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About Community Development

One of the key principles of NECRC’s development philosophy is to “empower local people in the governance of the community economic development organization and of the community as a whole”.  One way to achieve this is to assist in developing and sustaining neighbourhood organizations and networks.

Community Consultation
 NECRC gathers information on the North End by consulting with local communities. Over 100 community members attend open consultations to discuss community development, health, recreation and safety. Through these consultations, NECRC has learned:

  • The people of the North End are proud of their multi-cultural heritage, and would like to see an increase in cross-cultural celebrations
  • Recreation services are vital, and people want to ensure that all community members have access to these service
  • People are concerned about isolation and its impact on seniors’ physical and mental health
  • Safety remains a major priority for people living and working in the North End

To address these key community issues, NECRC:

  • Coordinates sponsors who volunteer time, donate prizes and make financial contributions to support Picnic in the Park, an annual cultural celebration that attracts over 1500 North End residents who enjoy free entertainment, games and food
  • Publishes a quarterly newsletter, which is distributed to over 10,000 North End residents and businesses
  • Sponsors an Urban Green Team, which provided support to William Whyte and North Point Douglas
  • communities through ongoing neighbourhood clean up, anti-graffiti campaigns, yard work and assistance with community gardens
  • Facilitates a  Residents Advisory Committee, which is responsible for animating proposals and providing recommendations

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Demonstrated community development accomplishments and achievements in 2008 included the following:

  • Distributed a quarterly newsletter, the “NECRC Update” to 15,000 North End residents and businesses
  • Facilitated a 10-member Resident Advisory Committee, responsible for reviewing and making recommendations on neighbourhood revitalization projects
  • North End Revitalization Incorporated (NERI) administered a Small Grants Fund for 5 neighbourhoods that approved $150,000 for 72 projects in 2008.
  • Supported the residents of St. John’s and Dufferin in their annual planning, and assisted in the implementation of community goals and activities
LORD SELKIRK PARK
Lord Selkirk Park (LSP) Resource Centre
The LSP Resource Centre continues to be the “hub” in the community and provides on-site counseling (through partner organizations), free laundry, clothing depot, community phone, monthly community feast, adult arts & crafts, educational/personal development workshops, and general drop-in. Staff also provided advocacy, referrals, volunteer opportunities, and resource materials. In 2008 the Resource Centre had 5566 visits from community residents, which represents a 26% increase over last year. An evaluation of the Resource Centre completed in 2009 demonstrated that the Resource Centre is performing well and meeting the needs of the community. As part of the vision for the community, the LSP Resource Centre will move under the auspice of the R.B. Russell Infant Centre in August 2009. Plans are underway to incorporate the Resource Centre as part of the infant/school aged child care services, located within the community.

Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
The Community Advisory Committee meets monthly to network, develop partnerships and address neighbourhood concerns. The committee is made up of residents and community based organizations that live and work in the community. In 2008, an evaluation of the CAC was conducted. Representatives from 25 community agencies/residents participated in the evaluation. It was determined that as a result of the CAC’s work, coordination of efforts have improved, attitudes in the community have changed for the better and progress has been made in improving the LSP community.

Lord Selkirk Park Child-Care & Family Resource Centre
NECRC continues to work with the RB Russell Infant Centre, Provincial Daycare Office, Manitoba Housing Authority and other stakeholders, to plan and develop the LSP Family Resource Centre, located in the heart of the community, at 269 Dufferin Ave. The LSP Family Resource Centre will accommodate 24 infant spaces, 40 school aged spaces, along with the services of the current Resource Centre. Tentative date for completion of renovations is within the next 18 months.

Family Support Program
Through a partnership with the United Way of Winnipeg and the Mount Carmel Clinic, a full-time Aboriginal counselor/family support worker provided assistance/support to 345 individuals (children, youth and families) over the past year. An evaluation of the Family Support Program completed in 2009, indicated the Family Support program had a significant impact on those individuals/families who participated in the program. The Family Support Program will move under the direction of the R.B. Russell Infant Centre in summer of 2009, as part of the overall vision of the community.

Adult Learning Centre (ALC)
In 2008, a naming ceremony was held for the Adult Learning Centre. The Centre adopted a Michif name, Kaakiyow Li Moond Likol, which means “All People’s School. During the year, 56 students registered, working towards their Grade 12 diploma, with a regular attendance of 25-30 participants. Six students will graduate with their Grade 12 diploma in June 2009.

Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatwin, Inc. (OPK)

OPK’s mandate is to provide employment, education, basic life skills training, and social support for at risk Aboriginal ex-offenders and Aboriginal youth. The project began in 2001 and was incorporated in 1994 as a non-profit organization. NECRC has provided letters of support for OPK, believes in this project, flows sustaining funding from the United Way to OPK and provides assistance as possible. Currently, OPK has two lead carpenters and one lead hand who are working with 9 trainees. From 2001-2008, OPK has worked with 56 former gang members. The crew has a relationship with Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council (DOTC) doing housing renovation of DOTC’s aboriginal housing units. A key outcome of the program is that no participant has been arrested on a gang-related or gang-motivated charge or for planned or organized criminal activity. OPK held their AGM on April 29th where a pipe ceremony took place honouring OPK’s important work. Annual reports and positive reviews by the auditor were approved by the 2009 membership meeting.