Micro-Credential Program

A free, in-depth online program to jumpstart your career in the homeless or family violence shelter sector. This program is presented in partnership with family violence, homeless shelters, and Red River College Polytechnic. This funding is being provided through a partnership between the Government of Manitoba and the Government of Canada to support the implementation of the National Action Plan to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV-NAP) in Manitoba.
Completion of the full program and work placement may lead to employment at a shelter. 

What is it like to work at a shelter? What sort of skills do I need?

  • Shelter workers must be patient, empathetic, and nonjudgmental as they work with vulnerable community members who have experienced trauma.
  • The ability to respect clients’ cultural backgrounds, stories, and diversity is critical.
  • Shelters serve all genders without prejudice. Workers at any shelter should expect to serve clients of any gender, including gender-diverse people, women, and men.
  • Shelter workers must set professional boundaries with clients and their families while maintaining strict privacy and confidentiality in accordance with the shelter’s policies.
  • Shelters typically provide 24/7 service, meaning shelter workers may have to perform shift/overnight work for 8-12 hour stretches.
  • Shelter work involves manual labour; workers may have to cook, clean, and perform other important housekeeping tasks.

If you’re interested in participating, contact maws@maws.mb.ca with any questions. Click here for a brief overview of the program.

Indigenous Cultural Healing Program (2023-2025)

MAWS supported the provision of this programming delivered through agencies funded by the Gender Based Violence Program (GBVP) of Manitoba to improve access province-wide to Cultural Healing programming that supports the recovery and healing processes of those who have been impacted by gender-based violence.

The objective was to provide culturally appropriate programming for women dealing with the effects of family violence, helping women become strong on their healing journey, reducing their vulnerability to violence and abuse, developing awareness of their rightful place in their culture, and passing their learning on to their children and families.

This funding is being provided through a partnership between the Government of Manitoba and the Government of Canada to support the implementation of the National Action Plan to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV-NAP) in Manitoba.

Family Violence Consortium of Manitoba (FVCM) (2023-Ongoing)

The goal of the comprehensive review is to provide recommendations to the Family Violence Consortium of Manitoba (FVCM) for the creation of a Collective Impact Backbone Organization that will support the Gender-based Violence (GBV) sector going forward.

FVCM Comprehensive Review
MAWS engaged with the consultant Blueprint (a Toronto-based nonprofit organization that assists Canadian leaders in using data and evidence to address complex social challenges and enhance policies, programs, and services) to conduct a comprehensive review of the needs of the current agencies funded by the Gender-Based Violence Program (GBVP) of the Province of Manitoba. This review aimed to provide recommendations to the FVCM for establishing a Collective Impact Backbone organization that will support the GBV sector moving forward.

The report summarizes research findings to support the development of a collective impact (CI) initiative and backbone organization for Manitoba’s gender-based violence (GBV) sector. Led by the Family Violence Consortium of Manitoba (FVCM), with funding from Women and Gender Equity Manitoba (WAGE Manitoba), this initiative aims to strengthen coordination and build capacity among agencies working to address GBV across the province. It aligns with the federal National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which envisions building a strong foundation based on leadership, coordination, and engagement; data, research, and knowledge mobilization; and reporting and monitoring.

Sample Link

Course with RESOLVE – Understanding Mental Health & Substance Use: Training for Professionals Workings with Survivors of IPV (FVCM) (2021-2022)

There is compelling research and evidence from the family violence community that individuals who experience violence are at a higher risk of both substance use and mental health concerns. Family violence service providers identified the need for additional training to build capacity within their organizations to support individuals who are exhibiting mental health issues and/or substance use issues.

MAWS worked with subject matter experts at the University of Manitoba (RESOLVE), GBVP, and family violence service agencies to co-design and implement a self-directed virtual training program.“Understanding Mental Health and Substance Use: Training for Professionals Working with Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence” is a 13-module course, each taking approximately 3 hours to complete. The course is free and available to anyone who works with individuals experiencing abuse.