Programs
Waypoints offers a wide array of programs and services which fall under the following categories:
Residential
All residential programs are based on a developmental and relational model of group care, and include activity programming, life skills training, group work, educational support and family support. Youth care workers use a variety of approaches to teach and promote positive change in the young people and their families. Intervention is individual based on the needs of the young people and occurs in the context of a planned environment and the use of daily life events for therapeutic purposes.Our Residential Programs known as Topsail Road, Sirona, Gravity, Bay Bulls Road, and Torbay Road each provide accommodation for three or four males, ages 8 - 18. The goal of these programs is to provide a therapeutic residential milieu to young people, who are in the care of the Director of Child, Youth and Family Services, to help foster their development into responsible, productive, self sufficient, well rounded members of society. These programs operate from a psycho-educational model attempting to meet the physical, psychological, social, developmental, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of the young people.
For further information, contact:
| Group Home: | Lori Leonard, Program Coordinator |
| 709-368-6101 or 709-368-6542 | |
| grouphome@waypointsnl.ca or lorileonard@waypointsnl.ca | |
| Sirona: | Jennifer Kettle, Program Coordinator |
| 709-739-1651 | |
| sirona@waypointsnl.ca or jenniferkettle@waypointsnl.ca | |
| Gravity: | Jennifer Kettle, Program Coordinator |
| 709-753-2621 | |
| gravity@waypointsnl.ca or jenniferkettle@waypointsnl.ca | |
| Bay Bulls Road: | Charles Thomasen, Program Coordinator |
| 709-368-6681 | |
| epu@waypointsnl.ca or charlesthomasen@waypointsnl.ca | |
| Torbay Road: | Charles Thomasen, Program Coordinator |
| 709-722-5814 | |
| epu2@waypointsnl.ca or charlesthomasen@waypointsnl.ca |
Phase II is a program for adolescents with specialized treatment needs. The goal of this program is to provide a therapeutic residential milieu to young people, who are in the care of the Director of Child, Youth and Family Services, to help foster their development into responsible, productive, self sufficient, well rounded members of society. This program operates from a psycho-educational model attempting to meet the physical, psychological, social, developmental, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of the children and youth. This program can accommodate two males between the ages of 8 - 16.
For further information, contact:
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Banyan Program provides residential care for three males aged 8 - 16 in a rural setting. This program operates from a psycho-educational model attempting to meet the physical, psychological, social, developmental, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of the children and youth. This program is in the process of being transformed into a therapeutic ranch program with an Equine Assisted Learning component.
For further information, contact:
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Live-In Parent Model is a residential program for young people between the ages of 5-11 who are in the care of the Director of Child, Youth and Family Services. The program is staffed using a houseparent model, and is designed to provide a homelike, supportive, nurturing, and therapeutic environment for children who are experiencing difficulties.
For further information, contact:
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Pegasus Residential Program provides residential care to four females between the ages of 12 - 16. This program operates from a psycho-educational model attempting to meet the physical, psychological, social, developmental, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of the children and youth. The goal of this program is to provide a therapeutic residential milieu to young females, who are in the care of the Director of Child, Youth and Family Services, to help foster their development into responsible, productive, self sufficient, well rounded members of society.
For further information, contact:
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Employment/Mentoring/Outreach
Waypoints Employment and Outreach Services provides individualized and group support services to youth, ages 12-30, who face barriers to education and employment. Waypoints staff support youth who are experiencing difficulties in their lives in areas such as education, reliable housing, and healthy lifestyle choices. Youth may also be at risk of substance abuse, contact with the justice system, or dropping out of school. Outreach support seeks to connect with youth and explore new opportunities and creative ways to build healthier and more fulfilling lives.Youth are Working is a Skills Link project funded by Service Canada which provides exposure to life and employment related skills, practical work experience, and continuous learning opportunities. Using both group work and an individualized approach to personal and career development, program staff assist youth in developing their employment portfolio with the goal of preparing them for the realities of the workplace and the expectations of today's employers.
