Supported Independent Living (SIL)
As a means of supporting individuals to live a healthy holistic lifestyle within their own homes, Community Living Atikokan oversees the Supported Independent Living program, aimed at teaching individuals various functional skills to be successful, productive, and integrated members of society.
Recognizing that all persons have varying degrees of skills, abilities, goals, and aspirations for their future, providing support for those who choose to reside in the community had to be multi-faceted. This resulted in developing a program that provides 24-hour support to individuals who are not yet prepared to take on the degree of responsibility and autonomy that living with total independence entails. CLA owns and operates an apartment complex in the downtown area, providing individual apartments for reasonable rent. The degree of support given to each individual is based on their personal requirements as determined by the person and their support network.
The second component of the Supported Independent Living program provides services to individuals who live in the community. Working closely with the person and their support team, SIL strives to promote as much independence as possible, and remains flexible enough to meet each person’s particular needs, increasing or decreasing supports on an as-needed basis.
Each staff person hired is oriented in, and signs a Pledge of Service citing their commitment to establish trust, and uphold the values of the organization. Community Living Atikokan is committed to providing respect, support, and services to meet the diverse developmental needs of people, within the community. This is much more than a mission statement, it is a conviction we uphold.
Learning from, and accepting each community member can only serve to strengthen that community, adding a rich diversity of people who truly care and support one another. The residential programs remain committed to meet challenges head on, and endorse the vision of inclusion and the right to peace and harmony in one’s life.