Lawson Ministries Support Network Keeps People S.A.F.E.
Like a spoke of a wheel, community protection flows out from the hub of the S.A.F.E. program.
At The Salvation Army Lawson Ministries in Hamilton, the S.A.F.E. – Sexuality and sexual health, Abuse Awareness, Family Planning and Support and Education – Hub is a network of protection for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities between the ages of 18 to 29.
The S.A.F.E Hub framework is being developed by an advisory committee with $75,000 in funding from a Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory Innovation Grant.
Deanna Finch-Smith, Executive Director of Lawson Ministries, says S.A.F.E is meant to support young people as they move from the care of agencies or from a foster care or group home setting to adult programs that kick in at age 18.
“Lawson Ministries has been supporting youth in transition for 40 years. In this time, we have found a gap in service that includes parenting supports, partnership violence, sexual education, self-advocacy and relationship counselling,” Deanna says. “These supports are essential for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that will bring independence and a fulfilling life.”
The program gives youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities the tools they need to live safely and independently. Lawson Ministries staff are trained in recognizing signs of abuse, assessing risk and abuse awareness, and work closely with participants in developing individualized outcome-based service plans to ensure client goals are clearly defined and achievable.
“This program will help address the barriers and limitations our clients face and provide additional supports with resources, education and clinical assessments for people who may be experiencing abuse,” Deanna says.
The S.A.F.E. program resource hub at Paparella Innovative Arts Centre in downtown Hamilton offers a mix of both physical and virtual supports, sexual and personal health resources, education, clinical assessments, and support programs.
Community resources will also be available from a team of professionals providing client-specific training and needs assessment in a range of support areas. Spokes from the S.A.F.E Hub direct young adults to a growing network of partners that will support the creation and deliveries of services.
