The Manitoba government has renewed its commitment to match up to $4.5 million in donations made to the United Way Winnipeg’s For Every Family initiative that supports 24 family resource centres and will also provide $510,000 towards 211 Manitoba operations, a 24-hour service that acts as a virtual family resource centre, Families Minister Rochelle Squires announced today in a media release.
“Our government is committed to strengthening families and helping Manitoba parents and children get the community support they need to thrive,” said Squires. “We recognize the value in investing in quality programs and supports that are close to home and contributing to family’s well-being. We know that strengthening families today has a positive impact for generations, so we are proud to partner, once again, with United Way Winnipeg on the important work they are doing connecting Manitoba families with important services and programming.”
United Way Winnipeg donors to the For Every Family initiative have contributed $4.5 million over three years, which will be matched by the Manitoba government for a total investment of $9 million in this critical network of support.
“Family resource centres are located in some of our city’s most challenged neighbourhoods. They are safe and welcoming spaces that provide a culturally relevant and wrap-around service approach for children, women, and families who rely on them every day for help, support, and resources,” said Dave Johnston, chair, United Way Winnipeg’s For Every Family Working Group. “With this significant investment, this network of family resource centres can continue the vital work of supporting Winnipeg families.”
The community-driven For Every Family initiative enhances preventative and community-based programming at family resource centres. It strives to increase children’s school readiness, reduce the negative impact of poverty on families, and reduce the number of children in care. The renewed funding will improve networking, increase access to services, and enhance programming, the minister added.
Like family resource centres, 211 Manitoba is also a critical support for Manitobans, connecting individuals with government and community-based health and social services in their communities 24-7 since October 2020. Manitobans can dial 211 from anywhere in the province or across Canada to connect with a community navigator who will help them find appropriate resources nearby. Individuals can also search the 211 website at https://mb.211.ca
“It takes courage to reach out for help. Family resource centres and 211 Manitoba are there for individuals and families to provide or help them find the services and supports they may need,” said Connie Walker, president and CEO, United Way Winnipeg. “We are so grateful to United Way donors and the Manitoba government for supporting the For Every Family initiative and 211 services in our province.”
211 Manitoba is also a useful tool for front-line professionals seeking additional supports and resources for their clients, noted the minister, adding that by directing appropriate resources to non-urgent situations the call burden is reduced on 911, 311 and Health Links-Info Santé.
The Manitoba government’s $510,000 investment will help United Way Winnipeg continue to provide online, chat and phone services in more than 150 languages, outreach to service providers, and marketing to create wider awareness of the 211 service.
For more information on the For Every Family initiative visit https://unitedwaywinnipeg.ca/our-impact/for-every-family/
