Rosalinda Amato: Next Stop – Community Angels…!

It was Field Trip day for our Leadership Winnipeg group! We all boarded the bus in frigid temperatures last Friday morning, but our hearts were quickly warmed up with each bus stop throughout the day…

Our first stop- Canadian CED Network. This organization nestled in the industrial area of Point Douglas builds local sustainable communities looking to make change for people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Their motto-building knowledge, strength and power. Ccednet works with communities to create and strengthen sustainable economies for all through their various programs; Spark, Purpose Construction, Skoden and Lite. All programs employee people that otherwise wouldn’t have those opportunities to get into the work force with the ultimate goal of putting families back to together by providing them financial stability.

Next bus stop- North End Women’s Centre. This small unassuming space provides dignity, support and a safe space to so many women in the community it finds itself in. Their small front space currently serves approximately 100 people a day. NEWC has 6 rooms where women can live for a 2-3 yr stay. It is based on a communal living model with shared spaces for the residents. NEWC offers a variety of wrap around supports not only for its residents but for its community members. Primarily the drop in- endearingly known as the ‘community living room’-helps with high crisis needs as well as providing fellowship. They provide snacks during the day, and lunch 3 times a week, free drop in counselling once a week and wellness and cultural Programming. Their Up shoppe-a thrift store next door not only has great finds ( I abandoned my group and did some shopping….sshhh…) but operates as an intentional employment program that offers emergency wages for 26-30 hrs, at $26.00/per hour where NEWC pays bill out/down directly for those needing help with bills.

Next stop- Urban circle. This educational center in the heart of the north end shaped like a turtle is doing incredible things in the lives of young people. This is a school that is educating their students in mind, body and spirit. They offer a high school diploma program as well as a variety of 10 month post secondary programs. Their goal is to provide culturally supportive and rooted education empowering its students in their traditions and culture. This unconventional school was filled with the soothing sent of Sage, Indigenous drawings and teachings throughout and students who were engaged in their learning.

Last stop- Dream factory! The Dream factory is exactly what it says it is- it’s works to build a dream come true for kids with life threatening illness and their family. Beyond the ‘Big Dream’ experience, the Dream Factory offers ongoing support to each of their families for up to 7 years. The relationship, support and commitment goes beyond the onetime trip event, and arguably- the safe space and ongoing support is what becomes truly transformative in that little kid’s life. From the moment you walk in you step into a kids fantasy world equipped with claw machines, candy, ice cream station and video games. It is a playful, inviting and non institutional place where kids can make decisions, restore agency and overcome restriction in contrast to being at the mercy of their illness and the loss of control thy experience daily. Even a half hour visit can lift their mood, allows them to forget about the seriousness of life and let loose. As Andrew Kussy so poignantly and perfectly said “The Dream Factory becomes the best part of someone’s worst experience”

What a gift to have these organizations in our city, quietly doing transformative work in the lives of those that fall between the cracks, those who feel marginalized unsafe and alone, those who’ve lost hope.

Thank you to leadership Winnipeg for providing this important eye opening exposure to our group of the good work happening outside our four walls at work…