What’s going on at ChimoWhat’s going on at ChimoWhat’s going on at ChimoWhat’s going on at Chimo From From From From

the Head Honchothe Head Honchothe Head Honchothe Head Honcho!

“SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS”“SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS”“SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS”“SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS” I imagine that most people who will read this

have already given of their time and/or finances to improve the lives of those around us. I have heard Christmas giving described as a way to ease the guilt of how much we all

have and what we have to be grateful for. Maybe that’s true although I do think it is

somewhat pessimistic. Mostly I think we give because we care. Even those apparent Scrooge like characters amongst us care deep down in

their scrooge like little hearts. This past year two northern Alberta

communities in particular have suffered unspeakable tragedy and will for a very long time deal with the aftereffects. Of course I am speaking of Slave Lake and most recently

Grand Prairie. And what an amazing display of humanity they have provided for us. Forgiveness and love beyond all else. Future generations may judge us on our

compassion and if so, I think we will do alright.

Christmas may not be the same without a

sappy quote from me so in the words of John Lennon:

“A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS“A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS“A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS“A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEARAND A HAPPY NEW YEARAND A HAPPY NEW YEARAND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

LETS HOPE IT’S A GOOD ONELETS HOPE IT’S A GOOD ONELETS HOPE IT’S A GOOD ONELETS HOPE IT’S A GOOD ONE WITHOUT ANY FEAR”WITHOUT ANY FEAR”WITHOUT ANY FEAR”WITHOUT ANY FEAR”

Recipes that are

SuperDeDuper Easy!

From master chef Mr. Chimo!

Hearty French Onion Soup

What You Need

2 Tbsp. Zesty Italian Dressing

3 large onions, sliced, separated into rings

2 cans (10 fl oz/284 mL each) 25%-less-sodium beef

broth

2 soup cans water

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme

1 cup seasoned croutons

1 cup 4 Cheese Italiano

Shredded Cheese

Make It

HEAT dressing in large saucepan on medium heat.

Add onions; cook 10 min. or until golden brown,

stirring frequently.

STIR in broth, water and thyme. Bring to boil; simmer

on medium-low heat 5 min.

HEAT broiler. Ladle soup into 8 ovenproof bowls; top

with croutons and cheese. Broil, 3 to 4 inches from

heat, 2 to 3 min. or until cheese is melted.

How to Shed No Tears

To avoid crying while peeling or slicing onions, just

chill them in the freezer for 10 to 15 min. before

slicing. Or, peel the onions under cold running water.

Need a bit of inspiration?Need a bit of inspiration?Need a bit of inspiration?Need a bit of inspiration? Christmas is forever, not for just one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to

put away like bells and lights and tinsel, in some

box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you

do yourself... ~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be

Christmas," 1976

WinterWinterWinterWinter 2011201120112011

What’s hapWhat’s hapWhat’s hapWhat’s happening at the Transition Homes?pening at the Transition Homes?pening at the Transition Homes?pening at the Transition Homes?

Chimo 2Chimo 2Chimo 2Chimo 2 In the past 6 months Chimo 2 sure has seen a lot of change!! Jenni left for maternity leave in July and gave birth to a beautiful little 7lbs 3ounce baby girl named Paiyton on July 30, 2011. Congratulations goes out to Jenni and family! We can’t wait to see you back here next summer! We were sad to say goodbye to Kara-Lee who left us to work at Inner City High School. But we can’t be sad for long as Kara-Lee is still hanging around Chimo as a relief worker. With two people leaving us this past summer at Chimo 2 we were extra extra excited to welcome Mel to our full-time team! We are very happy to have you here Mel you bring a great energy to the team. And MORE EXCITING NEWS we were happy to announce that our Supervisor Monique is now expecting a tiny bundle of joy in January! Congratulations to you and your family Monique. We have also had two of our youth move on in the past 6 months. One young mom and her son moved into their very own apartment, yay! Our other youth made a very positive decision and moved into a program better suited for her needs. Last but not least our remaining youth is still growing and glowing and is very excited for the upcoming birth of her son in December! We can’t wait for the newest Chimo 2 holiday bundle of joy to arrive!

