of Indigenous culture and traditions.
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