message from the chair & executive director - necrc

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR & EXECUTIVE DIRECTORDear Members, Colleagues, Friends and Funders,

2019 - 2020 has been an interesting year to say the least. It has been a year of consultation and planning, forming new relationships and working to overcome new challenges.

The year began with our community mobilizing around the I Heart North End movement. These community conversations highlighted the need for a coordinated strategic plan to rebuild North End Infrastructure. To support this effort we partnered with Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata to secure funding from the Provincial Government to draft a plan. We hired a recent graduate that is being mentored by local leadership to build their skills and abilities while consulting with the community and reviewing foundational documents. This Strategic Plan project coincides with the end of our current 5 year community plan. We will use the priorities identified in the Strategic Plan to guide our work moving forward.

Building respectful and meaningful relationships with the Indigenous community continues to be a priority for the NECRC. Picnic in the Park was hosted in partnership with No Stone Unturned. We also became an associate member of the Winnipeg Indigenous Advisory Circle, we further supported Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata by participating in an Indigenous Visioning for the North End and supporting bringing this network back to life.

COVID-19 presented us with challenges we have never experienced. Balancing the need to continue delivering vital services such as housing supports, ID procurement and skill building while keeping our staff and community members safe became our main focus. COVID forced us to examine our program delivery and organizational management from a very different perspective. We are now testing online employment and life skills workshops and remote access to services. We continue to offer our staff the ability to work remotely with flexible schedules where appropriate. This pandemic affected our most vulnerable community members the hardest and has such highlighted the need for sustained and adequate support for our social infrastructure.

North End Community Renewal Corporation remains committed to the social, economic and cultural renewal of the North End of Winnipeg. On behalf of the board, staff and volunteers of NECRC, we would like to congratulate you all on a successful year. We would also like to thank our funders, champions and community at all levels for your work and support to help make the North End a safer and more vibrant place to live, work and play during these unprecedented times.

Jackie ConnellBoard Chair

Dawn SandsExecutive Director

We are committed to the social, economic and cultural renewal of the North End of Winnipeg. 3

For 22 years, the North End Community Renewal Corporation (NECRC) has been working with the local community to revitalize the North End. Using Community Economic Development principles we engage the local community to design and administer strategies, programs and services that support renewal efforts.

All services are based on the 5 Year Community Plan, which is developed through a comprehensive consultation process. Our services include: employment and training, ID acquisition, housing supports, grant administration, driver’s training, event planning, coordination, facilitation, project management and business development supports.

Guiding Principles

Use a multi functional, comprehensive approach to community economic development

Merge economic and social goals to empower local people in the governance of NECRC and the community Implement strategic planning and analysis to define and guide the Corporation’s efforts

Strengthens its financial affairs through ownership of assets, building a wide range of financial supporters Development of strategies that arise from local leadership, rather than top-down initiatives

Be led by social entrepreneurs who have a vision of both social and economic justice

Maintain a non profit, independent, non governmental format

Mission

NECRC is committed to the social, economic and cultural renewal of the North End of Winnipeg.

NECRC defines its development goals through annual consultations and ongoing networking with North End residents and businesses. The corporation works with community committees to plan and implement development strategies in its goal to revitalize the North End.

NECRC operates on principles of Community Economic Development (CED) using a development system approach to bring about renewal in the North End. Our seven development themes: housing, employment, culture and diversity, community, safety, economic and recreation and wellness combine to maximize the impact of our community initiatives.

NECRC continues to work with stakeholders to address the needs of the North End community through the development of partnerships, networking and building community capacity.

NORTH END COMMUNITY RENEWAL CORPORATION

Development Principles

Using a Community Economic Development approach empowers local residents to create economic opportunities and enhance social conditions in their communities on a sustainable and inclusive basis, particularly with those who are most disadvantaged. This approach capitalizes on local knowledge and collaboration among stakeholders.

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Overarching Goals

The following 3 overarching goals were identified in the course of the community consultation process and will inform all community activities, initiatives and plans.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

All programming and planning must consider the needs and concerns of North End youth. The community is committed to ensuring the engagement of youth in all aspects of the North End, and will ensure that all initiatives and projects consider the unique needs of North End youth.

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NECRC strives to build a community that is inclusive, holistic and respectful. In the spirit of “We are all Treaty People” we will focus on healing and strengthening the community’s relationships will all individuals, with specific emphasis towards Aboriginal people. In response, the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be considered in community planning, activities and initiatives and integrated where applicable. To support this goal, the community calls for community forums, workshops and training around the TRC calls to action and on equity for all citizens.

