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Sara Riel acknowledges that we live and work on Treaty One Territory, the homeland of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota, Dene, and Oji-Cree peoples, and the homeland of the Metis Nation. We approach our work with humility and in hopes of contributing to an agenda of reconciliation.
Sara Riel reconnaît que nous vivons et travaillons sur le territoire du Traité no 1, la patrie des Anishinaabe, des Cris, des Dakota, des Dénés et des Oji-Cris, et la patrie de la Nation métisse. Nous abordons notre travail avec humilité et dans l'espoir de contribuer à un programme de réconciliation.
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Join us as we walk and run to support
Mental Health and Addictions in our communities!
Sara Riel's 3rd Annual Wellness Walk and Run will take place Sunday, May 12th at St. Vital Park, 190 River Road. Choose from a 2.5 km, 5 km or 10 km route and start walking or running at 9:00 a.m. We are exciting to once again have Ace Burpee hosting the event!
Registration is now open and early bird pricing is available until April 12th. Join individually or as a team of 4! Prizes are available for both the individual AND the team who raise the most money. Click here for more information and to register.
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Supporting Rural Communities
Sara Riel has collaborated with the Stigma Free Society to introduce the "Rural Mental Wellness Program," designed to combat the stigma surrounding mental health in rural and agricultural settings. This initiative caters specifically to rural inhabitants seeking to enhance their mental well-being while assisting others in their recovery journeys. The primary objective is to cultivate peer support workers capable of initiating and leading community-based support groups, thereby bolstering local support networks. We equip participants with essential resources to champion mental health awareness and enact positive change within their communities.
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Committed to Suicide Prevention
LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is the world’s leading suicide intervention training program and has been empowering people to provide skilled, life-saving interventions for over 35 years.
Learn more about the two day course and how you can register for training with Sara Riel!
Learn More
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Employment Development Program Success | |
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One of the biggest success stories for Sara Riel this past year has been a pilot Employment Development Program, initiated through a Journey to Independence Fund grant received in May 2023.
The grant allowed Sara Riel to provide services to an additional 90 participants, with 80% of them being EIA participants and part of the immigrant/newcomer/ refugee, indigenous, and/or 2SLGBTQIIA+ communities. As part of Sara Riel’s strategic plan, a priority was to find ways to engage more with these three traditionally underserved communities, which this project allowed Sara Riel to do.
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With the funding, Sara Riel was able to provide people with in-person, virtual, or community-based pre-employment workshops, supported job search, interview preparation and practice, resume and cover letter development, job coaching, career exploration, supports in finding and participating in education and training, and providing mental health supports via counseling/ case management. The goal of the project was to assist those on their path to full potential reach their personal and vocational goals.
To date, Sara Riel has provided services to 80 people, has assisted countless individuals in completing their GED’s, going to college or university, as well as achieving employment. Participants have also reported achieving significant personal goals and improvements to their overall mental health and wellbeing.
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Sara Riel is excited to announce the successful approval of its application for the Sara Riel Warm Line 24/7 Vital Service to the Distress Line Equity Fund (DLEF), securing $239,222 in funding for the upcoming year with a renewed commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“This is tremendous news! This generous approval ensures that Sara Riel can continue to provide our vital 24-hour Warm Line to Manitobans for an additional year. 24/7 services will resume on April 6th at 7:00 a.m.,” states Chief Executive Officer Tara Snider. “Since the pandemic began, Sara Riel has received well over 46,000 calls.”
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Celebrating 10 Years of Sara Riel's
Commitment to Seneca Peer Respite | |
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In 2014, Sara Riel was called upon to take on a significant responsibility: Delivering the services once provided by Seneca House, a vital facility providing peer support and respite to individuals facing mental health challenges. As we mark the milestone of Sara Riel's 10-year anniversary of the Seneca Peer Respite Program, it's a moment to reflect on the profound impact of dedication and unwavering commitment to the well-being of those served.
Over the past decade, Sara Riel and our Peer Support Workers have exemplified the essence of compassion, empathy, and professionalism in our role at Seneca Peer Respite, still one of the only Peer-led respite programs, to our knowledge, operating in Canada.
