IJC’s largest program, El’dad, is based in Mitchell, MB.
Started by Addison and Gerda Klassen in the early 1980s, El’dad Ranch, then a program of MCC Manitoba, began as a second chance for young men who had been at odds with the law.
Over the years, with the help of countless others, the vision has expanded far beyond that, and lives have been enriched with new skills and possibilities. As of 2011, El’dad became part of Initiatives for Just Communities, an umbrella organization with a Restorative Justice focus.
El’dad provides residential support, vocational training, and assistance in designing futures of possibility for adults with intellectual disabilities. Our goal is to provide participants with the best opportunities for growth, connection, independence, and healing. El’dad runs residential homes, two day programs, outreach supports, home shares, supported living clusters, a drop-in, as well as an alternative justice program for men with intellectual disabilities who have come into conflict with the law. Explore El’dad’s programs through the links below.
Programs
Day Programs
El’dad currently runs two Day Programs: a hands-on vocational training program at El’dad Ranch and a life skills program at our Mitchell location. The objective of both of these programs is to achieve community involvement for our participants through meaningful employment.
Home Share Program
El’dad Home Share Program provides support services to men and women with intellectual disabilities, within the Steinbach and surrounding areas. The Home share program connects participant with hosts who are willing to share their home and positive life style with others.
Alternative Justice Program
The El’dad Alternative Justice Program is a residential and day program that offers vocational training, education, as well as other assistance to the men it supports. Together, staff and participants work at designing an individualized program that can result in a meaningful and productive future for the individual.
Outreach Program
The objective of the El’dad Outreach Program is to assist adults living with intellectual disabilities within the Eastman region of Manitoba to live independently in the community with supports. We seek to encourage positive choices while empowering individuals to achieve their goals, thereby increasing their ability to experience success and enjoy the quality of life they deserve.
Residential Program
El’dad’s Residential Program provides comprehensive residential assistance to individuals facing challenges in maintaining their basic needs. Our support approach is solution-focused, strength based, person-centered, and incorporates harm reduction strategies when appropriate. We foster a safe, non-judgmental environment where residents can explore their individuality and learn from their experiences.
Supported Cluster Program
The objective of the Supported Cluster Program (SCP) is to assist participants with their long-term goal of fewer supports and greater independence. We provide opportunities for independence and learning life skills while having supports that can be accessed as needed.
Program eligibility
Participants in all of our programs must meet the eligibility requirements of Community Living disABILITY Services (CLdS) or Provincial Alternative Support Services (PASS). Participants join our programs through referrals from their Community Service Worker (CSW). Referrals may be sent to referrals@initiativesjc.org.
If you or the individual you are supporting does not have a CSW, please contact the relevant intake office of CLdS.
For more information about El’dad, contact info@initiativesjc.org.
