The YWise Choice Supported Independent Living and Skills Development Program is an accredited and certified program through the Canadian Accreditation Council of Human Services. It is funded by Southwest Child and Family Services Authority. (see our links section) Youth accepted into the program must meet the following criteria:

• Be between 16 - 22 years of age
• Possess Child Welfare Status (i.e.: EA, TGO, PGO)
• Require skill development to achieve independence
• Referrals to be made by the CASE Workers with case management responsibilities
• Youth with high risk behaviours (i.e.: suicidal) may not be accepted.

In order to facilitate a successful transition for youth from care/ home situations to independence, YWise Choice utilizes the following components in the program:

• Independent Living Skills Assessment (ILS)
• Hudson's Personal Adjustment Indicator Scales
• Service Planning
• Host Homes
• Mentorship Homes
• On My Own Placements
• Life Skills Counselling
• Life Skills Workshops
• Individual Meetings
• 24-Hour on Call Service
• Financial Support
  
  The  YWise Choice program has some conditions of eligibility so please contact the YWise Choice Program Supervisor at 329-0088 for details or download the referral and intake information forms.

YWise Choice Supported Independent Living and Skills Development Program offers counselling to youth who are: experiencing turmoil or difficulty in their lives, seeking a higher degree of independence, requiring assistance with establishing routines or simply needing someone to talk to.  Our Youth Support Counsellors are here to lend a supportive ear.  Call the YWise Choice Program to schedule an appointment.  329-0088 

YWise Choice offers a Skills Preparation for Independence (SPI) course with 18 sessions for youth aged 16 - 19 years of age who reside in foster care or semi-independent living situations. For details on SPI, click here.

The referral and intake and the SPI forms are provided in pdf format.  Click on the links a new document will launch with details on both items. We recommend that you print these off. NOTE: If nothing opens, please contact us at 329-0088 and we will mail you the form.

Are you ready for Independence?

If you or someone you know is thinking they are ready for independence, we offer you a Basic Checklist to review.  

Click here for a brochure:
"A Woman's Guide to Housing in Lethbridge" 

Home Providers

Be a Home Provider and make a difference in the life of a youth. Do you have an extra room to rent? Do you want to be a role model to a youth? Responsible adults are needed to act as landlords/room mates for youth who are transitioning to adult life. Home Provider requirements are:

• Child & Youth Intervention Module on all persons over age 18 in the home.
• Criminal History checks on all persons over the age 18 in the home.
• Home visit / matching questionnaire.
• Personable
• Enjoy youth...

If you are be interested in becoming a Home Provider, please call YWise choice at 329-0088 or email Kendra:  kbishop@ywcalethbridge.org