“Memengwaa is the Anishinaabe word for butterfly. Butterfly survives a metamorphosis through cycles of nurturance and protection, supporting their ability to develop skills and strength, resulting in the ability to spread their wings and fly. This program is designed to support youth as they transition into adulthood, nurturing their special gifts and talents while supporting them to learn life skills.”

The Southern Care Program (SCP) provides structured and caring homes for youth from the Southeast First Nations, who are currently in the care of Southeast Child and Family Services. Youth in this program are gifted and resilient, and the SCP program aims to support wellness, positive inter/intrapersonal growth and life-skill development

The SCP works with Care Givers to deliver comprehensive supports in a structured, loving and nurturing home environment. The homes are supported by select support workers who build meaningful connections, provide positive role-modelling and participate in activities and program opportunities alongside the youth. Program Coordinators support youth in achieving goals and life skills.

Shawenim Abinoojii. Inc. Support Work Program’s (“SWP”) mission is to provide coordinated support services to First Nation children, youth and families. SWP continues to promote cultural and recreational programs that empower and enhance the lives of First Nation children, youth and families.

Community based foster placements program was initiated by Southeast Child and Family Services in response to reducing the number of children from south east affiliated communities whom were in care and were being placed in Winnipeg due to the lack of placements in their own communities. This program aims to have children remain in their home communities while in care.

The Reunification Team provide placement services for families working toward reunification and independence from the child welfare system. The goal of this program is to support families as they make important decisions for healing and wellness. 

Sacred Care provides specialized placement options for young people from 12 to 21 years of age who
are members of the Southeast First Nations, and for whom extra support and guidance to are provided
to promote personal growth and life skill development. Sacred Care focuses on providing wrap-around
support for the young people and caregivers in the program due to the complex needs of the homes.

Sacred Care was developed in March 2024 due to the placement needs for youth who experience
complex needs including challenges with substance use and mental health. Each home has a
primary caregiver and 24-hour support staff. During the intake process, the youth’s support circle meets
to discuss goal planning to ensure wrap around services are in place. Once the goals are identified, each
member will commit to completing their section. Quarterly meetings are then held to ensure that goals
are reached or changed based on that youth’s needs.