Programs
Encourage. Empower. Hope. These are the critical pillars that guide our work with the women and children we serve, and key factors we consider when developing or expanding our programs and services.
Our programs are developed using data-centric and trauma-informed methodologies. We are committed to involving current and former clients and our community partners in shaping the work that we do to meet evolving needs in the Waterloo Region.
Our Programs and Services
Provision of Material Resources
Mothers who come to live at Marillac Place have often experienced or are at risk of experiencing homelessness and lack the resources to establish their own households. To address this, we offer essential material support through the following gift baskets:
Praise with a Raise
The Praise with a Raise program provides the foundation for all other programs at Marillac Place. Residents work with staff to identify tasks they wish to accomplish that work towards their individual goals. As they complete tasks they earn “Marillac Bucks”. These Marillac Bucks can then be spent within our boutique, an onsite store offering a variety of new products such as toys, baby essentials, clothing, household goods, and toiletries.
Praise with a Raise celebrates accomplishments and reinforces the resident-led strengths-based approach of our programming, while simultaneously helping residents acquire essential items for themselves and their infants. Praise with a Raise also allows us to measure which supports are most helpful for residents in accomplishing their goals.
On-site Mental Health & Addictions Support
The on-site Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor provides individualized support, counselling, and coaching for residents as they work to strengthen their wellbeing and mental health. Activities include:
- Substance use assessments and program screenings
- Collaborative treatment planning with clients
- In-person and virtual counselling sessions
- Development and implementation of psycho-educational programming
- Motivational interviewing to help clients explore their thoughts and feelings
- Advise on healthy coping mechanisms
- Resources and hands-on support to clients with treatment plans, life skills development, and parenting strategies
Weekly Goal and Skills Sessions
Our residents participate in weekly sessions that are divided into two key components:
Goal Sessions with the Case Manager:
During these meetings, residents engage in discussions covering a range of topics:
- Goal setting: Residents identify and articulate their current goals.
- Progress towards goals: Residents assess their progress in achieving previously set goals.
- Resident concerns or obstacles: Residents share any challenges they are facing or obstacles hindering their progress.
- Next steps: Together with the Case Manager, residents formulate actionable steps to move forward effectively.
Skills Sessions with the Program Coordinator:
Residents participate in tailored learning experiences aimed at equipping them with essential tools for future success.
These sessions serve as the foundation of our relationships with the residents in our care, providing individualized support catered to their unique needs and circumstances. By addressing goals, obstacles, and skill development in a structured and personalized manner, we empower our residents to progress towards self-sufficiency and fulfilment.
Building Connections in the Community
A fundamental component of our programming involves supporting our residents in establishing a robust social support network. We accomplish this by facilitating connections to a diverse array of community resources, leveraging the expertise of our dedicated support staff. Also, residents are encouraged to participate in at least two weekly community programs to broaden their network while accessing additional support.
Housing Plans
Integral to our mission of aiding women experiencing homelessness is ensuring they secure stable housing beyond their time at Marillac Place. In collaboration with community partners, we provide our clients with access to a specialized housing advisor who guides them through developing and achieving a housing plan. These plans encompass various steps, such as obtaining identification documents, apartment hunting, completing rental applications, and understanding tenant rights. This work underscores our commitment to facilitating a smooth transition to sustainable housing for our clients.
AfterCare Program
Moving from our residential facility to independent living involves overcoming significant barriers, and post-shelter support emerged as one of the most frequently requested services at Marillac Place. To meet this need, we established the AfterCare program. This program is designed to promote long-term housing stability after families leave Marillac Place by offering:
- Regular visits from our AfterCare Coordinator
- Grocery gift cards
- Material resources such as diapers, hygiene products, clothes and household necessities.
- Advocacy with landlords/support maintaining housing
- Assistance scheduling and attending appointments