Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA – COMPENDIUM ANNEX: DETAILED PRACTICE DESCRIPTIONS

SOCIAL CONDITIONS

Fetal Alcohol Prevention and Intervention

Program name:

Women in Progress

Organization:

Yellowknife Women's Society

Location:

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Target Group:

Women (in their childbearing years who struggle with addictions and mental illness).

Contact Name:

Arlene Hache, Executive Director

Phone:

867-873-2566

Email:

womenyk@theedge.ca

Website:

www.northernfamilies.org

Program Overview
History:

The Women in Progress program began in late 2010.

Program Description
Goals & Objectives:

To stop the negative historical and societal cycles that young women, particularly young Aboriginal women, are exposed to, or are presently experiencing, by learning new information, accessing services and affecting change by integrating these strategies and supports into their lives, reducing their vulnerability to violence and abuse.

Traditional/Indigenous ways:

N/A

Components of program:

The Women in Progress program is an eight-week Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) prevention living skills program for young women who struggle with addiction and mental health issues. In learning about healthier living choices, participants focus on their own lives and how they can change their lifestyles and attitudes so that they could have brighter and more promising futures for themselves and eventually for their families. Program topics include: communication skills, coping strategies, healthy eating/living, career planning, self esteem, personal awareness, time management and sexuality. The participation of an Aboriginal facilitator trainee is a critical aspect of the program. The long-term success of the program is contingent on having Aboriginal facilitators and establishing community-based delivery venues throughout NWT communities.

Services/How they work:

Services are provided on site at the facility and off site throughout the community.

Funding:

Funding for this program is through the Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Health and Social Services.

Relationships and Stakeholders
Involvement of Target Groups:

N/A

Partners:

The Canadian Mental Health Association, NWT Division.

Other relationships:

N/A

Details of Program Evaluation
Evaluation:

No evaluation has been completed.

Highlights of Evaluation Findings:

N/A

Program Outcomes
Measures of Success:

Success is measured by the participation level in the program and the retention of participants.

Achievements:

The program has helped clients become gainfully employed, and to become more confident and comfortable with themselves, which reduces their vulnerability to violence and abuse.

Challenges:

There have been some transportation and scheduling problems. In addition, it has been recommended that the program further increase its sensitivity to the cultural identity needs of Aboriginal and Inuit women.

Things to Know to Replicate
Replication Advice:

The program is considered replicable. No advice given.

Resources:

Adequate funding, properly trained staff and facility space for the programming would be necessary to ensure the program's success.