Client Stories

Community is Always Changing. What the Community Asks of Us, We Bring Forward

SEED Winnipeg partners with many local, community-driven organizations. One of the original matched savings partner organizations is Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre (often shortened to Ma Mawi).

SEED Winnipeg Empowered Us

Jean-Pierre Kisama first got involved with SEED by applying to the Saving Circle program, which lead to a referral to SEED’s Transportation Loan Repayment program.

SEED Does a Lot of Work with Me, a Lot of Stuff that I Wouldn’t Know How to Do on my Own

Roger Lavallee’s success story is one of progress.

It’s a Great Life Skill. Now He Knows He Can Do it for Other Things

Bruce saved up to buy mostly day-to-day items like kitchenware: pots and pans, a microwave, a toaster, and Tupperware containers, but also included a special purchase that has become a household staple.

Learning About Car Finance or Home Financing…Gave Me a Way Better Perspective on it

Some clients who work with SEED find themselves in situations where they feel trapped, with few options to change their circumstances. Rylee Nepinak faces a different set of challenges.

The Lesson I Want People to Learn from this is Nobody Should Ever Look Down on Someone

Bukky Omoruku’s journey towards achieving recognition for her Nigerian nursing credentials is a story of hardship and isolation, but also of resilience.

Going There Over the Years, I Have Actually Learned to be More Outspoken and be More Out There

Kyler Harper is a recent graduate from Children of the Earth High School, a direct neighbour to SEED Winnipeg.

We Really Gain as a Company Because our Staff are the Ones Who Develop our Menu Items

Client: Diversity Food Services

Diversity Food Services is an anomaly in the business world.

People in All Nations Want this Bread

At first encounter, Abdul Kamara is like an enthusiastic friend, excited to see you after a long absence, and as you get to know him, his generosity and genuine friendliness feel perfectly natural.

Learning How to Save

Ruta Tesfalidet learned how to save money and be more responsible when making purchases.

SEED’s Transportation Loan Pilot Program Assists Refugee Family

Part of the process of immigrating to Canada as a refugee is the assumption of a Transportation Loan with payments expected within 30 days of arrival.

Flood Evacuee Finds Support through SEED

In 2011, the First Nation’s community where Shannon lived was severely affected by flooding.

A Few Really Big Steps Forward with the Support of SEED Winnipeg

Liza Feaver has a personal story about her connection with SEED Winnipeg.

Success Breeds Success for this New Homeowner

Would you like to improve your financial situation? Is there something you or your family need, but it seems like you’ll never be able to save enough money?

Artist Expands Business and Furthers His Education

Randy Janzen participated in several programs and feels he was most impacted by the financial literacy components that are incorporated throughout.

Learning How to Save, Budget and Plan Effectively

Diane Halpern participated in SEED Winnipeg’s Saving Circle program one year ago after learning about SEED online.

From Participant to Staff Through the Money Stories Program

Calandra Necan’s relationship with SEED Winnipeg began as a participant of the Money Stories program delivered at Children of the Earth High School in Winnipeg’s North End.

A Lawyer’s Journey to be a Lawyer Again

After arriving in Canada, Hasaka found work as a computer technician because he did not possess the necessary credentials to practice Law in Canada.

Phenomenal Supports from SEED

24/7 Roadside Assistance Receives Phenomenal Supports from SEED

Family Partnership Means Business

Family-owned cleaning business gets the most out of what B.E.S.T. provides.

Transportation Loans

Imagine having to leave everything behind and start over with nothing in a new and strange place, combined with a debt of up to $10,000 owing as soon as you arrive.

Income Tax Preparation

Tax time can be a stressful time for everyone, so when Hilda (Hildi) Janzen heard about SEED’s free income tax preparation program, she gave them a call.

Steps to Success

Kuot Mayen was working at BUILD when he participated in SEED’s Money Management Training (MMT) program. He also got his taxes done and applied for the Disability Tax Credit through SEED’s Access to Benefits (A to B) program.

Money Management Training

Ronald Traverse completed SEED’s Money Management Training in 2014, then accessed SEED’s Saving Circle program to purchase new furniture. Ronald’s relationship continued with SEED this past year when he saved money through the Individual Development Account (IDA) program, and was then hired to be a Junior Facilitator with the Money Stories program.

University of Winnipeg’s Money Stories Course

Taking the Money Stories course at the University of Winnipeg was an exciting experience for Sherry Gott, Skaabe of Morningstar, RB Russell Vocational High School’s student support program.

New Business Support

Joanne Toupin, co-owner of Sleepy Owl Bread, found out about SEED’s Business & Enterprise Support & Training (BEST) program from a friend who was accepted into the program in 2012.

Consulting for Existing Businesses

Will Belford, Shop Manager at Natural Cycleworks, wanted to increase staff wages, but he needed assistance in determining if it was a realistic decision.

Business Consultation and Funding Opportunities

Last fall, CJNU 93.7, Winnipeg’s Nostalgia Radio station, had an open house to celebrate their move into new studio space at the Richardson Building at the corner of Portage and Main.

From financial instability to professional success

Manolo Mabini, trained as both a lawyer and accountant, once spent his days supervising 30 investigators in the Philippines, fighting to uncover corruption in the highest echelons of the government. Up against powerful politicians, it was difficult and risky work, and Manolo and his wife Jocelyn were often concerned about their family’s safety. They decided to bring their family to Canada.

