Program overview
The Touchstone program is dedicated to supportive relationships and mentorship for adults and youth with intellectual disabilities in Winnipeg. Our objective is to support individuals to experience empowerment in their personal lives by nurturing trustworthy bonds and encouraging meaningful choices. We understand the importance of good and reliable connections in enhancing quality of life and independence.
Through our program, participants receive ongoing personalized coaching, crucial learning opportunities, and life skill development, within the program’s broader focus on fostering natural supports within the community. We embrace harm reduction and trauma-informed approaches in relationship and in mentorship with participants, fostering spaces and dynamics that resist stigma. We recognize and respect all varying identities and cultures.
Touchstone programs include:
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- Outreach
- A drop-in program
- Visions and Voices, an FASD speakers’ bureau
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For more information about Touchstone, contact info@initiativesjc.org.
The name Touchstone describes the mentoring relationship between program staff and program participants. Within this relationship mentors work towards becoming a “reference point” or “touchstone” for participants.
Program eligibility
Touchstone participants must meet the eligibility requirements of Community Living disABILITY Services (CLdS) or Provincial Alternative Support Services. 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.