Chimo 7Chimo 7Chimo 7Chimo 7 Since the spring, Chimo 7 has seen two of our youth transition out of our home. We had a youth join us in the summer; she had her beautiful baby girl in August and is currently looking at transitioning into a SOLO placement. Meanwhile her daughter is growing quickly and full of smiles. Our other youth is also working on transitioning into a new placement. She and her toddler are both doing awesome. Her toddler is learning lots of words and is a mischievous whirlwind of energy! We’ve also had a few staff changes to our home! Leanne went on her maternity leave in early October and had a baby boy a few weeks later! Kim from Chimo 11 has stepped up as acting supervisor while Leanne enjoys her time off. Brianna has moved to the main office; Lily has moved from part-time staff to full-time. Don has also moved from full-time overnight staff to relief. We’ve also been joined by Becky and Caylie. We will miss Leanne, Brianna, and Don, and we are excited to have Kim, Lily, Becky, and Caylie on our team!

Chimo 8Chimo 8Chimo 8Chimo 8 had 2 young ladies move into the Bridges program and 1 young lady move into SOLO. Chimo 8 had 2 young ladies in the home during the fall. Both girls were in Fulltime School, 1 was employed part time and the other is looking for employment. Both girls grew in their independent living skills. One young lady attended Tim Horton’s camp with Chimo and had a great time. The home now has 2 young ladies both in Fulltime School and both seeking employment. Both girls are learning their independent living skills very quickly and should transition to a SOLO placement in a short time span. The house is full of laughter and humorous experiences shared by youth and staff. The team has really enjoyed having these girls and look forward to watching them all move forward successfully. Chimo 8 has a lost a fulltime staff member and will be looking for a new one to complete the team. All staff have been great in helping to keep consistency in the home while we have been down a staff member. The student from GMCC has been a great addition to the team and is working on her skills.

Chimo 9Chimo 9Chimo 9Chimo 9 Happy Winter Everyone! Currently we have 3 youth in our house, who are all working hard to get into SOLO. One gal is doing great in school and is looking for a job. She was recently awarded with the Heather Jacobs Governors’ Recognition Award, which is awarded for “Being an outstanding role model for children, youth and families.” Staff are sure are proud of her, WAY TO GO!! Ever since our other gal moved in, she has been crazy busy with school and work. She is also a super talented artist and we love that she takes advantage of all the supplies in our art room. And then we have our guy who is also super talented in the arts, and loves to skateboard and snowboard and is really looking forward to getting out on the hills in preparation for Jasper in February 2012. He keeps a smile on the faces of everyone around here, staff and youth alike☺. We would also like to officially welcome our GMCC student Cassy, who has done a great job getting to know everyone at the house and we look forward to the months ahead. It has been especially nice that our full time team consisting of Cindy, Jennifer, Nikki and Kelsey have been together for an entire year with no changes!!! Happy Holidays everyone, we hope you enjoy the season and all it brings.

What’s Happening in Edmonton over the Holiday Season?What’s Happening in Edmonton over the Holiday Season?What’s Happening in Edmonton over the Holiday Season?What’s Happening in Edmonton over the Holiday Season?

Festival oFestival oFestival oFestival of Treesf Treesf Treesf Trees December 1 – 4, 2011 at the Shaw Conference Center Prices: Adults $7 Youth $3 and Children $2 Infants Free 24th Annual Jingle On Indoor Santa Claus Parade!24th Annual Jingle On Indoor Santa Claus Parade!24th Annual Jingle On Indoor Santa Claus Parade!24th Annual Jingle On Indoor Santa Claus Parade! Sunday, December 4th, 2011 / 10am - 12pm Goes through the downtown core through the Pedways! Snow ValleySnow ValleySnow ValleySnow Valley Discount to skiers/snowboarders during the 11/12 season. 5 O’Clock Fridays is runs every Friday between 5 and 9 p.m. Skiers/snowboarders can purchase a $5 day lift pass if they bring non-perishable food donations to Snow Valley. Discount rentals will also be available – $10 for skis and $17 for snowboards. Breakfast Television Tree SaleBreakfast Television Tree SaleBreakfast Television Tree SaleBreakfast Television Tree Sale December 9, 2011 in Churchill Square 6am-1pm Take away a Christmas tree with a donation to the Food Bank Candy Cane LaneCandy Cane LaneCandy Cane LaneCandy Cane Lane Admire the Christmas lights along 148 Street between 92 Avenue and 99 Avenue from Dec 10, 2011 -Jan 2, 2012 are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation for Edmonton’s Food Bank. Maisie’sMaisie’sMaisie’sMaisie’s Magical Christmas HouseMagical Christmas HouseMagical Christmas HouseMagical Christmas House Be amazed by a quarter million twinkling lights. Come see the annual Christmas lights display at 9619–144 Avenue.... Starting Friday, November 18, 2011 at 5 pm.... Food donations for Edmonton’s Food Bank are gratefully accepted at the house. First Night Festival First Night Festival First Night Festival First Night Festival Celebrate the New Year at Church Hill Square December 31, 2011 SkatingSkatingSkatingSkating Once the ice is frozen over Skating is available at the following parks: Hawrelak, Voctoria, Rundle, and Jackie Parker

