THE 100^TH ANNIVERSARY GRANT

WINNERS

2007

CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES OF WESTERN MANITOBA

The winner of The National Chapter of Canada IODE 100th Anniversary Program Grant for 2007, valued at $20,000, is Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba, Brandon Manitoba, for their Preschool Enrichment Program.

The Preschool Enrichment Program, a prevention/family strengthening program, is a unique Preschool/Head-start program in Brandon specifically for children in high risk situations, in need of stimulating, enriching experiences vital to their healthy growth and development. It is mainly for families who have been referred by Child and Family Services, public health and other community services. These children would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend a preschool program.

Government funding received by the United Way Agency is for protection services alone. The Agency believes in providing a broad continuum of services including support and education for parents along with early intervention/child development programs such as the Preschool Enrichment Program. The mission of the Agency is “Child and Family Service of Western Manitoba exists so that children are safe and nurtured in strong, loving families within a community of caring people.”

The philosophy of the Preschool Enrichment Program is to establish and maintain an environment that will:

• Promote the cognitive development of the child by encouraging learning at all levels.
• Promote the social and emotional development of the child by encouraging self-expression and self-confidence.
• Encourage the child to develop self-discipline while respecting the rights of others.
• Facilitate language and encourage the use of a problem solving process.
• Offer an opportunity to establish secure relationships with adults who show a sincere interest in each child’s uniqueness.
• Encourage enjoyment and satisfaction as motivation for further learning.

The program emphasizes individual and small group learning experiences and uses the child’s natural means of learning through play, exploration an investigation.

The Preschool Enrichment Program is under the auspices of Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba, and is supervised by the Program Director of Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba.