Manitoba Government Press Release–The Manitoba government is increasing funding by $500,000 for United Way Winnipeg’s (UWW) For Every Family initiative, bringing the total investment to $2 million, improving support for families, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine announced today.
“Our government wants all children to thrive, and that means investing in strong families at the heart of strong communities,” said Fontaine. “By growing our investment in the For Every Family initiative, we’re continuing to work alongside the organizations that know their neighbourhoods best, helping families access supports earlier, stay connected to their communities and keep their children safe and supported at home.”
UWW will match the Manitoba government’s contribution through donations for a total investment of $4 million per year for the next three years, the minister noted, adding the funding is earmarked for 25 family resource centres across Winnipeg.
“This announcement reflects confidence in a model that works,” said Matthew Cutler, president and CEO, United Way Winnipeg. “For more than ten years, For Every Family has quietly strengthened families and communities across Winnipeg. Sustained funding gives organizations the stability to plan, adapt, and focus on impact, reinforcing that prevention, trust, and community leadership are the right long-term approach.”
The For Every Family initiative is a partnership between the Manitoba government, United Way Winnipeg and The Winnipeg Foundation. The program invests in preventive and family-centred supports, using a strength-based approach to improve outcomes for families who need support.
Family resource centres offer a wide range of programs and services for families, including:
- parenting support and education;
- counselling and advocacy;
- cultural connection and support;
- health education and care;
- programs for children; and
- youth and employment support.
The additional funding announced today will support NorWest Co-op Community Health’s WrapAround program and 11 Child and Family Services (CFS) liaison positions hosted within the family resource centres. The WrapAround program focuses on strengthening families to keep them together, while reducing involvement with the child welfare and justice systems.
CFS liaisons work with families who have, or are at risk of having, involvement with CFS, helping them to navigate the system and keep children connected with their family, community and culture. They support parents in a non-judgemental way and act as the critical link between resource centres and CFS, helping families access community services and a range of cultural and emotional supports, while keeping more children out of CFS care.
For more information, visit https://unitedwaywinnipeg.ca/our-impact/for-every-family/.