What’s hapWhat’s hapWhat’s hapWhat’s happening at the Transition Homes? pening at the Transition Homes? pening at the Transition Homes? pening at the Transition Homes? CCCContinuedontinuedontinuedontinued…………

Chimo 10Chimo 10Chimo 10Chimo 10 has been busy with 4 youth in the program. Everyone is doing well and keeping busy with school. We have one youth who has been with us for over a year now and has now completed the program and will be moving into SOLO within the next couple of weeks. Everyone at Chimo 10 is SOOO proud of this young lady!!! We have another male youth who has worked extremely hard and has accomplished a lot since he moved in. We also have a guy and gal who just moved in and they are settling in good. Chimo 10 would like to welcome Courtney to the team at Chimo 10. Haley and Katy are settling in and Casey is happy that the house has a full team! We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

ChChChChimo 11 imo 11 imo 11 imo 11 WOW!! I can’t believe that it is winter already. We are still waiting for summer!! Chimo 11 has been a very busy place since our last newsletter. We have had 3 long term young men move on independent living. Mr “M” turned 18 and has decided to move back to his mom’s to help her out. Mr “J” and Mr. “B” have moved to SOLO and are room-mates. Ms “J” has moved on to SOLO. We welcomed back from maternity leave Kimberley, even though it was for a very short time. About 2 weeks to be exact and now she has moved on. Kimberley will be covering Leanne’s Supervisor position at Chimo 8 for her 1 year maternity leave, so again we are waiting another year for Kimberley to come back to us. We wish you all the best with this new journey Kimberley!!!! We are excited to have Tennille join our team. We also have welcomed GMCC Practicum Student Sierra to our team. Carrie and Tara continued to hold down our fort while we went through the many above changes. From our hearts to your, we wish you and your loved ones a very happy and healthy holiday season!!

Chimo 99Chimo 99Chimo 99Chimo 99 Over the past few months we have seen a few changes. The 99 house is full with 3 wonderful youth. We have had the pleasure of moving in 2 new girls. Both of which have adjusted well. One of our young artists had a poem selected as a semi-finalist in the World Poetry Movement International Poetry Contest. She is very excited to see her work published and is hoping to win the $1000 Grand Prize. Our other artist and athlete continue their academic and athletic success.

What’s happening at SOLO? September and October were busy months for the Solo Youth and Staff! We had fourteen youth transition out of the Solo program

and into independence! Some are pursuing post secondary education, with the assistance of Advancing Futures, some have entered the workforce and are self supporting, some have reunited with their families, and others have moved to alternative funding. One youth even got married! We wish all our Solo alumni the best and hope that they will keep in touch. You are always welcome to come by

for a visit and holiday meals!

Because we had so many positive transitions out of the Solo program, during the last two months we have welcomed thirteen

new youth to the Solo program. We have been extremely impressed with the motivation and skill of these

young adults. Several youth found their apartments with minimal guidance from their Coordinator in under a week!

Good job, guys!

All of the Solo staff are excited for the upcoming Solo/SWS/LMT Christmas Party. The planning committee has been working hard to make this a memorable event. Many alumni have confirmed their

attendance. We can’t wait to see everyone there!

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT LIFE

MANAGEMENT TRAINING?

IT’S BEEN A BUSY FALL FOR LMT!

YOUTH MOVING IN AND MOVING OUT AND A

BRAND NEW STAFF TEAM!

BY THE TIME OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER

COMES OUT SANDRA WILL BE BACK IN THE

DRIVERS SEAT AS SUPERVISOR OF LMT.

IN THE MEANTIME, WE ARE LOOKING

FORWARD TO OUR

CHRISTMAS PARTY

AND HOPING ALL OUR

YOUTH WILL ATTEND.

FROM ALL OF US IN LMT TO ALL OF

YOU……A PEACEFUL AND SAFE

CHRISTMAS AND HAPPINESS IN 2012!!

House Hold Maintenance…

Wonder where you can send your

Santa Letter’s??

Send your Santa Letter to

Santa

North Pole

H0H 0H0

All letter’s with a return address will

receive a letter in return.

What’s Happening atWhat’s Happening atWhat’s Happening atWhat’s Happening at

CHIMO 5 PDD TRANSITION HOMECHIMO 5 PDD TRANSITION HOMECHIMO 5 PDD TRANSITION HOMECHIMO 5 PDD TRANSITION HOME?

