Transcript Life Skills Projects

Life Skills Projects
Presented by Tara Blanchard
Executive Director
Moose Jaw Multicultural Council
Life Skills Manual
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In 2006 the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council
received funding from CIC to develop a life
skills manual for clients.
The Manual was developed in very basic
English with lots of visual aids so clients with
varied language capabilities could make use
of it’s contents.
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Staff also used the manual as a resource when
conducting home visits. The manual guides staff as
to which areas they need to cover during orientation.
Staff are also encouraged to provide additional
orientation when needed.
Onsite clients were provided with a copy of the
manual and the response & feedback was positive
Life Skills Manual Contents
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Some of the following information is covered
in the Life Skills Manual:
Outdoor care
Indoor care
Appliances
Safety
Security
Insurance
Conserving Resources
Knowing your neighbourhood
Mail
Renting
Hygiene
Clothing
Birth Control
Banking
Life Skills for Women
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In 2007 MJMC received funding from CIC to
create another manual. This time it was
entitled “Life Skills for Women”.
The booklet is designed to give women
information that may be considered difficult
or taboo to discuss.
Life Skills for Women contents
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Some of the following information is covered
in the Life Skills for Women Manual:
Hygiene
Clothing
The female body
Menstruation
Pregnancy
Menopause
Pap tests
Breast self-examinations
Mammograms
Birth Control
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Mental Health
Abuse
Women’s rights
Life Skills Home Visitor Pilot
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In 2006 MJMC has received funding from
CIC and has contracted a home visitor to
conduct a comprehensive life skills project
with clients that includes a home visit,
additional grocery store orientation and
referrals for health and medical needs
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The Life Skills Facilitator demonstrates
cleaning and maintenance of the home as well
as an orientation on issues such as:
Nutrition
Hygiene
Seasonal clothing
Budgeting
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The Life Skills Facilitator schedules extra
visits with the client to take them on an
additional tour of the local Superstore to help
them make better choices when shopping and
to point out where they can buy ethnic foods.
Summary
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During the past few home visits the facilitator
has reported some of the following:
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She has encouraged clients to eat healthier by incorporating more
fruits and vegetables in their diets
Demonstrated cleaning and what products to use
Assisted clients with writing cheques
Pointed out the fire alarms in the home and how to change batteries
Addressed dental hygiene issues
Demonstrated to clients the proper way to use an oven
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The Moose Jaw Multicultural Council is
hopeful that we will receive funding from
CIC to implement a formal Life Skills
Curriculum for future newcomers to Canada