The Alberta government is investing $4 million towards the expansion of the Wood’s Homes Bowness campus.
The funding will help create more modern spaces that will support approximately 80 children and youth in care, the province announced in Calgary on Thursday.
Bjorn Johansson, CEO of Wood’s Homes, said that in the organization’s 100 years of existence, much has changed, but the core reason for being has stood the test of time.
“The needs of children and families have evolved, our services have grown, and our understanding of mental health, trauma and recovery has advanced and changed how we do our work,” he said.
“But one thing remains constant, our commitment to helping young people and families thrive and heal. That commitment has only been possible because of the support of our community, our donors, and our government partners.”
Alberta Minister of Children and Family Services, Searle Turton, said that the government is happy to support hardworking organizations like Wood’s Homes.
“For generations, Wood’s Homes have provided safe, stable environments for young people facing complex challenges. Today, they support approximately 20,000 children, youth and families each year through a wide range of services,” he said.
“This includes specialized placements for children and youth in care, foster care, mental health and addiction support, and community-based programs that make a real difference in the lives of children. Alberta’s government is proud to support community partners like Wood’s Homes.”
Wood’s Homes Bowness Campus Modernization will expand capacity for specialized placements by around 30 per cent, meaning more children and youth will have access to the specialized care that they need, Turton said.
“It will also strengthen access to mental health, addiction, and community-based services. This is part of a broader commitment to support children and youth right across Alberta.:
Addiction support is high on the government’s priorities list: Minister
The Alberta recovery model is focused on ensuring those struggling with mental health or addiction challenges can access the support to pursue recovery exactly when they need it, according to Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.
When considering expanding access to classroom-based mental health supports, building youth mental health facilities, increasing access to counseling, adding youth mental health hubs across the province, and funding virtual and home-based mental health and addiction supports, the government has taken serious strides in support and recovery options, Wilson said.
“Today’s investment will provide even more children and youth with access to living environments designed to provide a safe, stable, and healing environment while they access the care that they need,” he said.
“When it comes to children and youth, addressing mental health and addiction challenges as early as possible can make a significant impact in helping them build resiliency and brighter futures; that’s what’s at the heart of today’s investment.”