We have had many changes over the last few months at

Chimo 5. We have had a long term resident move out

into independence and welcomed a new face to the

house. The boys enjoyed their summer

holidays and had a great time attending

the Tim Horton's Camp. Many memories

were made and the pictures to prove it. Along

with roommate changes we have added new faces to

our staff team over the last few months and said

goodbye to others. We celebrated an 18th Birthday in

September and have a 20th Birthday party in

November. As the leaves changed color and we waited

for the snow the youth at Chimo 5 have been busy with

school, a new job, Birthdays and many other activities.

The sound of Oilers games fill the house

regularly and the boys were lucky enough

to attend a game already this season.

This brought smiles, cheers and excitement

to the house. We are currently preparing for our

Holiday Open House Potluck which we would like to

see as many of you who can attend.

What’s hWhat’s hWhat’s hWhat’s happeningappeningappeningappening at SOLO with Supports?at SOLO with Supports?at SOLO with Supports?at SOLO with Supports?

The summer brought lots of wonderful memories including our annual BBQ and the Tim Horton’s camp.

There was overwhelming positive feedback from our youth, staff, and Mentors and many already look

forward to next year. Many of our youth and staff were also able to attend Western Canada Fashion Week

thanks to Tara Pierce from Black and Bold sponsoring 20 seats again this year! Thank you to all who attended and/or

volunteered.

Fall has blown in and is leaving Winter in its place. The Transition office has hosted many events over the fall months including another clothing drive. Black and Bold clothing store has again come on board to assist us, and we are very grateful. Thanksgiving dinner was a huge success for SOLO/SWS! There is much to be thankful for, especially celebrations among

the Chimo Family of Support.

Winter holidays and activities are approaching fast. The annual Christmas planning is also underway for

our SOLO/SWS/LMT Youth Christmas Party, so make your wish list fast! Other holiday activities will be

announced at a later date, so stay tuned!

SWS would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest team members: Gina who has kindly opened her home as a Roommate Mentor, and Dena who has taken

on the role of SWS Coordinator (and is doing a fantastic job!). A big welcome also goes out to our new youth Sommer and Estrie as they settle into our Chimo family. With every new hello, we often sadly say a

proud goodbye. Congratulations to Shelby, Damon, and Chris for successfully transitioning out of the SWS program. Other congratulations also go to Greg and Kaitlind as they have recently moved into their own apartments and are working towards a successful

transition to SOLO.

Our SWS team (Rowena, Dena, Marta, Judy, Daisy, Tanya and Chimo 5 staff) are cheerfully

working hard as accreditation mode sets in. Staff are busy revamping policy and procedure, program

practices/protocols, client file reviews, etc. There are consistent intake referrals and SWS looks forward

to future warm welcomes.

Wishing you a happy holiday and a very Merry Christmas!

QAC….QAC…. What’s new on the Quality Assurance Committee?

The QAC Committee is busy working on a Youth and Staff Survey that will be

distributed during the winter season. They are also working on the 2012 Vision

planning for the Agency! The QAC Committee would like to wish

everyone a Wonderful Holiday Season!

What’s happening at Life Skills?What’s happening at Life Skills?What’s happening at Life Skills?What’s happening at Life Skills?

As some of you may already know Brenda will be

facilitating Life Skills while Kerie is away on a

maternity leave. Congratulations to Kerie on her

new bundle of joy! Brenda’s new position started

September 14, 2011 and will continue until

September 12, 2012. Brenda has facilitated her

first group October 11-November 10 and it was a

real learning experience. Brenda definitely

discovered just how interesting life can be when you

think you know what you’re doing. Thank you

Thank you Kerie for the fabulous training you

provided beforehand. Brenda’s second group is set

to begin on November 21, 2011 and she is really

looking forward to seeing just how different this one

will be. Numbers for this group are higher, and she

has made changes to my first week, so fingers

crossed.

Wishing each and every one of you a

Have you ever wondered what happens on the

Jasper Retreat for Staff…

Here are two testimonials from new staff that went this year.

As a brand new (only 5 months at Chimo) staff and

team member, this trip was extremely rewarding on

several grounds. First and foremost we all know that

child and youth care working is no easy task, one that

can slowly, but surely burn you out if no self-care is

implemented. I must admit that being the stubborn

individual I am, I tend not to take time for myself.