The North End Community Renewal Corporation will continue to work in the community as an advocate, builder of partnerships, liaison to government and coordinator of meetings, events and initiatives. The community affirms and supports NECRC’s role in the community and invites the organization to continue to work with community partners, stakeholders, and funders, by facilitating, coordinating and communicating community renewal in the North End.

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Improve neighbourhood capacity/empowerment Improve safety conditionsImprove housing conditions Increase access to recreation and wellness

opportunities Increase economic development activity

Objectives


Community

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NECRC/NERIBoard

(Community)

Effective April 2019

Organizational Structure

Safety5 Year PlanNorth End Arts Community EventsMerchants Corner North End Food SecurityNA! NRF Advisory CommitteeResidents Association SupportsNorth End Recreation & WellnessSmall Grant Fund Administration

Housing PlusHousing Coordination

Housing Fix Up ProgramsHydro Efficiency ProgramWinnipeg Rental Network

Tenant Landlord Coordination

Property DevelopmentSocial Enterprise Network

Business Development CentreStorefront Enhancement Grant

Project Management

MilestonesJob Search Services

Employment ExchangePathways to Employment

Gateway to LiteracyBuilding Construction Mentorship Program

Citizens Bridge

Communications Executive AssistantOffice ManagementFinancial Controller

Property ManagementInformation Technology

Human Resource Manager

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Jackie Connell, ChairMember at Large

Basia Sokal, Canadian Union of Postal Workers, Vice-ChairLabour Sector

Art Ladd, B.U.I.L.D., TreasurerBusiness Organization

Dr. Donald Allan Jolly, Urban Circle Training Centre, SecretaryAboriginal Organization

Arthur Gunn, Selkirk Avenue Biz Business Organization

Wayne McInosh, St. Francis Anglican ChurchReligious & Faternal Organization

Roanna Hepburn, North Point Douglas Resident’sAssociation Resident’s Organization

Darrell Warren, William Whyte Neighbourhood AssociationResident’s Organization

2019 - 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mary Burton, Dufferin Resident’s AssociationResident’s Organization

Ashley PankiwDirector at Large

Bianca Ballantyne, CEDA Pathways to EducationYouth Serving Orgnaization

Basia Sokal, Canadian Union of Postal WorkersLabour Organization

Michael Champagne, Fearless R2WCommunity Service Organization


2019-2020 STAFF

Dawn Sands, Executive Director Brenda Cameron, Financial ControllerSimone Beaudet, Human Resource Manager Muriel Lamy, ReceptionistCaitlin Ferry, Website /Communications Alana Ring-Woodard, IT

Operations Team

Jessie Leigh, Housing & Community Development Director

Melissa McDonald, NE Food Security and Greening Coordinator

Roxane Dorvault, Housing Resource Coordinator / Rec Van Driver

Lindsay Schaitel, Lead TLC Coordinator

Deana Paisley North End Wellness Recreation Liaison Lalonnie Shimonko, Housing AdminstratorMeagan Vickers, Strategic Planner Stephanie Hrynchuk, Housing Plus Program AssistantCaitlin Ferry, TLC Coordinator Angela Young, LC CoordinatorDeborah Epps, Energy Advocate Chantal Smith TLC CoordinatorAlana Ring-Woodard, WRN Program Assistant Gord McIntyre, WRN Coordinator

Housing and Community Development

Don Bellisle, Employment & Training Director Charlotte Disbrowe, Program ManagerFatima Rodrigues, Employment Counsellor Jennifer Griffith, Milestones Counsellor & Team LeadDeanna Moneas, Resource Receptionist Gina Parrado-Penuela, Milestones CounsellorRobin Webb, Facilitator, Gateway to Learning Melissa McDonald, Instructional AssistantGabriella Mazzei, Milestones Counsellor Addie Ducharme, Outreach WorkerDiane Thomas, Case worker Eva-Marie Stewart,Class 5 Driver Instructor

Employment and Training Services - PATH and Citizen’s Bridge

Dean McIvor, BCMP Program Manager Kim Nieuwenburg, BCMP Case ManagerCalvin Monkman, Maintenance Mario Signore, Maintenance

BCMP - Social Enterprise

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY BUILDING

The North End Resident Coalition

The Strengthening North End Neighbourhoods Report focuses on the Dufferin, William Whyte and St. John’s Neighbourhoods. We faciliated a PATH planning session in January 21st, 2020. The purpose of the session is to determine the plans/goals and objectives of the coalition.

Community building supports the engagement of local stakeholders in initiatives that revitalize the North End

Merchants Corner Inc.

