The Fort Garry Community Network was established in April 1999 following a community conference with representatives from parent councils, social
agencies, the Fort Garry School Division, child care agencies, community clubs, faith community,family service agencies, the civic and provincial
government, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and other groups who had an interest in children and youth. Sixty groups attended this initial meeting.
The Network was established as there was a willingness on the part of participants to begin to work together on the identified needs. The Network has an "Action" oriented focus and developed a mission statement to WORK COLLABORATIVELY TO PROMOTE THE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF
CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES.
The Network is directed by a steering committee which meets on a monthly basis. In addition to the monthly meetings, meetings are held held with various project groups. Agencies are asked to contribute $25.00 annually
to cover the costs of office supplies, postage and other incidental costs.
Currently the Network is involved in four community initiatives.
1. Healthy Child Initiative
The Fort Garry/ St. Norbert Parent Child Centre Coalition has been involved in accessing funds from Healthy Child Manitoba and developing a community strategy for programs for families with children from 0 - 5 years of age.
2. North Fort Garry Youth Action Centre - General Byng School
This is a joint project between General Byng School, General Byng Parent Council, Lighthouses (Manitoba Justice)and the City of Winnipeg to provide recreational programming for youth.
3. Community Connections - Public Internet Access
This is a community venture which encourages the public to access Internet Terminals throughout the community. This committee is also working on developing a website for
the Fort Garry area which will enable residents to locate services.
4. Special Needs Initiative
This committee is working on developing an
after school program for special needs youth and young adults. This program will benefit the youth in forming peer relationships and increased opportunities for recreation.
For more information, contact David Groff, School Social Worker, Pembina Trails School Division and chair of the Fort Garry Community Network.
Steering Committee Members:
David Groff, Chair, School Social Worker, Pembina Trails School Division
Frank Caldwell, City of Winnipeg, Community Resource Coodinator
Bea Cherniack, School Social Worker, Pembina Trails School Division
Cathy D'Andrea, Parent Representative
Maria Augellone, Constituency Liaison for Reg Alcock MP
Dawn Forbes, Kings Park Child Care
Eilleen Fraser, Winnipeg Child and Family Services
Larry Fudge, Southlands Community Church
Ruth Hiebert, Manitoba Child Day Care
Pat Hodgert, South Winnipeg Family Information Centre
Mac Horsburgh, School Social Worker, Pembina Trails School Division
Tannis McKinney, Parent Representative
Laiza Pacheco, Ryerson Boys and Girls Club
Lisa Passante, School Social Worker, Pembina Trails School Division
Terry Sullivan, Children's Special Services
Karen Velthuys, School Trustee
Donalda Wotton, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority