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THE PROGRAM

The My Life Skills program is a six module comprehensive program for skill development and education in areas most commonly faced by those within marginalized populations.  Although it is not necessary to complete the modules in any specific order, Module 1 should be completed early in the program as identification of immediate needs will facilitate the creation of a case plan and identify basic needs that must be met prior to proceeding with the program.  Unmet basic needs will hinder learning but more importantly, risk further deterioration of the client.  This program has been developed to promote progress and as such, basic needs must be addressed first.

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MODULE 1 - NEEDS IDENTIFICATION AND BASIC SKILLS

1.4  Numeracy and Literacy

  • Basic Math Skills

  • Reading and Writing

 

1.5  Information Technology

  • Internet

  • E-mail

  • Social Media

  • Search Engines

1.1  Basic Human Needs

  • Maslow's Hierarchy of needs

  • Food, Clothing and Shelter

  • Connection

 

1.2  Food and Nutrition

  • Healthy Eating

  • Cooking for One

  • Food Bank and Community Meals

 

1.3  Personal Health and Oral Care

  • Hygiene

  • Oral Care

  • Medications

  • Immunizations

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MODULE 2 - INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS

2.4  Banking and Credit

  • Bank Account

  • Check Cashing

  • Credit and Credit Report

 

2.5  Community and Social Supports

  • Human and Social Services

  • Housing and Shelter Services

  • Mental Health and Wellness

  • Crisis Intervention

  • Peer Support (AA, NA, SMART and others)

2.1  Identification

  • Birth Certificate

  • Health Care Card

  • Photo Identification

 

2.2  Time Management

  • Developing a Routine

  • Appointment and Day Planning

  • Priorities

  • Goal Setting

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2.3  Budgeting and Bills

  • Budgeting

  • Wise Consuming

  • Prioritizing Bills

MODULE 3 - SOCIAL SKILLS

3.3  Self Esteem

  • Barriers to Self-esteem

  • Building Self-esteem

  • Confidence

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3.4  Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors

  • Open-mindedness

  • Rational and Irrational Thoughts

  • Beliefs and Fears

  • Anger and other Negative Emotions

  • Destructive Thinking

  • Guilt and Shame

  • Grief and Loss

  • Affirmations

3.1  Interpersonal Skills and Assertiveness

  • Verbal and Nonverbal

  • Active Listening

  • Emotions

  • Assertiveness

  • Conflict Resolution

 

3.2  Relationships

  • Family

  • Friends

  • Support System

  • Boundaries

 

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MODULE 4 - EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT

4.4  Job Search and Interviewing

  • Job Basics (ie. F/T, P/T, seasonal, discrimination)

  • Internet Search

  • Job Bank

  • Networking

 

4.5  Volunteering

  • Value of volunteering

  • Finding opportunities

4.1  Educational Upgrading

  • GED

  • College or University

  • Trade Training

 

4.2  Specialized Training

  • First Aid and CPR

  • Tickets (eg. Dangerous Goods, H2S)

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4.3  Resume Building

  • Building a Resume

  • Cover Letter

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MODULE 5 - MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION

5.3  Stress

  • Types of Stress

  • Effects of Stress

  • Avoiding Stress

  • Managing Stress

 

5.4  Time for a Change

  • Values

  • Cost Benefit

  • Change Plan

  • Maintaining Motivation

 

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5.1  Harm Reduction

  • Communicable Diseases and Infections

  • Overdose, Use After Abstinence and Naloxone

  • Smoking Cessation

  • Needle Drop Box Program

 

5.2  Mental Health

  • Self-care

  • Types of Disorders

  • Co-occurring Disorders and Dual Diagnosis

  • Compulsive and Obsessive Behaviors

  • Trauma

  • Mindfulness

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MODULE 6 - LEGAL

6.3  Legal Aid and Fine Option

  • Legal Aid System

  • Other Legal Support

  • Fine Option Program

 

6.4  Family Law

  • Mother's Rights

  • Father’s Rights

  • Family Maintenance

  • Custody and Visitation Agreements

6.1  Human Rights

  • Basic Rights

  • Where to Get Help

 

6.2  Crime and Consequences

  • Legal System

  • Policing and Enforcement

  • Cost of Crime

  • Consequences

 

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