NECRC is an active member of the board of Merchant’s Corner Inc. and provide administrative and organizational support to the Merchants’ Corner Community Connector. The role of the Community Connector is to build and strengthen relationships between the tenants, CEDA Pathways, the UofW Inner City Studies program and resident’s living at Merchants Corner and those living within the broader North End community.

Reconciliation

NECRC works to increase cultural competency and the fulfilment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action:

• NECRC reporting includes activities fulfilling Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action

• NECRC is an active member on the Winnipeg Indigenous Advisory Ciricle, Indigenous Visioning for the North End and the Winnipeg Friendship Centre Porgram.

• NECRC supports activities through partnership or funding, grass-roots, Indigenous led organizations and projects which directly support North End residents


NORTH END FOOD SECURITY NETWORKNEFSN facilitates and establishes partnerships that develop new initiatives and support existing programs. Programming places an emphasis on networking, mentoring, education, training and food security.

NEFSN works with partners to ensure access to healthy food options. We are happy to continue our partnership with Eddy’s Place this year to offer cooking classes to local residents.

25 cooking classes with 116 people attending

18 people received Safe Food Handlers Certificates

158 people participated in gardening and related workshops

Food Shuttle38 shuttle rides450 riders

11 Indoor Food Markets325 bags of fresh produce sold

215 hampers delivered to homes 85 delivered to IFC for distribution

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NORTH END RECREATION AND WELLNESS

OutcomesDeveloped the North End Sport Framework and North End Sport Council.

Implement the NE Sport Framework by working with the City of Winnipeg to create a ‘Train the Trainer’ type of session. Training session will focus on teaching City of Winnipeg programming staff, Recreation Technicians, and community leaders how to play traditional Indigenous games. Teaching them how to play the games will give them the knowledge how to implement the games into programs for youth in the community.

Consulted with the Point Douglas & Downtown Service to Seniors Network Group Meeting to learn about the current challenges within the community, including lack of internet access, seniors feeling more isolated, and safety issues for seniors and those working with public.

Combined the Recreation and Wellness with the Food Security Network committees that will oversee NECRC’s Community Development programs and services.

Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Council was going to hold an Indigenous Games Night and a Lacrosse Workshop on March 21 for youth, which had to be postponed due to COVID-19.

North End Recreation and Wellness Action Plan focuses on five Objectives:

1. Increase access to recreation and wellness opportunities2. More affordable, safe and accessible recreation/leisure programming options for

youth. 3. More programming for seniors4. Development of a North End Wellness Strategy5. Creation of a North End Culture Centre


HOUSING SUPPORT SERVICES

The North End community consistently identifies affordable quality housing as an overall renewal strategy. Our programs cultivate a sense of pride and community ownership in the unique neighbourhoods of the North End.

TENANT LANDLORD COOPERATION (TLC)

HOUSING PLUS

TLC program maintains tenant supports to identify and address tenancy challenges and accountability between both parties. NECRC housing programs assess and refers relevant rental accountability concerns to TLC to address and follow up whenever possible.

Tenant received information on rights/responsibilities: 252

Landlord received information on rights/responsibilities: 44

Inspections completed: 72 Prevented eviction: 73

(Re)connected with income supports:29 Negotiated damage deposit return: 9

Advocated to EIA: 96 Advocated to Hydro: 50

Advocated to CoW Water:22 Advocated to CFS: 19

Tenant recoveries: $62, 341 Landlord recoveries: $2,586

Housing Plus assists vulnerable individuals in acquiring housing that best fits their needs. We accomplish this by working closely with landloreds and Housing First Service Providers.

Newly housed 183

moves (relocations or evictions) 511

Local employment (Purpose) $94, 382

Completed work orders 199

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Point Douglas Residents Committee (PDRC); William Whyte Neighbourhood Association (WWRA); Habitat for Humanity; KINEW Housing; North End Housing Project (NEHP); the Winnipeg Housing & Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC); Housing Opportunities Program (HOP); Building Urban Industries for Local Development(B.U.I.L.D.); Purpose Construction (MGR); Manitoba Hydro; City of Winnipeg through Property, Planning, and Development, Public Works and Winnipeg By-law Enforcement Unit; Province of Manitoba through Neighbourhoods Alive! (NA!): Manitoba Housing Strategic Initiatives (MH); and the Government of Canada through Homelessness Partnership Strategy (HPS).

PARTNERSHIPS

In partnership with Manitoba Hydro, we have a full-time Energy Advocate to canvass the community and assist residents in accessing MB Hydro’s Affordable Energy Program in order to realize energy savings and improvements to quality of housing. This program is focused on William Whyte and has expanded to include all five communities serviced by NECRC.

