Sheway
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Contact: 533 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1P9 Phone: 604-216-1699 Fax: 604-216-1698 E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Sheway provides comprehensive health and social services to women who are either pregnant or parenting children less than 18 months old and who are experiencing current or previous issues with substance use. The program consists of prenatal, postnatal and infant health care, education and counseling for nutrition, child development, addictions, HIV and Hepatitis C, housing and parenting. Sheway also assists in fulfilling basic needs, such as providing daily nutritious lunches, food coupons, food bags, nutritional supplements, formula, and clothing. Description In the early 90's, data from a report entitled "Targeting High Risk Families", revealed that approximately 1 in every 2 babies born in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver were born substance affected and that 100% of these children were apprehended by social services at birth (Loock et al, 1991). Sheway has been addressing this concern for 10 years. Sheway is a partnership initiative that brings together representatives from the government and the community to provide comprehensive health and social services to women who are either pregnant or parenting children less than 18 months old and who are experiencing current or previous issues with substance use. Sheway is a unique program that offers highly specialized services to a population with highly complex needs. The philosophy of Sheway is based on the recognition that the health of women and their children is linked to the conditions of their lives and their ability to influence these conditions. Hence, Sheway staff work in partnership with the woman as she makes decisions regarding her health and the health of her child. Sheway operates in a client-centered, woman-focused environment. Throughout this page are photos of children Sheway has touched, changing their lives forever.Kitlana-Marie Growth Arianna When Sheway began, we started with 15-20 women and their infants. Ten years on, our weekly statistics average from 120 to 190 participants in the past year. Statistics Due to funding restrictions, the Sheway program is limited to 120 clients. In 2003, there were: 121 new intakes in past year 107 discharges 53% women age-range 20-29 70% women Aboriginal 39% HepC-positive 12% HIV-positive 71 babies born 80% wer term births 82% had healthy birth weights |
