Building bridges between all communities
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/323637
PAGE 18 • JUNE 2014 JESSICA HEPPNER Gallant's Family Foods I amJessicaHeppner,amemberofRoseauRiverFirstNation.Myhusband BrianandIhavealwayswantedtoownafamilybusinessandinJanuary 2013wepurchasedGallant'sFamilyFoodsandDel'sSpecialityMeats, locatedinthesmallsouthernManitobatownofLetellier. Gallant'sisagrocerystoreknownforitsmeatandproducedepartments andcateringmenu.Del'sisafoodmanufacturingbusinessattachedtothe grocerystore,withthemainproductbeingDel'shome-stylepizza. In order to help us with the purchase, we researched grants and loans forsmallbusinessinManitoba.ThisledustoCommunityFuturesTripleR inMorriswhoputusintouchwithCommunityFuturesDakotaOjibwayand FirstPeoplesEconomicGrowthFund(FPEGF).Withthethreeorganizations, wewereabletoworktogethertomakeourdreamareality. Our experience with FPEGF was an amazing one. We first utilized FPEGF's Business Plan Development Program to help with the costs to develop our business plan – a requirement of the three funding agencies. From there, we applied to their Entrepreneur Loan Program. FPEGF's Senior Loans Manager made us feel comfortable and capable of meeting ourgoalsalongtheway. It takes hard work, determination and a wonderful team of people to makeithappen.Wehavebeenveryblessed. Selkirk & District Community Learning Centre (SDCLC) was created to satisfy the needs of our communities regarding education and training. As a community created institution, our social responsibilities are to provide resources that promote growth, enhance and improve the quality of life, while employing sustainable practices. That is easier said than done – but we strive to meet our responsibilities every day. A Community Learning Centre responds to needs that conventional education may not fulfill because of a lack of facility in the area or a narrow demand. A good example of what a Community Learning Centre can achieve is a course that was recently completed at SDCLC called Introduction to Trades. This involved two partners, Red River College's Access Program and Peguis First Nation. Peguis provided a material package for a Ready-to-Move home and Red River delivered the curriculum. The most important partners were our 16 graduates who worked so hard to succeed at building a solid home for a Peguis family. These students learned to work cooperatively while following all housing regulations and expectations. They became effective workers who know how to be part of a team. The staff at SDCLC enjoyed watching them build the house and our Job Quest program provided resumes for the students. This is an illustration of why a Community Learning Centre is good for its region. It is much more than a classroom. Other services are available to students that help before, during and after classroom attendance to promote self- esteem, build confidence and provide assistance in achieving goals with no cost programs. A few years ago, SDCLC started a program called the Computer Lending Library (CLL), a free training program that results in the student acquiring a computer to take home. Job Quest is a popular program where staff consult with clients to draw out their skills for job applications and produce a well done resume based on the client's talents, skills, education and experience. Job Quest is sponsored by the Provincial government, and is free to the client. Job Quest and CLL contribute to community and economic development in the region. SDCLC sees a diverse student body, not only in Introduction to Trades, but also the many other programs that have come to Selkirk. Herzing College has contributed to our community with Health Care Aid, Counselling and Administration programs over the years. We are grateful to have Herzing's Selkirk Campus at SDCLC as they have brought quality education to hundreds of students in our area. Herzing's teachers also respect diversity and work hard to keep motivation high in the classroom. Reach Forward, a program that has joined our campus helps people prepare for work. Issues that stop people from getting a job, or barriers that people have are discussed along with strategies to help the student become more employable. The program explores life skills, different careers and has opportunities for job shadowing. We have many other programs and we hope that you will drop in and make use of what we have to offer! Karen Keppler, Selkirk and District Community Learning Centre education and training BUILTONTHEPRAIRIES, FORTHEPRAIRIES. 221MelnickRoad, Winnipeg,MB,R3X1V5 204-257-9032 TollFree:877-768-5552 www.prairiemobilehomes.com