POWER SMART

NECRC staff continue to provide valuable feedback on topics affecting the overall housing environment of Winnipeg. We are active participants on WRN Management Committee, Right to Housing City Working Group committee and Minister of Finance’s Landlord and Tenant Advisory Committee. We also attended multiple provincial and municipal housing/budget consultations along with numerous housing focused events, consultations and conferences.

HOUSING POLICY AND ADVOCACY

147 Energy Upgrades Completed

375 agency workers attend 10 Community of Practice gatherings

WINNIPEG RENTAL NETWORKWRN is a multi-agency network that provides network opportunities for housing service providers to identify and discuss housing barriers, share best practices and increase awareness of available resources.


WRN is a multi-agency network that provides network opportunities for housing service providers to identify and discuss housing barriers, share best practices and increase awareness of available resources across the city.

winnipegrentnet.ca provides links to supports, partners, and information on tenant and landlord rights and provides landlords of affordable housing a venue to post vacancies free of charge.

We are a partner in Housing Plus, which secures market rentals to support front-line housing agencies in housing homeless individuals. We also offers RentSmart as part of its education and capacity building supports.

WINNIPEG RENTAL NETWORK (WRN)

Certificate course: 15Graduates: 193Basics course: 14

Basics completion: 61Educator (TTT) graduates: 26

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The North End is a historic neighborhood with unlimited potential for businesses.

Provides services to individuals who need a range of specific, important employability supports. We assist individuals to secure various forms of official government Identification documents. As part of our efforts to bring the program to the community we deliver ID clinics at key strategic referral partner sites. This reduces barriers for community members who already face multiple challenges in their lives. We continue to grow our partnership with Manitoba Justice and Correctional Services of Canada to go into correctional facilities and help inmates, preparing for community release. Having the necessary identification documents when they are being released will help with reintergration and reduce recidivism rates.

CITIZENS’ BRIDGE

OutcomesProgram Referrals Received 2973Intakes

Birth Certificates Processed

ACU Banking Referrals

1464

1352

274

Driver’s Course Registration

Road Test Passed

In-car Training Hours Completed

85

301

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BUILDING CONSTRUCTION MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

BCMP, is a supportive employment training program, in partnership with Manitoba Housing (MH), and our north end community partners: BUILD (Building Urban Industries for Local Development), Purpose Construction, Youth Build and New Directions. We focus on youth and North End residents who experience multiple barriers to employment and provide hands-on training and mentorship through the maintenance and repair of Manitoba Housing properties. Our training provides valuable work development opportunities by working closely with all of the Workplace Intergrated Social Enterprises. together we provide a continuum of supportive employment and skills development. All NECRC trainess recieve wrap around supports in achieving their life goals and personal needs.

The program helped me boost my self-esteem, met a lot of good and hard working mentors and most especially this program took me to where I am right now as Building Superintendent at Manitoba Housing in a full time and permanent position.

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EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT

Provides clients with the opportunity to address learning gaps and take control of their own essential skills learning. Clients are referred from PATH to develop a personal learning plan. Learning plans are based on the 9 Essential Skills for Work as defined by ESDC, and complement a client’s existing return to work plan. Clients work with the instructor and referring PATH counsellor to establish goals, track and report progress to stakeholders, and follow through on gains and accomplishments. The Nine Essential Skills are:

ReadingWritingNumeracyComputer Use Document UseOral CommunicationWorking With OthersThinking SkillsContinuous Learning

6105 Total Employment Services ProvidedGATEWAY TO LEARNING


Providing high quality, timely, and client-centered employability services is a priority of the North End Community Renewal Corporation. NECRC continues its work to ensure that activities and services are inclusive and accessible for all North End residents.

MILESTONESThe Milestones program at PATH meets the priorities, objectives and development themes by addressing foundational barriers in the employability continuum. Client needs are thoroughly assessed and addressed through one-on one counselling sessions. A series of 11 life skills workshops are held every three months for a total of 44 workshops delivered in a year. Topics include:

Building RelationshipsCoping With EmotionsAnger Management AwarenessStress ManagementCoping With ChangeBoundariesSelf-EsteemAssertivenessGoal SettingMotivationBudgeting with SEEDJOB READINESS PROGRAM Prepares clients to re-enter the labour market with targeted and specific workshops for job seekers. Employment counsellors provide one-on-one employment counselling and facilitate larger workshops on various employment and employability topics. The typical exit point for Job Readiness clients is employment.

