Family Wellness & Empowerment Program

Program Information

Effective: January 2026

Wings provides medium-term (6-24 months), trauma-informed housing and wrap-around supports for women and their children fleeing family violence. Our Family Wellness & Empowerment Program (FWEP) replaces previous program models and strengthens our continuum of care across second-stage housing and community outreach.

Clients at Wings take part in the Family Wellness & Empowerment Program and are required to actively engage in goal setting using the Wings Self-Sufficiency Matrix. Daily outcomes-based groups sessions are available for clients at Wings, with a focus on empowerment and self-sufficiency. Clients are encouraged to attend group sessions that align with their individual goals or personal interests.  

Clients who arrive at Wings who are currently employed or attending school may remain working/attending school and attend the outcomes-based group sessions on a part-time basis to work towards their personal goals towards empowerment.  

Clients may choose to participate in the Strength to Soar: Wings Self-Sufficiency & Employment Certificate, a skills and goal-based program designed to support clients in advancing through the Self-Sufficiency Matrix while building job readiness and personal resilience. Programming will be offered throughout the day (morning, afternoon and evenings) to accommodate all families living at Wings.

Length of stay ranges between 6 to 24 months and is guided by Self-Sufficiency Matrix and ongoing goal planning.  

Providing medium-term housing support and outcomes-based programs for families who have high safety risks or complex needs who are escaping family violence.  

Referrals & Admission:

To submit an application or referral, please contact us at:

Phone: 780-426-4985

Email: info@wingsofprovidence.ca , jpenner@wingsofprovidence.ca

  • 49 fully furnished apartments 

  • Highly secure buildings  

  • 24-hour on-site tenant support

  • Dedicated Case Manager 

  • Supported goal setting

  • Daily outcomes-based empowerment programs

  • Safety planning 

  • Criminal justice support

  • Employment/ Education support

  • Housing navigation support

  • Financial literacy

  • Mental health support

  • Addictions support

  • Registered Psychologists

  • On-site primary health care

  • On-site, full-time childcare is subject to availability.  Mothers attending school, Wings programming, or working will be prioritized.

  • Child & Youth Empowerment Programs 

Admission Criteria  

The eligibility criteria for Wings' Family Wellness & Empowerment Program ensure it effectively serves women and children fleeing family violence while providing necessary resources and support: 

 

  1. Fleeing Domestic Violence: Open to women with their dependent children escaping various forms of abuse. Documentation may not be required, but background information is requested for safety assessment. Intended for women (generally over 18) and their dependent children, with at least 50% child custody required for eligibility. 

  2. Complex Needs: Prioritizes women and children with complex needs that create barriers to affording or maintaining independent living.

  3. Immediate Need for Shelter: Applicants must demonstrate an urgent need for safe housing due to imminent danger or risk of homelessness. 

  4. Commitment to Goals: Willingness to participate in supportive services for personal growth, including housing plans and counseling, and independence is expected. 

  5. Safety and Confidentiality Agreement: Applicants must agree to adhere to safety protocols, including not disclosing shelter location to protect residents and staff. 

  6. Adherence to Program Policies: Residents must follow program rules, maintain peace, and respect others, as breaches may result in loss of housing. 

  7. No Other Safe Housing Options: Prioritizes individuals lacking alternative safe housing, including those unable to stay with family or friends. 

  8. Willingness to Engage in Case Management: Participation in case management is needed for developing a pathway to permanent housing. 

  9. Health and Safety Considerations: Considers the health and safety of applicants and the community, addressing immediate medical or mental health needs. 

  10. Temporary Nature of Stay: Applicants must recognize the program is a medium-term, transitional solution and work towards permanent housing. 

  11. Income and Financial Status: Serves primarily individuals with low or no income, with rent required and assistance provided for applying for financial support. 

Several factors may exclude an applicant from WINGS' Family Wellness & Empowerment Program, primarily related to safety concerns, program capacity, and specific needs: 

 

  1. Safety and Confidentiality Violations: Applicants unable to maintain confidentiality or follow safety protocols may be excluded to protect residents and staff. 

