SIL Program In Alberta – Building Independent Futures with Compassion

At Changes for Hope, our SIL program in Alberta offers youth aged 16–22 a vital bridge between supported care and full independence. Whether they’re preparing to return to family, live on their own, or explore adult responsibilities for the first time, we help youth navigate this critical phase with guidance, structure, and emotional safety.

Our SIL model is deeply connected to our broader Trauma-Informed Group Care Program, helping youth transition out of residential care with life skills, cultural connection, and individualized support.

Hope, Faith, Prosperity, SIL & Courage House

Program scope of service is “Trauma Informed” long term Cultural, Familial and
Territorial Connections for Indigenous youth.

Our Continuum of Care: Hope, Faith, Prosperity, SIL & Courage House

The scope of our programming is trauma-informed, relationship-based, and centered on long-term cultural, familial, and territorial connections for Indigenous youth in care.

Support Offered Across All Homes:

24/7 trauma-informed staff support
Life skills training: decision making, budgeting, nutrition, wellness, and personal care
Referrals for medical and psychological care
Personal budgeting and clothing allowance
Cultural exploration through our Cultural Components initiative
Goal planning that reflects each youth’s strengths, needs, and cultural identity
Community integration, elder connection, and support for religious/spiritual practices
Ongoing progress evaluations with the youth’s participation

With education being a priority, the program expects the youth to participate in a structured day program. This program may be full time school of their choice (as available) or work or a combination of both. The program plan/goal will be selected in consideration of the youth’s wants, needs and capabilities.

Adverse Childhood Experiences Scoring Sheet is used to find each youths ACE Score. This tool allows us a brief look at past Grief, Loss and Trauma.

Transitioning-From-Care, Life Skills Assessment Tool (A Guide for Care Givers) and Casey Life Skills Assessment and Life Skills training using PAYA (Preparing Adolescents for Young Adulthood) tools help the youth to see what areas of their life need more support for them to grow and continue moving forward…

Youth are supported in the relationships that are important to them and to maintain their own culture and practice their religious or spiritual beliefs. Where appropriate, family involvement will be encouraged and outings in the community are supported and encouraged.

The program will follow nutritional standards in accordance with the Canada Food Guide and will respect cultural and religious dietary practices. The youth share responsibility for food selection and preparation under the supervision of staff. All staff are aware of Canada’s Food Guide: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis

In cooperation with the youth and their caseworker the program provides for the development of Individual Service Goals according to his/her Strengths, Needs, Abilities, and Preferences which will include interaction with community of origin and with their Elders.

The youth’s progress in their goals will be monitored and evaluated on an ongoing basis through monthly reports and quarterly evaluations and the youth’s personal goals are reviewed quarterly.

Hope, Faith & Prosperity Homes – Where Belonging Begins

Our Hope, Faith, and Prosperity Homes offer structured care rooted in emotional safety, cultural belonging, and trust-building. These group homes serve youth across Alberta, including Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer, offering:

Daily support for interpersonal growth
Cultural engagement and reconnection
Guidance in processing grief, trauma, and family challenges
Nutrition planning based on Canada’s Food Guide and First Nations dietary traditions

Our goal is simple: make sure no youth in care feels disconnected from who they are—or who they’re becoming.

Courage House – Specialized Support for Neurodiverse Youth

Our Courage House is a community group home tailored to children with neurodiversity, including autism, ADHD, and other cognitive differences. This environment is quiet, structured, and designed around the child’s individual needs, supporting:

Emotional regulation
Social development
Communication strategies
A sense of safety in daily living routines

Each child’s uniqueness is honored, and their care plans reflect their learning style, spiritual needs, and personal interests.

SIL Program – Semi-Independent Living for Youth in Alberta

Our SIL Program Alberta is open to youth aged 16 to 22, supporting their path into adulthood while maintaining a trauma-informed framework. Youth in the SIL program are expected to participate in a structured day program, such as:

Full-time school
Part-time work
Or a combination of both

Their service plans are built collaboratively, reflecting their personal goals, education needs, and capacity to manage increasing responsibilities. Life skills training is offered on flexible schedules—after school or work hours—based on the youth’s availability.

We also utilize:

ACE Scoring Tools to understand past trauma
PAYA (Preparing Adolescents for Young Adulthood) life skills curriculum
Casey Life Skills Assessment

Transitioning-From-Care Toolkits to track growth, identify needs, and develop long-term strategies for success

Supporting Youth Across Alberta

Whether a youth is transitioning from our group homes in Calgary, preparing for independence in Edmonton, or reconnecting with their Nation while placed in Red Deer or Lethbridge, our approach adapts to regional needs while maintaining cultural safety and consistency.

From northern communities like Fort McMurray to smaller hubs like Camrose, we provide transition-focused care that prepares youth not just for what’s next—but for who they are becoming.

A Promise Rooted in Respect

One of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2015 Calls to Action urged governments to reduce the number of Indigenous children in care—and ensure those who remain are placed in culturally safe, identity-affirming environments.

That’s exactly what we provide.