Transitioning into adulthood can be overwhelming, especially for youth who have grown up without stable homes or consistent support. Our SIL Program in Alberta is designed to bridge that gap, offering young people the guidance, tools, and resources they need to become self-reliant.
What Is the SIL Program in Alberta?
The Supported Independent Living (SIL) program helps youth aged 16 to 24 gain the skills required to live on their own. Our approach is rooted in compassion and structure, giving participants a safe, supervised environment where they can gradually build the confidence to take on adult responsibilities.
Whether they are aging out of care, coming from an unstable home, or in need of structured support, youth in the program receive mentorship and one-on-one case management tailored to their specific goals.
The Importance of Transitional Housing
Stable housing is one of the most critical factors in achieving independence. Our transitional housing model provides more than just a place to live. It gives young people the space and support they need to learn essential life skills at their own pace.
Transitional housing placements are carefully selected to ensure they are both safe and conducive to learning. Participants are coached in budgeting, meal preparation, job hunting, and maintaining healthy routines, all within an environment that balances privacy and accountability.
Supported Living Services That Build Life Skills
Our supported living services extend far beyond basic housing. Youth in the program have access to:
- Life skills training and workshops
- Mental health and emotional support
- Education and employment planning
- Health care navigation
- Transportation assistance
Each youth is paired with a support worker who offers guidance, monitors progress, and helps address challenges. These services are designed to help participants become emotionally resilient and practically prepared for adulthood.
Youth Life Planning as a Foundation for Growth
A key component of our approach is youth life planning. Every participant collaborates with our team to create a structured personal plan outlining goals in areas such as education, career development, wellness, and social relationships.
These plans are reviewed regularly to track progress and adjust support where needed. This forward-thinking model ensures that youth have a clear vision for their future and understand the steps necessary to get there.
Measurable Impact on Youth Success
The value of supported independent living programs like ours is well documented. According to research from Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS), 71 percent of youth who participated in structured transitional housing programs were able to maintain employment or stay in school within the first year of joining the program.
Source: Youth Empowerment & Support Services
Our SIL Program in Alberta follows best practices and trauma-informed care models to ensure that each young person receives personalized, respectful, and consistent support.
Conclusion
The journey from adolescence to adulthood is never simple, but it should not be faced alone. Through structured transitional housing, personalized youth life planning, and comprehensive supported living services, our SIL Program in Alberta gives young people the foundation they need to succeed.
We believe every youth deserves the chance to build a stable, fulfilling future. With the right support, independence becomes more than a goal—it becomes a reality.