The H.O.M.E. Society was formed to respond to the needs of 16 individuals who had not succeeded in previous attempts to leave institutional life and return to the community. The society grew out of a coalition of managers from 5 existing societies, family members and staff from the former institution.
Many of the support services were consolidated within the agency for quick response(s). Finally, there was a major focus on the environment and neighborhood. Homes were designed to allow the men and women we serve to succeed despite challenging behavior’s. Working closely with BC Housing and the architects enabled us to find rural sites, which allowed distance from neighbor’s and enough space and options to allow energetic and productive living in a community setting.
Welcoming men and women who need a supportive home in the community by embracing the Philosophy of Gentle Teaching. Linking with family, friends and neighbors’ to provide a circle of support for those we serve Supporting the community in which we live and work, contributing to the local economy, agencies and events, and sharing the gifts and skills of those within the H.O.M.E. Society.
The HOME Society provides homes shared with warm and caring families and caregivers. Most individuals supported by HOMES find the companionship and support to be life changing. HOMES has over 90 family homes (HomeShare) in the Fraser Valley and a variety of residential living options.
Most of the young men and woman supported by HOMES had never worked prior to their involvement with HOMES. Often within days they have joined a crew and are working as much as they are able and earning wages for the first time doing office work, moving or landscaping.
Many of those referred arrive with mental health issues and often in poor health as a result of living on the streets or in and out of jail or hospitals. HOMES can provide easy access and consistent Psychiatric support, drug and alcohol counselling and help with medical, dental and nutritional issues.
Those we support, family members, caregivers, colleagues and neighbors’ are all welcome to drop by the office. They are welcomed with warm hugs and a caring team.
HOMES is known locally and Internationally for Gentle Teaching. Slowly this warm, caring and companionship philosophy begins to create a future where planning is now possible.
Most caregivers arriving at H.O.M.E.S know very little about Gentle Teaching. H.O.M.E.S provides ongoing training and mentoring and Gentle Teaching soon becomes a way of life.
Gentle Teaching is the philosophy the HOME Society embraces, this approach is not selective in its application and is at the core of all that we do. At the Home Society we do not view those we support as broken and in need of repair, but rather as complete individuals with gifts and warmth and laughter to share. We create a culture of gentleness and unconditional love, a culture of relationships and reciprocal acceptance. We do not use the tools of behavior modification (restraint, time-out and consequences), but rather the genuine tools of gentleness: our words, our presence, our eyes, and our touch.
Proud Gentle Teaching International Partner
Organizations across Canada are actively collaborating with one another and our Gentle Teaching International partners to expand on and strengthen our cultures of gentleness through the development of Gentle Teaching Mentors and Trainers.
