Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Mental Health Services for Children & Families
Woods Homes has been dedicated to mental health and well-being for over a century, serving children, youth, and families since 1914. Our organization, accredited by Accreditation Canada with Exemplary Standing, employs 600+ staff and operates 40+ programs across Alberta. We prioritize family-centered care, offering therapeutic campus care, counseling, foster care, and community-based services tailored to individual needs. Our research initiatives, including the Woods Homes Research Chair in Children's Mental Health, demonstrate our commitment to innovation. With locations in Calgary, Lethbridge, Fort McMurray, and other communities, we provide immediate mental health support and long-term solutions.Our values emphasize dignity, cultural sensitivity, and reducing stigma, while our partnerships with institutions like the University of Calgary enhance our expertise. We maintain transparent operations through annual reports and community engagement, ensuring accountability to donors and clients. Our crisis intervention services and 24/7 accessibility reflect our dedication to being a reliable resource for vulnerable populations.
Services
Therapeutic Campus Care
In-Home Counselling
Foster Care Programs
Community Group Care
Housing & Hub Services
Learning Centres
Private Counselling
Emergency Youth Shelter
Youth Support Navigators
Family Connections
Details
- Year established: 1914
Highlights and features
- We offer over a century of experience in mental health services for children and families.
- Our 40+ programs provide comprehensive, family-centered care across Alberta.
- Accredited by Accreditation Canada for quality and safety standards.
- We operate immediate mental health support services in multiple communities.
- Our research partnerships advance evidence-based practices in children's mental health.
Associations and certifications
- Accreditation Canada
Services
Therapeutic Campus Care
Our Therapeutic Campus Care provides intensive residential treatment for children and youth with complex mental health needs. Located in Calgary's Bowness and Parkdale campuses, this program addresses trauma, behavioral challenges, and emotional disturbances through clinical interventions. Clients receive personalized care plans combining psychiatric support, educational programming, and aftercare services to facilitate successful reintegration.
In-Home & Counselling Services
These services deliver mental health support directly in homes, schools, or community settings. Programs like Eastside Community Mental Health Services offer walk-in counseling, phone support, and mobile outreach for families facing crises. Our approach emphasizes accessibility through multiple contact channels while maintaining culturally sensitive, family-centered care for all ages.
Foster Care Programs
Our foster care initiatives provide family-based placements for children requiring specialized support. Therapeutic Foster Care focuses on Indigenous children while maintaining cultural connections. The Parented Group Homes in Strathmore and Calgary offer structured environments with house-parents guiding youth through emotional and social development challenges.
Housing & Hub Services
These services address housing instability for youth up to age 29 through emergency shelters and day hubs. The Inglewood Opportunity Hub in Calgary and Lethbridge Opportunity Hub provide integrated resources including counseling, employment support, and basic needs assistance. Emergency shelters in Fort McMurray and Lethbridge offer temporary housing during family crises.
Learning Centres
Our Learning Centres integrate education with mental health treatment across Calgary campuses. Programs like William Taylor Learning Centre and George Wood Learning Centre offer specialized instruction for residents and community students. Educational services are tailored to mental health needs, combining classroom learning with therapeutic support for ages 6-18.
People
Bjorn Johansson
Chief Executive Officer
Bjorn Johansson has led Woods Homes since May 2020, bringing over three decades of organizational experience. He oversees strategic operations across Alberta while maintaining community partnerships.
Questions
Who founded Woods Homes?
Reverend George Wood founded the organization in 1914 as an orphanage.
Where are your services available?
We operate in Calgary, Lethbridge, Strathmore, Fort McMurray, Cold Lake, Grande Prairie, and Lac La Biche.
Is Woods Homes accredited?
Yes, we are accredited by Accreditation Canada and have received Exemplary Standing four times.
What age groups do you serve?
We support children, youth, and families with programs for ages 6-29.
How can I access immediate help?
Call 911 for emergencies or contact our Eastside Community Mental Health Services at 403-299-9699.
Are your services non-denominational?
Yes, we removed 'Christian' from our name in 2007 and serve all communities equally.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Shawn C.
Jan 27, 2022
Report
As a former resident of WOODS HOMES in both the stabilization program and the Family Focus Programs in the early 1990's i can say that Woods Homes offered me a safe place to go when I was not safe at home and provided an alternative to the receiving and assessment centre where I was placed after I was released from the Calgary Youth Offender center. Most memorable were the hard working and underpaid staff at the home and the school. I received an art award at Woods
which laid the foundation for my current career as a sculptor and painter. After completing the program at Woods I
which laid the foundation for my current career as a sculptor and painter. After completing the program at Woods I
John D.
Oct 30, 2017
Report
If you are considering putting your children in Woods Homes - DON'T!!! Their "program" is just a fancy name for "child institution". Employees have numerous job titles, but in actual fact they're just glorified social workers who are information gatherers for Child and Family Services. If you're a father, you will NOT have any parental rights here. And they will use their power to go against your court order to favour the mothers needs at all cost. They pride themselves on being a non profit organization, but somehow manage to employ 550 employees.
Woods Homes
Woods Homes
