Changes for Hope – Trauma-Informed Care In Alberta: Your "Home Away From Home"
You know that feeling when you walk into a house and it just feels like home? That’s what we’re after at Changes For Hope. We’re not running some institutional facility here – we’re creating actual homes where youth in care can breathe easy, feel respected, and know they belong somewhere.
What makes our trauma-informed care different is how we weave real cultural understanding with genuine community spirit. We’ve got Elders dropping by to share stories, Teachers bringing their knowledge, and community leaders who become part of these youth’s lives. When youth connect with where they come from, something powerful happens – they start understanding why their heritage isn’t just history, it’s who they are.
Sometimes, a Chief, Council, or Children’s Services Director will ask us to dedicate a whole home to one Indigenous community. We say yes because keeping customs, traditions, and cultural ties strong isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential.
How We Think About Care
Look, relationships either matter or they don’t. Ours do. We’re talking about connections built on genuine care, trust that is earned over time, and respect that is mutual. These aren’t the kind of polite relationships you might find elsewhere. They’re commitments that help keep cultural, family, and community bonds alive.
Every youth is dealing with their stuff – physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. We get that. So instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we start wherever each person happens to be right now.
PROGRAMS
HOPE, FAITH, PROSPERITY,
(SIL) COURAGE HOUSE
– 24 hours a day, 7 days a week supportive care from trauma informed trained staff – Referrals to outside sources for medical and phycological care
SEMI INDEPENDENT LIVING
(SIL) Ages 16+
In this program it is mandatory for the youth to participate in a progressive day program. This program may be full time school or work or a combination of both.
Cultural
Component
The idea of “Knowing where you come from, and who you are, and how you want to be” is a good starting point for the youth that come to our program.
Clinical
Oversight
As a Community Group Care home, we have enhanced clinical oversight from a qualified clinician. Clinical oversight refers to the supervision and guidance provided
PROGRAMS
HOPE, FAITH, PROSPERITY,
(SIL) COURAGE HOUSE
– 24 hours a day, 7 days a week supportive care from trauma informed trained staff – Referrals to outside sources for medical and phycological care
SEMI INDEPENDENT LIVING
(SIL) Ages 16+
In this program it is mandatory for the youth to participate in a progressive day program. This program may be full time school or work or a combination of both.
Cultural
Component
The idea of “Knowing where you come from, and who you are, and how you want to be” is a good starting point for the youth that come to our program.
Clinical
Oversight
As a Community Group Care home, we have enhanced clinical oversight from a qualified clinician. Clinical oversight refers to the supervision and guidance provided
What We Do
- Hope, Faith, Prosperity – Courage House
This is our haven offering trauma-informed care in Edmonton, where youth get support that’s really about giving them something solid to stand on, somewhere to belong, and a reason to keep going. - Supportive Independent Living (16 and up)
Think life skills, guidance, and someone in your corner as you figure out how to adult. Because turning 18 doesn’t magically make you ready for everything. - Cultural Programming
Traditional teachings, ceremonies, and cultural activities – all while delivering trauma-informed care that youth need. Culture isn’t an add-on; it’s woven into everything.
Here's What You'll Find
Every young person has their own story, right? We’re just here to help them figure out what chapter comes next, and we want them to feel safe and supported while they do it.
Our homes providing trauma-informed care in Edmonton are structured but not rigid. Each youth gets an individualized service plan because what works for one might not work for another. We’ve got after-school tutoring for academics, sports and recreation to keep things fun, and we encourage staying connected with family and community whenever that’s healthy and possible.
Faith matters to a lot of youth, so we make sure there’s space for spiritual and religious practices. Our staff know Indigenous culture and trauma-informed care approaches inside and out. We try to hire from the communities we serve because seeing yourself reflected in the people caring for you matters more than you might think.
Why Our Location Works
Our trauma-informed care homes in Edmonton serve youth from all over the province. There’s something about having that stable base where healing can happen, even when home feels far away.
For Indigenous youth placed outside their communities, we don’t just wave goodbye to their culture. We partner with their home community so traditions stay present in day-to-day life.
Affiliates
Where We Make a Difference
- Right Here in Edmonton
This is where our trauma-informed care facilities are located. Stability, cultural connection, support – whatever youth need to take their next steps forward. - All Across Alberta
Youth from everywhere in the province come for our care. Distance shouldn’t determine the quality of support someone receives. - Community Partnerships
We work hand-in-hand with Indigenous leaders, Elders, and Children’s Services. Cultural safety isn’t something you can fake – it has to be built together.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re looking for a genuinely safe, supportive home for a young person needing trauma-informed care, we’re here to listen. Reach out today, and let’s figure out together what makes sense as a next step.
FAQs
Changes for Hope is an agency dedicated to supporting children and youth dealing with issues such as trauma, loss, grief, and challenges in forming healthy connections.
The organization offers various programs, including community group care, semi-independent living for youth aged 16 and above, and culturally-informed support services.
Children and adolescents facing emotional and psychological challenges, particularly those related to trauma and loss, can benefit from the tailored programs offered.
The SIL program mandates youth participation in a progressive day program, which may include full-time schooling, employment, or a combination of both, to foster independence.
The Cultural Component emphasizes the importance of understanding one's heritage and identity, serving as a foundation for personal growth and healing.
Our Intake Form Here
