Supported Advancement to Independent Living (SAIL)

The SAIL Program helps youth aged 16 and over who are connected to a CFS agency and are unprepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Many lack basic independent living skills, or the confidence and ability to make decisions about day-to-day living in the community or about their future.

The goal of the SAIL program is to assist youth to become self-sufficient and empowered members of our community.

Together with a Support Worker, clients develop the skills needed to successfully on their own. This flexible program allows for more time to be spent on areas where additional practice is needed and to advance quickly through skills where youth already have competence.

Learning is progressive. New Skills are built on the foundation of past successes until a client reaches a level of competence and confidence.

The SAIL Program focuses on these key areas:

Time management and organizational skills
Money management and consumer awareness
Food management
Self-care
Housekeeping
Housing
Transportation
Education and employment
Emergency and safety skills
Community resources
Legal issues
Pregnancy, parenting and childcare
Interpersonal skills

With support from the Knowles Centre's SAIL Program, the transition from care to independence can be an exciting and rewarding time.

How SAIL Works

The SAIL Program has a three-stages to the program:

Stage 1

After admission, clients prepare for their move into a SAIL apartment with the help of a support worker. Together with a SAIL support worker, the client begins to accumulate household needs in anticipation of their move. This time also helps establish a positive relationship between the client and our support workers that will contribute to the client's success during their journey to independence.

Stage 2

The youth moves into a one bedroom apartment in one of four SAIL buildings which has 24 hour supervision. The program operates several apartment buildings in southeast Winnipeg; which are supervised 24-hours per day. Typically, clients may live in the supported apartment for one year or more.

Here, clients work regularly with a SAIL support worker. Together they assess the client's strengths and identify and build on the client's skills needed for independent living. Learning takes place both in the apartment setting and in the community as clients explore available resources and services alongside their support worker.

Over time, as clients gain confidence and ability, they can take on more responsibility and independence. The role of the support worker gradually shifts from a leader to a resource.

Stage 3

SAIL is committed to a smooth transition for clients at every stage. Clients continue to receive support and guidance for a few months once they graduate from their SAIL apartment and move into their own long-term place in the Winnipeg community.

Support is never far away. A 24-hour help line is available to clients who need assistance with unexpected problems, as well as emotional support and guidance.

The Young People We Serve

The program welcomes young people 1aged 16 and over who are connected to a CFS agency. They may be from Winnipeg or other Manitoba communities and have no plans to live with their family or next of kin upon discharge from care.

Currently, the SAIL Program focuses on helping its clients prepare to settle in the Winnipeg area.

Clients may continue to be involved in the SAIL Program until they graduate from Stage Three or are discharged from care.

Referrals to the SAIL Program

Potential clients may be referred directly to the SAIL Program by child and family services agencies. A current social history and all available assessments provided by the agency assist in determining if the SAIL Program is appropriate to the client's needs. Referrals can be emailed to sailreferrals@knowlescentre.org.

Before admission, the youth will participate in a meeting along with SAIL staff, the current caregiver and the social worker to ensure the program will meet their needs and that they understand the commitment to the program.

For more information contact

Dawn Vandal
Director, SAIL Program
Telephone: 204-339-1951
Fax: 204-334-4173
Email: sail@knowlescentre.org

To make a referral email sailreferrals@knowlescentre.org