The following websites and links offer information, resources, and programs newcomer families need. Most of these are free. Please note that some programs may need registration and follow eligibility requirements:

Manitoba government-suggested websites for parents, educators, and community members:

• My Child in School – A user-friendly website that provides an overview of curriculum content to help parents support their children’s success in school.
• My Learning at Home – Students in grades 5 to 8 can find videos, animations and interactive websites here to help them understand or deepen their understanding of many concepts in mathematics and science.
• Safe and Caring Schools – Provides Manitoba’s educators, students, parents and community members with valuable information and resources to support safe, caring and inclusive schools.

Library links:

• Winnipeg Public Libraries – Information on location, hours and services available at libraries in Winnipeg.

Regional libraries:

• Manitoba Public Library System
• Western Manitoba Regional Library – Includes Brandon Public Library, Carberry/North Cypress Library, Neepawa Public Library,Glenboro/South Cypress Library, Hartney/Cameron Public Library.
• South Central Regional Library– Services Morden, Winkler, Altona, Miami.
• South Interlake Regional Library – Covers the Town of Stonewall, Town of Teulon, R.M. of Rosser, R.M. of Rockwood.
• Lakeland Regional Library – Services Kilarney-Turtle Mountain & Cartwright-Roblin
• Lac du Bonnet Library– For the Town of Lac du Bonnet, R.M. of Lac du Bonnet, and R.M. of Alexander (Bird River Area).
• Evergreen Regional Library – Includes Gimli, Arborg, Riverton
• Allard Library (Bibliothèque Allard Regional Library)– services Pine Falls – Powerview, R.M. of Alexander, R.M. of Victoria Beach and surrounding areas

Community based programming and support for newcomer youth (and families):

• City of Winnipeg Leisure Guide, Swimming for all Ages, and Priceless Fun – Contains downloadable pamphlets containing listings of recreational programs in community centres and libraries in various areas of Winnipeg.
• General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres (GCWCC) – This is where you will find information on Winnipeg’s 63 community centres. Find out your nearest community centre, its upcoming events, programs offered, rental facilities, and others.
• Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg – Operates 10 community-based clubs for young people ages 10-18. They offer drop-in and enhanced programs that include sports, recreation and physical activity; arts and cultural appreciation; and education and career exploration. Some activities require pre-registration.
• Art City – Offers free, high-quality art programs. Special programs include digital photography, ceramics, drawing club and digital art, and other activities that facilitate creative expression.
• NEEDS Introduction to Canadian Education– A school-preparedness and orientation program for newly arrived refugee youth, 6-21 years old, who are awaiting placement in a Winnipeg School. It consists of orientation sessions about Winnipeg and school preparedness, English language skill development, recreational activities, and computer skills development.
• Elmwood Community Resource Centre, Elmwood has various programs for children and the youth.

– Represents and supports LGTBTTQ individuals, communities and families. Its youth programs (for ages 13-21) focus on skill development, capacity building, and creative expression such as creative writing workshops, movie nights, self defence, and bowling.

• Seven Oaks School Division – Provides services to newcomers, often in collaboration with schools:

• Maples Youth Activity Centre – Offers leisure activities to encourage active, healthy living to youth 9-17 years old. The program runs in two schools and includes recreation, art, music, cooking and others.
• Kildonan Youth Activity Centre – Offers recreation, art, music, cooking and other activities to youth 8-17 years old. Programs are offered in five schools.
• Extended Day Growth Education for middle years – A program that operates in nine schools.
• After school language classes (heritage languages and English as an Additional Language) – Offered to students who attend school in the division. Languages include Punjabi, Polish, Portuguese, Italian, Filipino, Cree, Ojibwe, Spanish, German, and EAL. Classes are from 4:30-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.
• Wayfinders – An after school tutoring and mentoring program for high school students living in the Elwick community and Watson Drive. It provides opportunities for community service and financial support.
• Teen Stop Jeunesse – Has various programs and supports for youth ages 8-18. They offer a Life Skills program (cooking), arts and crafts, computer lab, homework assistance, School of Rock mentorship, recording studio, leadership programs, a Youth Coop program (entrepreneurship), food bank, light counselling and referral services.

For more information on recreational programs for children and youth in Winnipeg, refer to this list: RECREATION RESOURCES FOR SCHOOL-AGED NEWCOMER CHILDREN & YOUTH

 
Article updated July 25, 2023.