Our Facilities: Life Skills Programming
 Life
skills programming is an essential component in the service delivery
to the youth in the care of HomeBridge Youth Society. As a result,
HomeBridge Youth Society follows the suggested guidelines from
the Conference Board of Canada, and resources the knowledge of
child and youth care expert Dr. Karen VanderVen (University of
Pittsburgh), when developing and delivering program for all six
residential facilities. Life skills programming is delivered throughout
the HomeBridge Community in the form of structured and un structured
programs and incorporates the skills categorized in the below.
What is the Conference Board of Canada
The Conference Board of Canada is a non-profit organization that
conducts research in numerous areas of Canadian life such as education,
health care, business, economics, and international trade/relations.
The board of directors is comprised of presidents and CEOs of
major corporations, banks, hospitals and universities. The Conference
Board of Canada is not affiliated with any government agency,
and compiles information from all sectors with the primary purpose
of identifying trends and overviews in society.
The life skills information is determined by looking at industry
needs and identifying the difficulties and finding skilled employees
to meet the demand, specifically in areas that are suffering from
skill shortages.
Components of Life Skills
Life Skills, as defined by the Conference Board of Canada, cover
a range of behaviors and abilities needed for an individual to
function effectively within society.
Life skills can be categorized as follows:
Social Skills:
- Communicating effectively (through various media).
- Being assertive.
Managing anger.
- Resolving conflict.
- Developing and maintaining a positive self-image.
- Establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships.
- Working well with others.
- Sharing accommodation with others.
- Using leisure time.
Decision-making Skills:
- Solving problems.
- Using problem-solving strategies.
Employability:
- Developing and maintaining a positive attitude toward work.
- Preparing to start a job.
- Managing time effectively.
- Dressing appropriately.
- Socializing appropriately in the workplace.
- Maintaining effective personal conduct on the job.
- Adapting to change.
- Respecting rules, authorities, and those in positions of authority.
- Taking initiative.
- Meeting expectations for productivity (i.e. achieving quantity
and quality within established timelines).
Money Management:
- Understanding income.
- Creating a budget.
- Paying bills.
- Comparative shopping.
- Protecting money.
- Using bank services.
- Using credit effectively.
- Resolving problems with debt.
- Understanding and using insurance.
Transportation:
- Using public transportation.
- Using private transportation.
- Purchasing and maintaining a vehicle.
Health:
- Maintaining a healthy diet.
- Developing and maintaining good personal care habits.
- Developing and maintaining a fitness routine.
- Managing stress.
- Using medical services.
- Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases.
- Limiting or controlling the use of potentially harmful substances
(e.g. alcohol and other drugs).
Family Responsibilities:
- Managing pregnancy.
- Effectively caring for children.
- Resolving family issues.
Law:
- Understanding and respecting the role of legislation within
society.
- Respecting legal authorities.
- Using legal services.
- Explaining a criminal history.
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