  2. Severe Behavioral Issues: A history of violent behavior or unmanaged substance abuse that poses safety risks can lead to exclusion, as Wings may not handle severe issues in a communal setting. 

  3. Untreated Mental Health Conditions: Applicants with severe, untreated mental health conditions requiring specialized care beyond Wings' capacity may be referred to appropriate services. 

  4. Lack of Engagement: Unwillingness to participate in case management or support services may indicate a poor fit for the program, which emphasizes active participation. 

  5. Criminal Activity: Ongoing criminal activity or legal restrictions that conflict with other residents' safety may result in exclusion, though a past criminal history alone may not be disqualifying. 

  6. Unsuitability for Communal Living: Disruptive behaviour or inability to live cooperatively may lead to exclusion to maintain a peaceful environment. 

  7. Substance Abuse Issues: Active substance abuse disrupting program participation or endangering others may result in exclusion, with referrals to treatment offered instead. 

  8. Over Capacity: Applicants may be excluded if Wings is at full capacity, with options for waitlisting or referrals to other housing programs. 

 

These criteria help ensure the safety and stability of the program for residents and staff while prioritizing support for those most in need.

Philosophical Framework

Wings is guided by a comprehensive philosophical framework that shapes how we support women and children fleeing family violence across all of our programs, including supportive housing, early childhood services, and community outreach. Our approach is grounded in core principles that prioritize safety, dignity, empowerment, and long-term stability for the families we serve. 

1. Trauma-Informed Care 

  • Foundation: Wings acknowledges the deep and lasting impact of trauma on those experiencing family violence. We are committed to fostering environments of physical, emotional, cultural, and psychological safety. 

  • Application: Staff across all Wings programs are trained in trauma-informed practices, providing compassionate, non-judgmental support. Our services aim to reduce re-traumatization and promote healing and trust. 

2. Empowerment and Self-Determination 

  • Foundation: We believe in the strength, resilience, and potential of every individual. Our role is to support women as they rebuild their lives on their own terms. 

  • Application: Programs are designed to help participants identify and achieve their personal goals, whether related to housing, employment, parenting, or wellness, while providing the tools and support needed to succeed. 

3. Housing First Philosophy 

  • Foundation: Safe, stable housing is a human right and a necessary foundation for recovery and growth. 

  • Application: Wings removes barriers to accessing housing and services, prioritizing immediate safety and stability without preconditions. Support continues as residents transition toward permanent housing. 

4. Holistic, Wraparound Support 

  • Foundation: Healing and long-term success requires more than housing, it requires addressing the full spectrum of an individual’s needs. 

  • Application: Wings offers a continuum of services including counselling, early childhood care, legal and financial support, life skills development, and community referrals, ensuring families are supported in all aspects of their lives. 

5. Safety and Dignity 

  • Foundation: Safety is non-negotiable. Everyone deserves to live free from fear and be treated with dignity and respect. 

  • Application: Wings provides secure, confidential housing and services where women and children can recover and rebuild. We center dignity in every interaction, ensuring survivors are seen, heard, and valued. 

6. Cultural Respect and Inclusivity (Anti-Oppressive Practice) 

  • Foundation: Violence and homelessness are experienced differently across cultures and identities. Wings commits to culturally safe, inclusive, and responsive practices. 

  • Application: We provide culturally relevant supports, language services, and staff training in cultural humility to ensure all families feel respected and understood. 

7. Collaboration and Community Integration 

  • Foundation: Lasting impact requires strong partnerships and collective effort. 

  • Application: Wings works closely with shelters, legal aid, healthcare, housing agencies, and newcomer services to deliver integrated; wraparound supports that follow families through each stage of their journey. 

8. Strengths-Based Practice 

  • Foundation: Survivors are not defined by their trauma. They are resilient, capable, and deserving of a future filled with possibility. 

  • Application: Wings focuses on strengths, not deficits, helping families recognize their own power and supporting them to reach their full potential with confidence and hope.