Family Resource Centre Officially Opens

At the official opening held at 51 Morrow Avenue, Education Minister Nancy Allan (left) and Emma Mitchell (representing the Mitchell family) discuss the multicultural family service programs that will continue in the new Salvation Army - Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre. The Morrow Avenue Child Care Programs for Families supported by the province is also located in the new building

July 30, 2012

DOORS TO EXPANDED MULTICULTURAL FAMILY CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPEN

Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 30, 2012 – For126 years the Salvation Army has provided invaluable programs and services to Winnipeg residents, and now it has a new home from which to continue this important work. Federal and provincial officials, staff and members of the community were on hand today to celebrate the official opening of the Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre, made possible through a federal−provincial partnership.
 “Programs like those provided by The Salvation Army, that support the efforts of families and disadvantaged individuals, help strengthen and stabilize our communities,” said Education Minister Nancy Allan, on behalf of Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux. “Through provincial funding, theMorrow Avenue Child Care Programs for Families that is part of this new complex, now has 15 infant and 32 preschool spaces. Quality child care provides a safe and caring atmosphere for children, allowing parents to support their families and thrive in their communities.”
 “Canada’s Economic Action Plan has created jobs and delivered results to communities across Manitoba and all over the country,” said the Winnipeg South MP, Rod Bruinooge, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport). “This new centre provides programs and services that respond to real social needs and enhance the quality of life for the entire community. It is a perfect example of what government partnerships can do for communities.”
 The previous family multicultural centre was rapidly deteriorating and needed to be replaced. The new, larger, more energy-efficient building was constructed on the same site and programming was maintained at three different locations throughout the City during the construction period.  This new centre will allow the Salvation Army to increase its valuable community services, which include employment, parenting and English language programs; a food bank; clothing bank; childcare services; and a youth drop-in centre.
“We are very pleased and excited to partner with both the Provincial and Federal Governments in Giving Hope to our communities and especially new Canadians,” said Major Wayne Bungay, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Prairie Division. “This beautiful new building will enhance and increase our capacity in providing valuable programs and services such as our Lifestyle Enhancement and Employability Program for war affected youth and young adults who are seeking to become established in the workforce and in our communities; our community harvest food bank; parenting programs that utilize our new kitchen and living room area; English language programs; and many other services that reach out into the community and restore dignity to all people.”
 Under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the governments of Canada and Manitoba each committed $1.5 million toward the new multicultural family centre in Winnipeg, with the Salvation Army providing the balance of funding. Total eligible project costs are $4.5 million.
 As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund supported more than 4,000 infrastructure projects across the country. Together, the federal government and Province of Manitoba committed close to $280 million to 111 projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across Manitoba.
 Investing in infrastructure is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. Over the course of the summer, the Government of Canada is meeting with provinces, territories, municipalities through municipal associations and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, as well as other key stakeholders in a series of roundtables to develop a new long-term infrastructure plan. This plan will focus on investments that support job creation and economic growth, while building strong, prosperous communities across the country. In addition, the Government of Canada will hold a roundtable with national stakeholders and private sector representatives at the end of the summer. Working together to develop this plan will provide new opportunities for all orders of government and the private sector to build partnerships to improve public infrastructure in Canada.
 For further information on Infrastructure Canada's projects in Manitoba, visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/.
 To learn more about Manitoba’s infrastructure projects, please visit http://www.infrastructure.mb.ca/.

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