by Merrill Shwaid

One of the newest initiatives that took place recently was a workshop called THE ABC'S OF LIVING IN WINNIPEG.  It was a one-day series of information sessions that gave newcomers practical information on managing daily life in Winnipeg.  As there are so many areas of life here in Winnipeg that are foreign to our newly arrived citizens, having representative speakers address their area of expertise in this type of workshop format was invaluable. 

Topics chosen for the ABC informational sessions included: 

Reporting Emergencies - a how-to talk on dealing with fire, crime and medical emergencies.

Renting or Buying a Home - what to know in securing housing.

Family Recreation - outlined the many opportunities for family outings that are available in our community.

Finances - what to know about income taxes and tax deductions. 

The Medical System - how to deal with health care coverage and handling our own medical concerns.  This session was lead by a specialist in Multicultural Approaches to the Medical System.

Dealing with Winnipeg in the Winter is a challenge to newcomers who are not used to driving and handling the frigid winter weather. 

In addition there were two special sessions for teenagers.  One dealt with social life and what to do in Winnipeg.  The other dealt with driving rules, university entrance requirements, work protocol and cultural behaviors. 

Left to Rt.  Sebastian Judkovski, Yanina Rabinovich, Shirley and Ariel Pelich

Mariana and Leonel Wilhelm arrived from Argentina a few months ago and attended four of the sessions during the day. They found that it was very useful in giving them details and tips about life in Winnipeg.  The evaluations received from the participants to this program indicated that everyone found the program to be invaluable in giving them first hand information and they appreciated being able to attend a program that contained so much practical information.  There was no charge for participation and in addition childcare was available for families with small children.

Jewish Child and Family Service sponsored this new initiative in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, the Rose and Max Rady Jewish Community Centre and the Asper Jewish Community Centre as well as the Gray Academy of Jewish Education and JIAS Canada Integration Funding.

Merrill Shwaid is the Public Relations Co-ordinator at Jewish Child and Family Service in Winnipeg.

JIAS integration grants help fund innovative programs from coast to coast.