Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Family Violence Interventions

Program Name:

Community Wellness Worker Program

Organization/Community:

Métis Nation of Ontario

Location:

Ottawa, Ontario / Serving 18 Ontario locations, rural/urban, off reserve.

Website:

www.metisnation.org

Goals and Objectives:

To reduce the incidence and impact of family violence and to promote healthy decision making toward Aboriginal health and wellness.

Target Group Description:

Everyone.

Program Description:

Direct interventions based on client-driven supports including wellness planning, assistance with form completion, referrals, advocacy, assisting clients to gain access to existing services and programs, peer counselling, crisis intervention and traditional cultural support. Targeted, culturally appropriate community education gatherings to enhance capacity/knowledge, change attitudes/behaviours and promote awareness for participants. Develop and maintain ongoing community relationships to share resources/knowledge, streamline services, support mutual goals and facilitate a Métis cultural perspective across the community at large. The program is offered from a Métis cultural perspective. Every client has their own unique plan that suits their cultural beliefs, learning styles, and other preferences.

Program Successes/Impact:

A significant increase in awareness. Program clients are making healthy and informed decisions to live a life free of violence.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Transportation for clients to and from program. A need for more specialized resources in the area of mental wellness.

Program in operation since:

2000.

Program:

Ongoing.