Wood’s Homes has officially opened Cottage E, a state-of-the-art mental health facility designed to provide specialized care for at-risk children and youth. The grand opening marks the first phase of an ambitious expansion aimed at meeting the growing demand for mental health services in the community.
Bjorn Johansson, CEO of Wood’s Homes, highlighted the urgent need for such facilities, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Since COVID, we’ve seen an increase in demand for mental health services across nearly all of our programs, including live-in treatment programs,” Johansson explained. “This new building adds 10 beds, and with phase C of our expansion, we’ll add another eight beds, significantly increasing our capacity. Families on our waitlists often describe getting access to this type of service as a ‘lottery win.'”
Cottage E is located in Parkdale and is part of a broader initiative that will ultimately include five new therapeutic buildings, each designed to provide comprehensive care for vulnerable youth. The facility, which cost $8 million to construct, was designed with therapeutic architectural standards to promote healing through its environment.
“This facility is built from the ground up with healing in mind,” Johansson said. “Everything—from the architecture and lighting to the technology and space—has been thoughtfully designed to foster growth and recovery. It’s more than just a shelter; it’s a place where young people can heal and thrive.”
The services at Cottage E will cater to children and youth with complex emotional and behavioral needs. The facility will offer a wide range of support, including behavioral assistance, clinical care, education, family support, recreation, health services, and opportunities for cultural engagement.
Krista West, a counselor at Wood’s Homes, noted that the standard of care for child and youth mental health has evolved significantly over the past decade. “The vision for 24-hour care or live-in treatment has shifted dramatically. We now focus on healing through creative, flexible spaces and an approach to care that emphasizes dignity,” West said. “These children have faced tremendous challenges, so it’s essential to provide care that allows them to feel valued, seen, heard, and empowered to control their experiences as much as possible.”
Founded in 1914 as an orphanage, Wood’s Homes has since evolved to focus on recovery, mental health, and family trauma. Today, the organization operates over 40 programs across five locations in Alberta, serving more than 20,000 children, youth, and families each year.
With Cottage E and the other planned therapeutic buildings, Wood’s Homes is reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality care and support to the most vulnerable members of the community.
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