Couchiching Jubilee House

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Program Goals

• To support women in meeting their goals based on their personal strengths and their motivation for change.
• To offer nurturing, non-judgmental, supported living for women.
• To help women access the community resources they need and want.
• To offer supports from within our community, to include the individual’s natural support system, volunteers and the Program Coordinator.
• To provide affordable, safe, transitional (up to one year) housing for women and their dependent children.

Program Description 

Couchiching Jubilee House is a Transitional House for women located in downtown Orillia. Founded in Jubilee Year 2000, the House offers four furnished apartments to vulnerable women and their dependent children, offering a safe, supportive and affordable environment for up to one year. The women come from varying backgrounds, ranging in age from 16 to mid 50’s; teenage Mom’s, women fleeing from abusive homes, women without the means to help themselves. However, each one has made a big decision, made a choice to work towards a much brighter future. Research shows that without consistent support, it is unlikely that she will be able to follow through on that decision.

Research also tells us that isolation is a major risk factor for vulnerable women, they do not know where or how to turn for help. At CJH they belong, there are goals and expectations, with caring, compassionate follow-up!

Residents are required to take part in an intensive program designed for each one based on her specific needs and strengths. The Team supporting each woman consists of the CJH Executive Director, Volunteers, Community Service professionals and possibly family members. This Wraparound process ensures appropriate community services are accessed and that goals are reasonable and attainable. Support is unconditional and consistent; we are proud to say that we have had many opportunities to celebrate small and some not so small successes. 

Our administration consists of four part-time staff all working varying part-time hours to keep cost of providing program economical.

The House is leased from St. James Court Not For Profit Housing Corporation at a very reasonable rent; administrative office space is subsidized by Dr. Markle. Financial support is primarily from the Faith based community; Orillia Presbyterian, St. Andrew’s, St. James Anglican, St. Paul’s, Regent Park, Forest Home and Westmount United Churches sponsor the four apartments, and FaithWorks funds the salary of the Executive Director. The sponsoring Churches are all located in Orillia.

Our Mission Statement:

Empowering vulnerable women to improve their quality of life through a program of individualized support and transitional housing.

For further information

Please contact the office at 705-326-4337 or mailto: info@jubileehouse.ca

Geographical Area Served - Orillia and area

• Couchiching Jubilee House opened its doors to residents in September 2001.
• Average length of stay is 7 months
• Transitional program that offers housing for up to one year. The program continues to offer a variety of support to past residents.

The 'Wrap-Around' Process

Overview - In order to support women in a holistic, non-judgmental way, volunteers who work with Wraparound program participants are trained in the Wraparound process. This process is characterized by many of the same principles as are found in Couchiching Jubilee House’s philosophy and program goals.

• Wraparound Principles
• Community partnership/ownership
• Individualized planning
• Strength-based approach
• Participant ownership
• Collaborative provision of services
• Informal resources, unpaid volunteers
• Access to flexible funding
• Unconditional support
• Measurable outcomes
• Inclusivity
• Safety/crisis planning

Wraparound was designed to support individuals and families with complex needs. Unlike some other methodologies, Wraparound places a constant emphasis on participants’ strengths. The process is led by a Wraparound facilitator, who helps participants to identify their strengths and to assemble a team of supportive individuals to help them meet their goals. This team will consist of Couchiching Jubilee House volunteers, friends, and community professionals.

Together, residents, with the support of their team, set goals for the future and devise a plan to achieve them. Wraparound is not a magic solution to problems; but, with effort, it helps people to improve their self-image, to see their issues as solvable, and to organize their efforts toward a more hopeful tomorrow.

On-line Resources:

Walker, J.S. & Bruns, E.J.: The wraparound process

• Individualized care planning and management for children and families
• Official document: Ten essential elements of Wraparound
• Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice: Wraparound Articles

Speakers

Couchiching Jubilee House is pleased to provide speakers to your group or organizations to the surrounding geographical area. We have a 15 minute video that provides an overview of the program and the women and children who we serve.