INITIATIVES FOR JUST COMMUNITIES

OUR VISION

Everyone belongs and flourishes in community. No one walks alone. 

OUR MISSION

To walk with people living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and intellectual disabilities, and those currently or previously incarcerated; To help them to achieve a better quality of life for themselves and their communities.

OUR IDENTITY

Initiatives for Just Communities’ four social and restorative justice programs began under the direction of Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba (MCCM). IJC was incorporated as an umbrella organization in 2010, and MCCM transferred the program management along with funding support to IJC. 

IJC is a non-profit, charitable organization that applies a restorative justice lens to our work.

Christian teaching speaks in unison with other spiritual traditions in calling all of creation to be in community with each other. IJC believes that the principles of Restorative Justice developed and practiced by Indigenous peoples, are in harmony with the biblical call for justice. We strive to practice peacemaking in all our relationships and communities. Grounded in these understandings, IJC engages people who have a heart for caring for others in walking alongside our clients on their life’s journey.

IJC collaborates and networks with partners in the restorative justice field and remains committed to restorative justice practices while working to create communities where each person, especially the stigmatized and vulnerable, has a place to belong.

OUR ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

• Value of All People

As part of creation, we see each person as having infinite value and necessary for a healthy community. Thus, we respect each person, and believe in their goodness. Further, believing that all are created equal, we honour our diverse cultural realities and value the experiences of all.

• Community

Our work is set in and reliant on community. We value the cooperative and collaborative nature of community and the interdependence it creates.  We seek to build community with our participants and in so doing, strengthen the broader community. 

• Compassion

We offer welcome and accompaniment, without judgement, to all on the journey. 

• Restorative Justice

To promote healing of the individual and the community, we seek to repair harm and restore the individual and the community to honest, transparent and trusting relationships. We bring this restorative justice approach to all we do.

• Advocacy

We value hearing those who are often unheard, and honour their story. We work to ensure their voices are heard both within and outside our organization.

• Transparency

We promote and model honesty and integrity in all our work, because these are critical for true community to flourish.

OUR PROGRAMS

The programs of IJC are:

• Circles of Support & Accountability (operating since 1998)

  Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) offers a caring community around people with offending histories, who are at high risk of harming themselves and others. Volunteers and staff offer a supportive space to those integrating into the community after incarceration, serving Probation or Parole, or simply feel they need additional support to live safely.

  CoSA’s approach is based heavily on the philosophy of restorative justice. We utilize a holistic approach, focusing on mending relationships affected by the offence, holding offenders accountable for harms they caused, and building stronger and safer communities.

• Open Circle (operating since the early 1970s)

  Open Circle is a prison visitation program that matches trained volunteers with inmates (participants). Open Circle provides participants with nonjudgmental support and long-term connection. In this environment of trust, Open Circle empowers participants to develop healthy coping mechanisms, make better choices, and recognize offending behaviours and risks.

  Open Circle provides a safe, supervised environment for inmates to gather, share stories, and connect with volunteers and staff. Open Circle holds monthly coffee houses, both in prison and in downtown Winnipeg, allowing inmates on Escorted Temporary Absences.

• Touchstone Program (operating since 2003)

  The Touchstone Program is dedicated to supportive relationships and mentorship for adults and youth with intellectual disabilities in Winnipeg. Our objective is to support individuals to experience empowerment in their personal lives by nurturing trustworthy bonds and encouraging meaningful choices. Touchstone offers outreach and a drop-in centre.

• Visions and Voices

  Visions and Voices is a speakers’ bureau comprised of adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Visions and Voices seeks to increase awareness in communities in order to reduce the stigma of FASD and to encourage healthy living. We believe storytelling is a powerful tool to increase dignity for those living with FASD.

• El’dad (operating since early 1980s)

  IJC’s largest program, El’dad, is based in Mitchell, MB. El’dad provides residential support, vocational training, and assistance in designing futures of possibility for adults with intellectual disabilities. Our goal is to provide participants with the best opportunities for growth, connection, independence, and healing.  El’dad runs residential homes, two day programs, outreach supports, home shares, supported living clusters, a drop-in, as well as an alternative justice program for men with intellectual disabilities who have come into conflict with the law.

  Alternative Justice Program (AJP)

  AJP is a residence program, along with a day program which offers vocational training, and education, as well other assistance to the individuals. Together, staff and participants in the program, work at designing an individualized program that can result in a meaningful and productive future for the individual.

  Day Programs

  El’dad currently runs two Day Programs: a hands-on vocational training program at El’dad Ranch and a life skills program at our Mitchell location. The objective of both of these programs is to achieve community involvement for our participants through meaningful employment. This is accomplished through individualized, person-centred planning, increasing self-esteem, developing job readiness and social skills, learning life skills, and supporting participants in community.

  Outreach Program

  The Outreach Program assists adults living with intellectual disabilities within the Eastman region of Manitoba to live independently in the community with supports. We provide participants with direct coaching, learning opportunities, and life skill building while also bringing alongside other natural supports within the community.

  Home Share Program

  The Home Share program provides support services to individuals with intellectual disabilities within the Steinbach and surrounding areas. We connect participants with hosts who are willing to share their home and positive life style with others.

  Residential Program

  El’dad’s Residential Program provides comprehensive residential assistance to individuals facing challenges in maintaining their basic needs. Residents in the program live in homes leased and maintained by El’dad, ensuring their fundamental necessities are met, including food, shelter and transportation.

  Supported Cluster Program

  The Supported Cluster Program (SCP) assists participants with their long-term goal of fewer supports and greater independence. We provide opportunities for independence and learning life skills while having supports that can be accessed as needed.