Warming Up in Winnipeg with a Party

 Jewish Child and Family Service in Winnipeg have found a way to warm up the winter........

Resettlement program has been developing a number of new initiatives that will assist newcomers with their successful integration into the community.  Einat Keynan, Tania Fuksman and Iael Besendord, JCFS Integration workers, organized two focus groups with newcomers, who have arrived in Winnipeg within the past three years.  The groups, which met in late November and early December, expressed their concerns and provided some constructive solutions in terms of programming that would help make new immigrant families feel welcome and at home.

As a result of these suggestions a dance party took place on Saturday February 3rd at the Asper Centre.  The evening was very successful in providing an opportunity for many couples to meet new friends and participate in Jewish community organized programs.  Over 100 people attended the program and many of them thanked the organizers for an evening that was so much fun.  Upcoming programs are planned for the spring, including a family barbecue which will take place in May.  The staff was assisted by a volunteer committee from the newcomer community that helped organize the event.  Along with JCFS, the program was supported financially by the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg. Canada Sheli, a group that organizes programs of interest to Israelis living in Winnipeg, was also helpful in promoting this event.