Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc. 4.74

The Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc was established in 1984 to reclaim Aboriginal people's inherent role and responsibility as the caregivers for Aboriginal children and families in Winnipeg.

We are a community mandated, Aboriginal directed and supported human service organization, delivering children in care and community based programs and services to Aboriginal families.

Today, with over fifty (50) programs, and eleven (11) sites, and 200 staff and volunteers, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre provides a valued local presence in key neighborhoods where our community lives.

COMMUNITY CARE

Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre offers a number of culturally relevant prevention and support-based programs and services to Winnipeg's Aboriginal community. Working with the community, we create local opportunities for local solutions at each of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre's three (3) neighbourhood care sites. For a detailed list of the programs offered, please visit our website at www.mamawi.com

Other programs include, but are not limited to:

• Home Based Crisis Intervention provides a community-based option for emergency and crisis services for children and families who are experiencing emotional, behavioral or psychiatric difficulties.

• Spirit of Peace helps families heal from the effects of violence.

• Youth Programs provides young people with the opportunity to learn, grow and share their gifts and strengths.

• Volunteer Program provides opportunities for community members to get involved in their
community and learn new skills.

• Child Development Centre—Licensed 20-spot infant daycare

• Wi Che Win addresses homelessness byworking intensively with participants through the transition from homelessness to having homes.


CHILDREN IN CARE

In our Aboriginal communities, it is a common practice for extended families to community members to care for children when the parents cannot.

At Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, we work to build a circle of caring for children in care and their families. This means looking at ways to support children in familiar environments.

Wherever possible, ensure that children stay in the neighbourhoods and schools where they have existing relationships and connections with meaningful supports. that are responsive to their needs.

Children In Care Programs include:

• Circle of Care—Short-term assessment home for teenage girls between 13–17 years of age

• Hands of Mother Earth—A rural healing lodge for sexually exploited young females and transgendered between the ages of 13–17 yrs

• Honouring the Spirit of Our Little Sisters—Long term safe house for sexually exploited young women/transgender youth between 13–17 years of age

• Isobel’s Place—Residential learning facility for pregnant adolescents and mothers between 13–17 years of age

• Four Fires Lodge—Long-term home for high needs young boys between 11–14 years of age

• CLOUT—It Takes a Neighbourhood—Short term foster care and intensive support for birth families
working toward reunification (22 beds)

• Ozosunon Program—Long-term foster homes for Aboriginal children in need of protection
(100 beds)