Identity and Belonging I arrived in Canada almost 16 years ago on a frigid morning in January, with the hope of finally touching peaceful soil after many years of struggle as a refugee. The name ‘Welcome Place’ began to sound in my ears, and I quickly found the meaning of the name: compassion, support, integration, the light at the end of the tunnel. Immediately after arriving I registered as a volunteer with Welcome Place to return some of the kindness received. After six months I was employed, and have been working ever since to make a difference in our clients’ lives. Almost 90 percent of Welcome Place staff are former clients, which brings humanity to the daily job and the best example of integration into Canadian lifestyle. - Jean Pierre Venegas, Senior Manager of Volunteer and Reception Services at Welcome Place
CITIZEN PRIORITIES NEWCOMERS 1. Ensure newcomers are welcomed and integrated into the Winnipeg community 2. Increase support for accreditation of foreign professionals 3. Increase learning opportunities for English as an Additional Language (EAL) education Jean Pierre Venegas
YOUTH 1. Increase opportunities for youth to gain employment skills 2. Increase youth participation in community and civic life 3. Increase access to mental health supports
CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 1. Address issues of racism and prejudice 2. Implement the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 3. Increase awareness and inclusion of Indigenous communities
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RECIPIENT | Welcome Place’s support for asylum seekers GRANTS | $273,043, drawn from the Welcome to Winnipeg Fund; The Foundation’s Strategic Initiatives Fund and Emergency Grants Fund; as well as the Moffat Family Fund and the Gray Family Fund, two Donor-Advised Funds
Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, affectionately known as Welcome Place, is the province’s largest refugee resettlement agency. It is one of the only charities in the province that provides comprehensive services to refugee claimants.