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Frequently Asked Questions about the SHYM Program

When did SHYM open?

SHYM opened in October, 2007. Since that time we have housed over 30 families. New referrals are welcome. If there is a waiting list you will be advised when you contact the Family Support Worker.

Will I have my own apartment?

Yes. Each family has their own small apartment. There are 12 apartments in all. SHYM is not a group home.

Can any young mother live at SHYM?

You have to qualify to receive income assistance and be between 16 and 21 (if indicated, SHYM can accept referrals from Moms up to 24 years of age).

If I live at SHYM, what is expected of me?

You will have to agree to take part in SHYM activities and follow SHYM guidelines. This includes:
1. Meeting with the Family Support Worker to talk about what is going on with you, how you and your baby are doing, and what support you might need.
2. Going to group programs, once or more each day. (the great thing about group programs is that tenants can suggest topics... so if you really want to learn about something, you can request that we run a program about it).
3. Taking part in SHYM community events, such as regular tenant meetings and weekly meals.
4. Following SHYM policies and rules. There are more rules at SHYM than in a typical apartment building. The rules are mainly to keep everyone safe, since so many young mothers have dealt with abuse in their families or other relationships.
5. Keeping your apartment safe for a child and taking care of yourself and your child (or children) - including making meals, doing laundry, bathing, etc.
6. Participate in SHYM “Stages” Program. All tenants enter SHYM at Stage 1 and move through 4 Stages depending on their skill development and ability to accomplish the goals of that stage.

Where is SHYM located?

We are in Woodside, which is part of Dartmouth. We are very close to the new Waterfront campus of the Nova Scotia Community College. We are next door to the Dartmouth General Hospital and also near the Nova Scotia Hospital. The Woodside ferry terminal is about a four-minute walk from us; once you are on the ferry, it is a 15-minute ride across the harbour to downtown Halifax. We are on bus routes 60, 63, and 65. The closest high school is Dartmouth High (1 bus). You can also get to the Dartmouth and Halifax FLEC's programs from where we are (2 buses). The new community college across the street from us has a day care centre and Wee Care - Dartmouth Developmental Centre, is also nearby. We are less than a 5 minute from a drug store. There are recreational facilities and a harbourfront walking trail close by. There are also places to work and volunteer. Google Map to Location

What can I look forward to at SHYM?

There are lots of great things about a program like SHYM. For some people, the best part is having a safe place to live, a door you can lock, and food of your own. For other people, it is having staff close by to answer questions about your baby and help you when you aren't sure how to handle something. And for others, the best part is knowing that your child is in a good environment. There are also the nice neighbours, fun activities, and the chance to be part of something bigger - like planning a holiday event for everyone, or helping someone else who has just had a baby. Last but not least, you will get support and information to help you and your baby get off to a great start as a family.

SHYM provides Staged programming so that you have lots of extra support when you first move in. As you develop independence skills, comfort with SHYM and comfort with your new role as a mom, you will move through the stages, which allow for decreased levels of supervision and ever increasing community involvement. The speed at which you move through those stages will be different for everyone. For some moms it may take a period of months to move through stage 1, for others it might be a period of days or weeks. Much will depend on your current skill set and current needs and will be worked out with the Family Support worker once you move in.

Can my baby's father come live with me?

No. SHYM provides housing for young mothers and their children only. Other people, including the father of your baby, may come visit, if you wish.

I am young, and I have a child, and I am having a hard time finding an apartment. Is SHYM for me?

Maybe, but maybe not. If you are willing to take part in the support and education that SHYM offers, then SHYM might be right for you. Give us a call to talk about your situation. We can help you decide if SHYM is right for you. Unfortunately, it can be really hard for young mothers to find a place to live. You may be discriminated against. Or, the only place you can find might cost way too much. Or, the places you can afford may not be good places for children. If SHYM isn’t right for you, we will try to help you look at other alternatives.

My child has been taken into care by DCS. If I live at SHYM, will I get my child back?

SHYM may be the right place for you - but it might not be. Young mothers who live at SHYM have to be ready, willing, and able to take care of their child or children. Also, you cannot bring any harm to the other parents and children who live at SHYM. If you think SHYM might be for you, please contact the SHYM office to talk with us about your situation. You can also ask your social worker to call us for you.

Can I come for a tour?

Yes! Come see the building and ask any questions you have. You can come alone or with someone who supports you. Coming for a tour can help you decide if SHYM is right for you. Tours can be arranged by setting up a meeting with the family support worker at 465-2213.

Can I have visitors?

Yes! However there are some limits around how many visitors you can have, the time and frequency that visitors can be at SHYM and how often visitors can stay overnight.

I have a lot of other questions.

SHYM is a brand new program, and not all your questions will have answers yet. That can be a little scary, but it is also a great chance to be part of deciding the rules and policies. The first group of mothers who live at SHYM will help make decisions that shape what kind of place SHYM becomes for other families in the future.

 
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