Youth Employment Skills and Mentoring Initiative program (YESMI) is another program offered by Waypoints. It is a twelve month program consisting of four main components: mentoring, pre-employment and job training, social skills training, and educational supports. The YESMI program uses a wrap around approach to work with young people in all areas of their lives.
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Family Support
Waypoints Family Support Program offers a collaborative and holistic approach for providing in-home support to families. Youth care workers engage with families in their life space through the development of therapeutic relationships and the use of hands-on interventions and activities. A major emphasis is placed on goal setting, strength identification, the promotion of competency, and capacity building.For further information, contact:
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Parent Support and Education Group: that focuses on areas such as child development, discipline, communication and self-care. The group meets weekly for 10 weeks, and is offered one to two times per year.
For further information, contact:
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Extra-Curricular
Black Light TheatreWhat is Black Light Theatre? Black Light is a drama form that incorporates music, movement, images and dialogue. Performers tell stories through these media that can be incredibly powerful and moving.
All performers are able to remain anonymous. During a performance, the actors wear black clothing and masks, which makes them nearly impossible to see against the fluorescent lighting. This allows youth to take a safe risk in exposing themselves without being seen.
As a group, young people and staff from Waypoints write the script, design the costumes, and build the stage and props – and then perform the show!
Intramural Program
In 2003 Waypoints introduced an Intramurals Program. The program was implemented to help youth who were marginalized and faced barriers that excluded them from school and community activities such as basketball, softball, and floor hockey. Intramurals occur weekly, and are open to all young people and family members involved with Waypoints, in any capacity. Former young people are always welcome to stay involved.
Therapeutic Nature Adventure Camp
Another initiative was begun in the summer of 2005. We created a Therapeutic Nature Adventure Camp aimed at using nature-adventure based counseling to create an open and flexible environment of empathy and respect. The nature camp is full of fun and exciting activities. Some of the activities include: swimming, fishing, hiking, camp fires, canoeing, journal writing, photography, crafts, survival day, water games, scavenger/treasure hunts, singing & dancing, joke awards night and family days with Wacky Olympic activities. Camp is open to all young people involved with Waypoints, in any capacity. Outside referrals are also considered if there is space available.
Running Program: Project 13.1
Waypoints wanted to establish a running program and in January of 2007 was able to launch a pilot project, “PROJECT 13.1.” In May of 2007 it culminated in three youth and two staff participating in the Bluenose Half Marathon in Halifax Nova Scotia. The program has since expanded, and young people have run marathons in PEI and Ontario, as well as numerous local marathons and triathlons. In order to attend the marathons, participants become involved in a training program that will include weekly running sessions and weekly strength and conditioning training.
While running\walking a marathon is the goal, the training introduces the youth to the benefits of regular exercise through running and cross-training. The long term goal would be that youth continue on this exercise regime. Running is a sport that is very accessible and requires limited equipment and facilities. It has been our experience that the marathon is an attainable goal that will help the young people strive to stay committed to this renewed healthy lifestyle. It is stressed that success in running is in the personal completion of the event, not necessarily racing others. Youth who participate in Project 13.1 have the esteem boast of “I completed a half marathon”, and the overall physical, emotional and social benefits of regular physical exercise that can be easily observed in the participants.
Rowing
Since 2004, we have had a team of youth take part in the Royal St. John's Regatta. The Regatta is recognized as one of the oldest organized sporting events in North America and is a large part of the culture of Newfoundland, particularly St. John's. Being involved in such a significant community event is beneficial to the young people in several ways.
Like many sports, the true test of the Regatta is not the actual race but in the training and commitment that is demonstrated by the youth as they prepare for the race day. Training for the race usually involves a minimum of two practice times at the lake, as well as two training sessions in a training center, per week, for twelve weeks preceding race day. It is through the training exercise that the benefits of rowing can be noticed. In addition to the health benefits, rowing teaches patience, problem solving, commitment and team work. Rowing can play a major role in physical fitness and well being. Rowing in the Royal St. John’s Regatta also instills a sense of belonging, pride and accomplishment in our young people.