C.O.A.C.H(Community Outreach Action Collaborative Hamilton) program is new; however, it is just a combination of programs we were already running with some editions!! Our Substance Use Management Program, our Connections in Corrections program and our new Transitional Living Program.

 

Project objectives of the COACH program are:  

• To provide rapid Assessment and Case Management Services.

• To provide harm reduction and outreach services to bridge gaps in existing service provisions.

• To facilitate programs using a client-centered framework that ‘meets clients where they are at.

• To reduce Access Barriers Associated with low socio-economic status. 

• To improve access to services by promoting multi-agency collaboration;

• People with lived experience will have an impactful role in the design of services; and

• People with lived experience actively involved in engagement with program participants and delivery of service.

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SUBSTANCE USE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM - Gives folks an alternative to traditional withdrawal management, though utilizing a harm reduction approach that supports the numerous paths to recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Methods include co-creating a tapering program, medication-assisted treatments (MAT), cannabis support for opioid withdrawal, and abstinence support. Participants can exercise their autonomy and choose what’s right for them within the comfort of their own home or shelter setting. The program participant has access to an online course that lets them look at various methods to navigate substance use. Once in the program, a peer worker will help participants navigate withdrawal and make referrals to various community partners to implement whatever recovery path is chosen and aftercare support. They do not need to be involved with the criminal justice system to access substance use management support. 

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For more information, to enroll or to connect with the Substance Use Management Program Manager please email leah.york@grenfellministries.org

 

CONNECTIONS IN CORRECTIONS PROGRAM - The Connections in Corrections component of the COACH program focuses on folks who are exiting provincial and federal correctional facilities. The program participant will be assigned to a full-time team member for one year of intensive case management. The full-time team member will orchestrate wrap-around support in the form of discharge planning, housing supports, family reunification, ID recovery, mental health supports, and other unique needs expressed by the participant. They do not need to be a person who uses substances to access this support. 

 

Regardless of the entry point, once into the COACH program, folks can access either Substance Use Management or Connections in Corrections components based on needs expressed.  

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For more information, to enroll or to connect with the Connections In Corrections Program Coordinator please email rebeccamm@grenfellministries.org

 

 

The COACH Transitional Living Program

 

Transitional Living Program

In a partnership we facilitated with Hamilton City Housing, Grenfell has designed a peer based, peer led, transitional living shelter program inside Vanier Towers. Vanier Towers, a combination of two subsidized housing buildings in Hamilton Ontario has begun putting in supports, programming and mental health services for folk living in their units. A community hub was created, where on site at Vanier Towers there are Social Workers, Housing Support Workers, Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works workers, Shelter Health Network partnership to bring medical services into the building and a meal program run by a partnership with Wesley.

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The Vanier Towers Community Hub and this has provided us with the opportunity to secure four bachelor units under a head lease at market rent for $559 a month. These units are specifically for COACH program participants, to access this housing program you must enter one of the avenues in COACH, the Substance Use Management program or the Connections in Corrections are avenues to access this Transitional Living Program.

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Our units operate from a harm reduction and trauma-informed framework. We do not penalize, or service restrict program participants simply because they use substances. We work closely with program participants to help them develop the skills necessary to achieve and maintain long-term housing. Each program participant co-creates their discharge date within reason and is assigned a full-time team member to help facilitate their housing journey.

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Supportive Housing Program

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Continuing our partnership with Hamilton City Housing, Grenfell has designed a peer based, peer led, Supportive Housing Program inside Vanier Towers. Vanier Towers, a combination of two subsidized housing buildings in Hamilton Ontario has begun putting in supports, programming and mental health services for folk living in their units. A community hub was created, where on site at Vanier Towers there are Social Workers, Housing Support Workers, Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works workers, Shelter Health Network partnership to bring medical services into the building and a meal program run by a partnership with Wesley.

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In our 2 supportive housing units, we operate from a harm reduction and trauma-informed framework. We do not penalize, or service restrict program participants simply because they use substances. Our supportive housing units are specific, one person to a unit bachelor’s with supportive care. Folk in this program are specific to those who struggle with schizophrenia, and referrals are accepted through our COACH program avenues.

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For more information, to apply or to connect with our Housing Program Manager please email katie.brown@grenfellministries.org