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From the moment we stepped into this pivotal position, our primary focus has been on creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where individuals can find solace and embark on their journey towards healing and recovery.
Under Sara Riel's leadership, Seneca Peer Respite has evolved into more than just a place of respite; it has become a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of mental health challenges. Through our tireless efforts and steadfast dedication, Sara Riel has cultivated a culture of inclusivity, understanding, and empowerment within the walls of Seneca, fostering a sense of community and belonging for all who pass through its doors.
As we celebrate Sara Riel's 10-year journey with Seneca Peer Respite, we extend our deepest gratitude for the unwavering dedication, passion, and compassion of our Peer Support Workers. Their contributions have not only transformed the lives of countless individuals but have also enriched the fabric of our community, leaving a legacy of hope, healing, and resilience.
Sara Riel will be holding a celebration on June 3rd. Please watch the website for details!
SaraRiel.ca
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Successful Partnerships Continue to Grow | |
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Sara Riel has recently developed two successful partnerships with Family Dynamics and Essential Skills Manitoba.
Family Dynamics is an organization that has seven different service locations in Winnipeg, with each providing supports and services to those living in Manitoba Housing. Employment services was a missing service for them, which Sara Riel is anxious to provide to all seven sites starting in April 2024. This partnership has the potential to help thousands of people in realizing their personal, professional, and employment related goals and we are very excited to get started! Essential Skills
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Manitoba has worked with us throughout the project to provide free assessments and trainings for individuals and will be joining us onsite at each location of Family Dynamics to do the same.
Sara Riel has an incredibly talented team of dedicated employees who are able to provide ongoing employment supports to participants, and staff are always looking for employment opportunities!
If you are interested in becoming a partner or want to know more about Sara Riel, please do not hesitate to reach out for more information.
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Community Helper Navigation Program | |
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Sara Riel is providing a pilot project aimed at extending outreach services to vulnerable populations across Manitoba. Sara Riel staff will assist vulnerable Individuals to access services and programming to meet their financial needs and lay groundwork to build support systems in the community and create inclusion. Many people currently are on Employment Income Assistance and require further disability services. The navigators assist people living with disability to become enrolled into Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities.
The number to call is: 204-296-3872
Currently navigators can be found in the community at: Siloam Mission, N’Dinawemak
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- Our Relatives' Place, Equal Housing Initiatives (McLaren) and our central office at 210 Pacific. Additionally, we hold monthly sessions at Millenium Library, One88 Community Church, Fort Garry Access and Makoon Transition Inc. in Winnipeg. In Manitoba, Sara Riel has navigators in Brandon, Steinbach, Beausejour, Selkirk, Portage la Prairie and will be opening supports in Northern Manitoba.
We support people with requests for MSPD DIA packages, facilitating communication with social assistance workers, housing supports, food connections, mental health and substance use assistance interventions, and employment referrals.
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Embracing Growth this Spring
I love spring. It promises warmth, change and renewal. Likewise, as a leader at Sara Riel, I embrace these same concepts in the workplace.
Sara Riel has been through tremendous growth this past year and the past five. We have met every challenge and opportunity with enthusiasm and a zest for our community.
We created a new organizational structure this past year. This has led to leadership opportunities for a group of dynamic people. The change has come in with over 1.5 million in new grant funding, the ability to provide 24 hour support through the warmline, and offering 7 day a week services at all 4 Sara Riel locations. I am especially excited by the growth in the employment services department
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which doubled this year and the incredible partnership with Family Dynamics through the Journey to Independence Fund. Strong community service organizations are best to serve with other strong community partners. This leads to the Community Helpers Navigation Program, which is meeting the important need of providing outreach, support and assistance to those requiring disability employment income assistance.
I am incredibly delighted with the commitment and dedication of the Board, staff and volunteers for all that we have accomplished thus far, and I have no doubt that the future holds even greater success for us. So let us embrace this season of renewal with the energy and strength through the Sara Riel values of compassion, respect and recovery.
Together, let's make this spring a season of impactful partnership in creating a better world for those who require mental health and addiction community services.
Warm regards,
Tara Snider
Chief Executive Officer
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