August 2, 2023
Manitoba Government Announces $2-Million Investment in Community Supports Program
– – –Non-Profit Investments will Create Safer, More Inclusive, Resilient Province: Squires
The Manitoba government is investing $2 million in the Community Supports Program (previously referred to as the Post-Bail program) as part of the broader Community Safety and Wellness Initiative aimed at preventing homelessness and reducing recidivism of justice system-involved individuals post-release, Families Minister Rochelle Squires announced today.
“We are committed to building a safer and more resilient community for all Manitobans. The Community Supports Program is a crucial step towards preventing homelessness and providing essential assistance to individuals with a history of justice system involvement,” said Squires. “By investing $2 million in this initiative, we are actively working towards their successful reintegration into society and fostering their personal growth and economic independence."
The Community Supports Program, launched as a component of the Employment and Income Assistance Transformation strategy, seeks to provide crucial employment programming and personalized wraparound supports to individuals on bail with connections to the justice system or who are currently receiving Employment and Income Assistance.
An expression of interest (EOI) process was launched earlier this year to select the most suitable organizations for delivering these supportive programs tailored to the unique needs of individuals with connections to the justice system. A selection committee consisting of partners, an elder, and community members with lived experience was established to ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of applications.
After careful evaluation, eight non-profit organizations have been chosen as the successful proponents of the EOI, the minister noted. The following organizations will receive funding:
- Building Urban Industries for Local Development BUILD (Winnipeg) – up to $900,000;
- Brandon Friendship Centre – up to $195,000;
- Elmwood Community Resource Centre (Winnipeg) – up to $143,000;
- New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Family (Winnipeg) – up to $45,000;
- Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (Portage la Prairie) – $170,000;
- Purpose Construction Inc. (Winnipeg) – $293,000;
- Supporting Employment and Economic Development (Winnipeg) – $170,000; and
- Spence Neighbourhood Association Inc. (Winnipeg) – $85,000.
Through this strategic investment, the Manitoba government is dedicated to building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous province for the benefit of all citizens, the minister noted.
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