WORKSHOPS INCLUDE:

• Barriers to Employment• Cover Letter Writing• Resume Building• Time Management and Budgeting• Communication Skills• Interview Skills• Networking • Goal Setting

• Orientation to all of NECRC services held every Monday

• Job Search Café held every Wednesday• Training and Education Session monthly

(clients connect with community learning resource providers at PATH)

• Resource Fair monthly (clients connect with community resource and mental health providers at PATH)

• Employer Forum monthly (clients connect with employers with the opportunity to apply on the spot at PATH)

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NORTH END REVITALIZATION INCORPORATED (NERI)

NERI continues to work with stakeholders to address the needs of the North End community through the development of partnerships, networking and building community capacity.

North End Revitalization Incorporated (NERI) was organized by the North End Community Renewal Corporation (NECRC) as the new entity to which programs considered non-charitable were transferred. It is a non-share capital corporation incorporated under The Corporations Act (Manitoba). NERI’s membership is comprised of the NECRC Board of Directors (13). The NERI Board of Directors is elected from amongst the membership of NERI (minimum of 3 directors). Thus, NECRC will control NERI. NERI was incorporated on January 8th, 2007 and began operations April 1st, 2007 when assets, staff, and non-charitable programs were officially transferred from NECRC to NERI. The revenues and expenses relating to the following areas have been allocated to NERI:

Housing Exterior Fix-Up Grants and Development Programs The Storefront Enhancement Grant (SEG) Program The Small Grants Fund (SGF) Program NA! Core funding from the Province of Manitoba

The revenues and expenses relating to the following areas have been allocated to NECRC: All of Employment Development (PATH Employability Centre) All of Community Development (with the exception of the Small Grants Fund Program) All of the existing properties owned by the Renewal Corporation The Executive Director and Administrative Assistant

The North End Community Renewal Corporation (NECRC) has charitable tax status, and is a registered charity. North End Revitalization Incorporated (NERI) takes care of programs that do not qualify under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Charities Act. All project contribution agreements with NERI are prefaced with the above information.


SMALL GRANTS FUND

Small grant applications are reviewed by a Resident Advisory Committee which includes representation from: Dufferin, William Whyte, Lord Selkirk Park, Point Douglas, the NECRC Board and a NECRC staff person. The committee is co-ordinated by the NECRC staff person and makes recommendations on project allocations, which are then approved by the NECRC Board of Directors.

Successful grants meet the following criteria: 1. Describe how your project addresses the priority areas of the Five Year Plan;

2. Outline how the project supports one or more of the following categories: Capacity Building, Stability, Community Connecting, Well Being and Economic Development;

3. How is the project supported by local residents and demonstrates community support;

4. Describe the impact and benefit to the community;

5. Include a budget on how the funds will be spent, identify other partners and their contribution to project activities.

64 requests61 approvals

23,136 people served2371 Volunteers engaged

165K requested $148K approved $544K leveraged

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HOUSING GRANTS

STOREFRONT ENHANCEMENT GRANTS

NERI, in partnership with Municipal Relations and in cooperation with the North End BIZ, Selkirk AvenueBIZ, and the Between the Parks Business Association have established a program for local small businessesand non-profit agencies/organizations in the North End. The Program promotes local community investment by providing cost-shared, non-repayable funding grants to eligible North End small businesses and nonprofit agencies and organizations for exterior renovations to the frontage of their property that enhances the appearance, safety, and value of their property.

$96,197 in grants were administered through City-funded CHII Exterior Fix-up grants in William Whyte and North Point Douglas. These exterior fix-up grants assist recipients with the renovation of their properties and improvement to the overall housing stock in the community.

Storefront Enhancement Grants for provided 25 local businesses and agencies up to $3,000 for grants totalling $56,303. An additional $200,000 was invest by local businesses.


NERIProvince MB - Municipal RelationsCity of Winnipeg

THANKYOU

Many individuals and organizations have contributed to the North End’s growing strength and continued success. We would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to all of our funders, donors and community members who helped turn our goals into reality.

NECRCProvince MB - Municipal RelationsUnited WayProvince of MB- Education and YouthProvince of MB - EDTManitoba Housing Renewal CorporationManitoba Public InsuranceManitoba HydroCity of WinnipegGovernment of Canada - HRDCGovernment of Canada - HPSWinnipeg FoundationAssiniboine Credit UnionManitoba Metis FederationJames Richardson & SonsRBC Foundation (Royal Bank)LITEWinnipeg Regional Health AuthorityEnd Homelessness WinnipegEddy’s Place

message from the chair & executive director - necrc

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