Working once again in her chosen field

Gay-Marie Lejao-Cabrera (RN, BN) held the position as Dean of Nursing in the Philippines. Despite having a good job, it was difficult to make a living and she decided to follow several of her colleagues and move to Canada.

Building a family-friendly workplace

Client: Red River Cleaning Services

As a young mother in The Pas, Teresa found herself raising four children on her own, at times working up to three jobs to support her family. She struggled to find reliable child care, and at the end of long working days, what little energy Teresa had left was spent on cooking and other household tasks. That experience had a big impact.

Building an inclusive community…one meal at a time

Client: L’Arche Tova Café

Each day, L’Arche Tova Café attracts an eclectic customer base with tasty all-day breakfast favourites, monthly specials, mouth-watering baked goodies, and an ever-expanding catering menu. But great food is only part of the story at this friendly eatery in the heart of Transcona.

Persistence pays off

Life changed dramatically for Jamie Crellin when a series of accidents resulted in serious health issues that left him unable to work. When his insurance benefits ran out in 2013, Jamie found himself living on social assistance. And there was more heartbreak to come. Because he lacked stable housing, he lost his twin daughters and son to the foster care system, where they remained for a year.

Elders, money management…and volleyball

Ocean White knows how to set goals and meet them.Now entering her final year at Children of the Earth High School, Ocean is one of 12 volleyball players selected to compete in Regina this summer for Team Manitoba in the North American Indigenous Games!

Never stop saving

Theresa Parker recalls a phone call she received at work four years ago. “My mom had heard about SEED Winnipeg on the evening news and called to tell me about their home ownership IDA program.”

A day not soon forgotten

Shortly after arriving in Canada, Joseann and her husband Norberto received the difficult news that their middle son had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Joseann was not able to work outside the home, and the rent on their current home was about to go up substantially.

Tax returns open doors for refugees

Each year, refugees arrive in Winnipeg, many from war-torn countries, basically picking up the pieces of their lives to start again.

New Directions Launches “Genesis”, a Social Enterprise

Offering a wide range of holistic services, including counselling, assessment, therapy, prevention, training, residential and support programs, New Directions For Children Youth Adults and Families has worked for nearly 128 years to support children, youth, adults and families in their journey to improve their lives and communities.

Partnering with Mount Carmel Clinic Produces Community Based Educators

The Strengthening Families in Canada Financial Literacy Project supports the economic and social integration of newcomer families from war affected communities through the provision of financial literacy.

Mom Opens 6 RESP Accounts Despite Barriers

Mary, whose name has been changed to protect client privacy, is an Aboriginal woman who leads a busy life as mother to five daughters ranging in age from 1 to 12 years. Since 2011, she has added to the family by becoming an adoptive mother to her nephew who turned 16 this past year.

Partnering Brings Saving Circle to Villa Rosa

For over 100 years, Villa Rosa has been a safe haven for pregnant women, many of whom carry the burden of a difficult past.

Minding the Children While the Parents Learn

Everyone benefits when parents can take part in programs that strive to build financial knowledge and skills. Many parents, however, especially single parents, are unable to participate due to a lack of child care.

Saving Toward a Better Life…and a Bike!

Not long ago, Adrian Alphonso felt he was coming apart. Newly separated and troubled by addictions, Adrian found himself deep in debt and with few resources to support himself and his young daughter Elyse.

Money Stories Program Employs Junior Facilitators

Money Stories: Grounding Aboriginal Youth in the Lessons of their Elders is bringing money management to youth through the lens of traditional cultural teachings.

From New Delhi to Winnipeg

Client: NSD Tech

When Nitin and Sumegha Gupta decided to come to Canada, Winnipeg was at the top of their list. A short visit in 2012 confirmed their choice, and the couple moved permanently in January 2013 from their home in New Delhi, India.

Overcoming Barriers to Accessing Education

Father to eight boys and two girls, William Ternent has been unable to work full time due to a serious construction injury.

From Pain…to Possibility

A few short years ago, Mary Van Eerd-Cook was living with chronic dental pain that if left untreated, pointed toward serious medical consequences.

Grounding Aboriginal Youth in the Lessons of their Elders

Money Stories: Grounding Aboriginal Youth in the Lessons of their Elders was launched in 2011, the result of a successful partnership between SEED, Children of the Earth High School (COTE) and the Aboriginal Seniors Resource Centre.

Sharing Money Experiences

SEED’s Saving Circle Program provides an opportunity for low-income Winnipeggers to save for an asset they need. Their savings are matched at a rate of 3 to 1 towards its purchase. Completion of the Saving Circle Program enabled Kenneth Savage to purchase a new bed, a new computer and an apartment-size freezer.

Extending a Hand Up

“I am very grateful that I was one of the chosen few to benefit from such a great program,” says Jose Navida. “The staff was a great help, they were accommodating and considerate. They taught my wife and me how to manage our finances and save towards my education.”

A Place of Hope

Client: L’Arche Tova Café

In April 2012, L’Arche Tova Café, a social enterprise of L’Arche Winnipeg, opened its doors to the community.

Diversity Foods - A Model of Sustainability

Client: Diversity Food Services

Created to provide local, organic, and healthy food options, Diversity Food Services celebrated its five-year anniversary in 2013. The joint venture between SEED Winnipeg and the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation is a social enterprise providing quality jobs for immigrants, newcomers and aboriginal people.