This trip to Jasper literally pushed me to do so and

the rewards were remarkable. I was able to finally sit,

let my mind go blank and RELAX. I realize I had a bit

of a hassle managing to finally get up (and in years

following I hope to have the extra day) but that being

said, in the short time I was there, I had a very

rewarding experience. As mentioned, I am a new team

member and at the bottom of the rung in the Chimo

Organization. I was finally able to put faces to names,

but more so connect with team members on a level

outside the water cooler lingo of work

politics/activities, and connect on a truly interpersonal

level. I came into the trip as a scrub, and after

departing truly felt apart of the Chimo Organization,

but more importantly culture and family. I look

forward to years coming.

Mark

Hello all,

Just a little blurb to let the Chimo family know how

my very first staff retreat in Jasper went. As a

fulltime student as well as a full time employee it is

on the very rare occasion that I can manage two

days to myself. The staff was more than helpful at

covering my shifts enabling me to go. I had never

been to Jasper and it was breathtaking. The

scenery alone was worth going for. I carpooled so

gas and park entrance were super cheap and my car

partner was awesome. We had so much fun just

on the drive. There was a lot of fun on Friday

night. Saturday was team building which was only

two hours and gave me a chance to get to know an

awesome lady(cough cough..Judy) who I never

would have met otherwise. Aside from a few

hiccups the weekend was fantastic and I got to

hang out with so many staff that I did not know

that well and who I now adore. All in all taking the

time to go to Jasper was beyond worth

it. Thanks to everyone who made my first time in

Jasper awesome.

Tara

Sooo you ask… WHY DID I NOT GO!!!!!

Here are some details for next year!!!

The retreat usually happens somewhere between September and October.

It is offered to all staff, however there are some limitations due to staffing.

The only set time that you have to attend throughout the weekend is

Saturday morning and Saturday evening for dinner.

SOOOO…. Next year when you see the memo… think about it… and then… SIGN UP!!!

It’s a total blast and a great way to relax and get away from the city and just have FUN!

Have any suggestions

let us know by contacting the QAC Committee.

MILESTONES

What’s Happening with CARF?What’s Happening with CARF?What’s Happening with CARF?What’s Happening with CARF?

In June 2012 Chimo will welcome a team of accreditation surveyors from CARF International to visit our programs, meet our youth and the professional team that serves them. This will be our opportunity to highlight what we do well and discover ways to improve our services.

Between now and then we will be working hard to prepare for our survey. We look forward to

your input every step of the way so don’t be shy! Your thoughts and ideas are welcome! If you are new to the CARF accreditation process we’ll be hosting an orientation in February at the main office. Please let your supervisor know if you’d like to attend. In the meantime, if you have any questions about accreditation, please contact

Karen at the Main Office.

Greg-celebrated his 16th birthday

SOMMER

CONTINUES TO

VOLUNTEER AT

EDMONTON

SPCA.

Levi has positively reunited with his old Mentors and

now resides at their home. Levi really enjoys being there.

Keith is working towards becoming a student in the new-year and is working

hard to be financially

successful (looking for great jobs)

Shawn is looking forward to applying for a job at car dealerships. He has been helping out his dad at his job on the weekends as well visiting family

on a regular basis.

Jonita has been successfully

working at Orange Julius for last three

months.

Jack went horse back riding for the first

time at Tim Horton’s Camp.

Brendan is doing great in school.

Chris is going to school part-time and got a job with the Fantasyland Hotel and

Bench Clothing.

Shelby received the

Advancing Futures Bursary

and is now independent.

Greg successfully moved into his new apartment!

Kaitlind just moved and settled into new apartment.

Jennifer moved in with

her new Support Home

Operator and got a

position mentoring others

at TSP (bus routes.etc.).

Estrie has settled into

the SWS program and

is working hard at

accomplishing his

goals.

James is looking forward

to Christmas and got a job

at Superstore!

Sonia K received the

Heather Jacobs Award

Jack completed his

first round of work

experience

James got his first job at Superstore

Trinity

completed the

TSIL program

and is now in

SOLO!

Congratulations!!

Our venture out to

Tim Horton’s Camp…

We were blessed once again to be able to go out to

the Tim Horton’s camp in kananaskis country. The

most wonderful thing to witness is our kid’s faces

when they wake up in the morning to see the beauty

of the mountains. For some it is their very first time

being in the mountains and for some it’s their very

first holiday. And for many of our mom’s they

packed up their babes and bags to enjoy a weekend

away! A great time was had by all with the many

activities that were planned by the staff of Tim

Horton’s camp. Without, all the staff this would not

have been possible. So we will keep you posted, as

we have been invited back in 2012!