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More than 6,000 Winnipeg families are touched by Family Dynamics programs and services every year. The non-profit – which turns 80 this year – provides a remarkable variety of services, including counselling, in home support, parent coaching, family resource centres, and family support for refugees and newcomers. Basically, if there’s a way to help families overcome challenges and grow stronger, Family Dynamics offers it, regardless of social or economic circumstances. We sat down with Acting Executive Director Millie Braun to wrap our heads around what they do, answer why they make home visits and ask how we can get involved. |
The Winnipeg Chamber: What kind of moments show you the impact Family Dynamics has?
Millie Braun: Responding to families in a time of need and seeing people become stronger, more confident and hopeful about their lives. It happens every day in our resource centres, in our counselling offices, in the community and in family homes.
WC: What’s the benefit of having in-home family support?
MB: Sometimes family life can become overwhelming – parenting children is challenging but especially so when circumstances such as multiple births, a child with special needs, or a parent who is ill bring families to point of needing hands on practical help. We provide in home help with child care, household management, laundry and meal preparation to help families regain their strength and independence.
WC: How does Family Dynamics help new Canadians?
MB: Our team provides specialized supports to refugee newcomers who are experiencing multiple barriers adapting to life in Canada, as well as offering programs to newcomers in several Winnipeg neighbourhoods.
WC: How does Family Dynamics get funding?
MB: Our funding comes primarily from the Province of Manitoba, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and United Way.
WC: What goals do you have as a team? What’s your vision?
MB: We are celebrating and commemorating 80 years of service to Winnipeg families and communities. Our vision has always been healthy families and strong communities. Our vision for the coming years is to become known as a centre for excellence for all matters related to families – to become an employer of choice – to maintain and build a diverse and stable funding base – and to increase our profile in the larger community
WC: How can readers support what you do and/or get involved?
MB: Many people find out about our services when they are in a time of need. However, it is important that citizens in general know about the important supports that non-profit organizations provide to support the community and strengthen a healthy society for all of us.
We would love to have more people learn about us at Family Dynamics by visiting our website. We are grateful for any donations to help support our work – but would be especially delighted if any businesses might be interested specifically in supporting/sponsoring our 80th Anniversary event.
We are celebrating at the Centre Cultural Franco-Manitobain on November 16, 2017.
