Pilots That Informed Developing Programs
Innovative initiatives developed and tested to address emerging needs in the Mackenzie Region. These pilots shaped the programs we offer today.
Our Pilot Programs
Supported Employment Pilot
Alberta Works funded a supported employment project for 5 individuals in High Level, Alberta. By program end, 11 individuals had participated. Key finding: preparation timelines are essential to ensure participants have proper identification, health coverage, and training.
High Level Youth Mentoring Program
Based on the Big Brother, Big Sister model — providing one-on-one mentorship to youth in the community. Designed by the High Level Youth Mentoring Association and operated by the NWR Society. Small and transient community populations made it difficult to maintain a volunteer program long-term.
Youth at Risk Pilot
Alberta Health provided 18 months of funding to develop youth programming and transition programming for youth at risk in the region. This funding helped establish the core outline for what became the Youth Coach Program.
Teen Extreem
A youth pilot partnership between the High Level Native Friendship Centre, National Association of Friendship Centres, Canadian Active After-School Partnership and NWR FASD Society. Explored peer mentoring for youth with FASD through physical, social, creative and emotional programming.
UofA SLP Study
NWR FASD Society and the High Level Toy Lending Library Parent Link partnered with the University of Alberta to explore weekly supported programming for women with FASD. A longer program would ensure more social success.
FASD Youth Transition Coach
Provided a mentor connecting with individuals at least 4 times per week to support health connections, addiction treatment, safe housing, adult services transitions (AISH/PDD), self-advocacy, continued education, employment planning, and inter-agency collaboration.
Supported Housing Pilot
Funded by the Alberta Government, supporting 6 individuals with 24/7 supervision, daily programming and volunteering to develop life skills. This pilot became the foundation for the Sheltering Arms Housing Facility — now recognized across Canada as an emerging model.