2016 Recipients
Esther House Inc.
Working in close cooperation with the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM), Esther House has assisted women to move back into the community with a strong sense of confidence in their abilities to deal with their addictions and move forward in their lives.
While at Esther House, many of these women have enrolled in training and upgrading, sought and found gainful employment and become reunited with their families. Esther House Inc. is a non-profit, community-based facility that provides shelter and support to women in second stage recovery from addiction. It is one of the few non co-ed places where women can stay for a period of up to twelve months while making the transition back into society. Esther House is a safe house that provides the infrastructure necessary for women to heal, and gain confidence and self-esteem in order to continue their journey of life in recovery.
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba Inc.
The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba Inc. (IRCOM) is a non-profit organization that operates a transitional housing complex in downtown Winnipeg called IRCOM House Ellen. IRCOM House offers secure, affordable and clean apartments to newcomer families for up to 3 years after their arrival. Recently, IRCOM opened their second site, “IRCOM Isabel” located at 215 Isabel Street, in the Centennial neighbourhood of Winnipeg.
IRCOM provides onsite supports and services including an after-school program for children and youth, an asset-building program for those interested in learning about money in the Canadian context and participating in a matched savings program as well as a community resource program that connects community members with employment, education, and various health resources throughout Winnipeg. IRCOM also runs the Newcomer Literacy Initiative which consists of daily “English as an additional language” classes with free childcare available.
IRCOM House is home to families from diverse cultural, educational, linguistic and professional backgrounds. Current residents of IRCOM come from Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Somalia and Sudan. MREA Shelter Foundation funding has provided for new furniture in the sunny new library space at IRCOM Isabel.
L’Arche Winnipeg Inc.
Our mission is: to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities revealed through mutually transforming relationships; to foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members, whilst being faithful to the core values of our founding story; engage in our diverse cultures, working tougher towards a more humane society.
L’Arche Winnipeg began in 1973. Our community has grown over the years, and today we welcome 28 people with a developmental disability who are living in our six houses and two supported-living apartments, along with approximately 20 assistants, many of whom have come from other countries to experience L’Arche and make Winnipeg their home. Four of our houses, our apartments, and our office are in the east end of Winnipeg (Transcona) and are all within walking distance of each other. Our two other homes are closer to downtown Winnipeg (in Windsor Park and St. Boniface).
The MREA Shelter Foundation grant will replace carpets and flooring in five of the L’Arche homes.
Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council Inc.
Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council Inc. (MIIC) is Manitoba’s largest refugee settlement agency. Through the agency’s Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) and its Educational and Community Services Division, MIIC staff work with multicultural, multi-linguistic and multi-faith communities in Manitoba to support Government Assisted Refugees (GARs), Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs) and other newcomers.
The agency has over 65 years’ history of sustainability and growth. Governed by a multi-faith volunteer Board the agency mobilizes resources from government, and the general community, to deliver high quality services to help integrate refugees into Canadian society. Under the direction of the Board the agency monitors government policies and attitudes towards refugees and works cooperatively with federal, provincial and non-government agencies which are concerned for the welfare of refugees. The agency ensures through its programming and community connections with other like-minded and specialized agencies that refugees access and receive services that are necessary and appropriate for an individual and family need.
MREA Shelter Foundation funding will assist the replacement of kitchen tables and chairs in MIIC’s apartment units.
New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Families Inc.
Since 1885, New Directions has been evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the Winnipeg community. They have redefined their services to work better with children, youth, adults and families as they chart their own course within the community. Services are divided into three categories: Counselling, Assessment, Support and Prevention Programs; Training and Education Programs; and Residential and Support Programs. New Directions strives to offer everyone the same opportunities to achieve the life they’ve dreamed of – a life full of promise, potential, respect and self-worth. We believe in a person-centred approach.
At New Directions, a wide range of services are provided that encompass a multitude of areas that can affect people’s lives. Some people may use one service, others may use several. Regardless of how many services someone uses, New Directions provides support as people take steps to improve their lives—and through them, the lives of others in the community.
MREA Shelter Foundation funding will provide new beds and bed bug proof mattresses to participants in the Supported Apartment Living Program.
Nova House Inc.
Nova House aims to provide women and children in the Interlake and North Eastman regions with facilities, programs and a continuum of service to protect and empower them against all forms of domestic violence.
Nova House, incorporated in 1985, is a 14-bed facility providing shelter for abused women and children and is located in the Interlake region of Manitoba. Nova House affords temporary shelter, counselling, support groups, and referral to community resources for women and their children. Two interim housing units are also available for women and children to use until they become independent.
The MREA Shelter Foundation funding will provide for the purchase of new beds and new mattresses for the new Nova House Shelter.
Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) Inc.
RaY is a non-profit street-level agency working with street-entrenched and homeless youth up to the age of 29. RaY is non-judgmental and non-partisan, employing a harm reduction approach to all interactions with youth in need. RaY’s missions is “To provide youth with what they need, on their terms, to better their lives.”
On June 15, 2010, RaY officially opened the doors of its newly renovated space at 125 Sherbrook Street, an 8,000 square foot site that is better suited to the needs of the agency and the youth who access its services. Today, RaY provides a continuum of services and continues to expand and evolve its programming to provide youth with what they need, on their terms, to better their lives.
MREA Shelter Foundation funding will help to support and promote the skills and prospects of the youth working in the kitchen program, by providing cleaning supplies, equipment, and small kitchen-wares.
Samaritan House Ministries Inc.; Safe and Warm Shelter
Motivated by a spirit of Christian service, the founders of Samaritan House Ministries aimed to reach out and help those people in Brandon and its neighbouring communities who were in need. The Safe & Warm Shelter is a 10-bed emergency shelter designated for adults who experience occasional homelessness. The shelter is fully staffed with trained support workers and security guards who ensure safety and assistance for clients. From November 2015 to March 2016, 61 homeless men and women stayed for a total of 457 safe and warm nights. By March 2016, 7 people transitioned from the shelter into their own home.
The MREA Shelter Foundation grant will provide funding towards the cost of two security guards for the Safe and Warm Shelter.
Siloam Mission Inc.
A connecting point between the compassionate and Winnipeg’s less fortunate, Siloam Mission is a Christian humanitarian agency offering programs and services at no charge to those experiencing homelessness. Siloam Mission alleviates the hardships of the poor and homeless, assists in transitioning them into self-sufficient and generous lifestyles, and advocates nationwide on their behalf.
The MREA Shelter Foundation grant will provide funding towards new bed bug-proof mattress and pillow protectors for Siloam’s shelter beds.
South Central Committee on Family Violence Inc., Genesis House
Genesis House exists so that the people of south central Manitoba will be free from family and intimate partner abuse achieving results that justify the relative worth. Genesis House provides a confidential service, which includes a shelter for abused women and their children, residential and non-residential programs and prevention through public education.
The South Central Committee on Family Violence Inc. exists so there will be: empowerment for women and children to connect to their personal power, resources for women in abusive situations, assistance in reaching goals, safety for women and children in facility and protection planning, education to the community to decrease the incidence of abuse, support for women and children 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help them make informed choices.
Funding from the MREA Shelter Foundation will assist towards replacement of the furniture in the Genesis House shelter.
Winnipeg Habitat for Humanity® Inc.
Winnipeg Habitat for Humanity® builds affordable homes for low-income working families to purchase. By offering families a hand up through no down payment and interest-free mortgages, these proud new homeowners gain esteem, stability, and security for their children that they never thought possible. Habitat relies on its thousands of passionate volunteers who help to build these homes and its many generous sponsors and partners that enable families and communities to share a brighter future. The MREA Shelter Foundation grant will provide a secure, enclosed trailer for use at Habitat build sites.
