“Building the child is building the community”
Empowering Change Through Unforgettable Moments."
About US
Neighbors Mission for Kids, established in 2017 in
Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting immigrant and underserved youth in the city’s inner neighborhoods. Through structured after-school and summer programs, Neighbors Mission for Kids creates a safe, encouraging space where at-risk youth can navigate challenges and build a foundation for success. The organization also prioritizes education by providing hands-on workshops that cover resume building, interview preparation, and essential job skills, empowering young individuals with the tools and confidence needed to pursue meaningful careers and brighter futures.
Mission
The mission of NMK/YEP Inc. is to create a strong support network for children and youth, especially those facing obstacles or at risk, empowering them to make positive life choices and realize their full potential. Recognizing that these young people often encounter unique challenges, our organization is committed to bridging gaps in resources and opportunities that might otherwise limit their development.
We partner with schools, community organizations, and local stakeholders to design and deliver a range of collaborative, community-driven programs. These programs include academic support to help youth succeed in their studies, mentorship opportunities to provide guidance from trusted adult role models, and employment programs offering summer jobs to build work experience and financial independence.
Additionally, our social engagement initiatives foster a sense of belonging and community involvement, helping youth form meaningful connections and develop social skills that are crucial for their future success.
Each of our programs is crafted to address different aspects of a young person’s development: boosting academic achievement, strengthening ties to their community, encouraging self-confidence and personal growth, and broadening their future career possibilities. By creating this multifaceted support structure, we aim to instill in youth the resilience and motivation needed to overcome challenges, pursue their goals, and become active, positive contributors to their communities. In this way, NMK/YEP Inc. not only seeks to support young people in the present but also to equip them with the foundation for lifelong success and fulfillment.
Core Values
Neighbors Mission for Kids is deeply committed to the values of equality, justice, and community development, striving to embody these principles through meaningful engagement with children and youth who require support and guidance. By using the R.A.C.E. model—Research, Action, Communication, and Evaluation—we ensure our programs are well-informed, impactful, and responsive to the needs of our community. Through research, we identify the unique challenges facing our youth; through action, we deliver targeted support; through communication, we foster trust and connection; and through evaluation, we continually improve our approach, ensuring that each young person receives the guidance and resources they need to thrive.
Goals or Objectives
Neighbors Mission for Kids fosters a culture rooted in respect and accountability, positioning us as trusted, dependable partners within Canadian communities and enabling us to carry out our work with integrity. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education, good health, and a life free from abuse and exploitation. Guided by a steadfast commitment to human dignity, we design and implement programs that protect children’s rights, aligning closely with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Our dedication to these principles ensures that we uphold and advocate for children’s human rights, making a meaningful impact in the lives of the youth we serve.
Programs
Giving Kids a Voice through the Arts
Our programs are thoughtfully crafted to nurture creativity and provide young people with meaningful channels for self-expression, allowing them to develop their unique voices and explore their identities in a positive, supportive space. Each of our arts initiatives—from visual arts to music, theater, dance, and creative writing—offers a dynamic blend of activities that are designed to inspire, engage, and challenge participants to expand their skills and imaginations. By fostering an environment where experimentation and individuality are celebrated, we empower youth to express themselves confidently and connect with others through shared experiences. Our arts programs encourage exploration, spark new passions, and promote a lifelong appreciation for creative expression. There’s truly something for everyone, providing endless opportunities for growth, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Sports & Recreation Programs
These programs are intricately designed to enhance physical fitness, alleviate stress, and cultivate a constructive approach to leisure that nurtures holistic well-being. By incorporating activities that emphasize physical health, our initiatives foster resilience, agility, and strength, while simultaneously promoting mental clarity and stress reduction through active engagement and movement. Participants not only benefit from structured, purposeful physical exercise but also learn to value their bodies and health as essential to their personal growth and development.
Moreover, these programs instill a profound appreciation for the environment, encouraging participants to engage with natural surroundings in a respectful and informed manner. This environmental focus promotes ecological awareness and instills a sense of responsibility for preserving and protecting our natural world. Participants develop an understanding of the interdependence between their well-being and the health of the environment, fostering sustainable practices and a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
In addition to these physical and environmental benefits, our programs emphasize the cultivation of interpersonal skills through collaborative activities and social engagement. By engaging with others in a supportive, structured setting, participants develop effective communication strategies, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills that enhance their social competencies and foster a positive group dynamic. The focus on teamwork, mutual respect, and shared goals encourages a sense of community and belonging, which further enriches their interpersonal interactions.
Through this multifaceted approach, these programs serve as a comprehensive platform for personal and social development, aligning leisure with purpose and building a foundation for well-rounded, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious individuals.
Crime Prevention through Programs
Our programming is designed to not only support children who are refugees, newcomers, or at-risk but also to uplift their families as a whole. We recognize that many of these children come from single-parent households, often residing in subsidized or government housing. In these situations, parents frequently juggle multiple responsibilities, balancing work commitments with their education. This juggling act can be particularly challenging during the summer months when traditional school support systems are unavailable. Families often struggle to find adequate care and supervision for their children, leading to older siblings taking on caregiving responsibilities that can be overwhelming.
The impact of this situation is profound. Many children are left without the necessary guidance and structure, which can lead to feelings of isolation and uncertainty. This lack of supervision not only affects their daily activities but also opens doors to potential negative influences. Our young teens, in particular, are especially vulnerable to being lured into gang activities, as they seek companionship and a sense of belonging in a challenging environment. Recognizing this critical juncture, we strive to keep them engaged through our comprehensive summer and after-school programs.
These programs are carefully designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment where children and teens can develop important life skills, build positive relationships, and stay focused on their education and future aspirations. By keeping them involved in structured activities, we aim to provide not only academic support but also mentorship and community connection, steering them away from the risks associated with gang involvement. Our ultimate goal is to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers both the children and their families, fostering resilience and hope for a brighter future.
From First Job to Dream Job for Youth
Our youth enrichment program offers a unique approach to workforce readiness, equipping young people with the skills they need for success in their first jobs and volunteer roles, and guiding them in creating a plan to achieve their chosen career paths. Through our programs, participants become responsible, engaged citizens with the tools to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Additionally, they gain valuable leadership abilities and hands-on work experience, preparing them for future opportunities.
Code of Inclusivity
Our program is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every young person feels valued, respected, and supported. We celebrate diversity in all its forms, including race, gender, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, recognizing that each unique perspective enriches our community. Discrimination, bullying, and harassment are not tolerated, as we strive to create a safe space for open, respectful engagement.
We are committed to accessibility and to listening actively to the needs of all participants. Through open dialogue and continuous learning, we aim to build a supportive community where everyone has a sense of belonging. By embracing inclusivity, we empower youth to grow together, developing skills for a connected and compassionate world.
Testimonials - Samuels Testimony
When 12-year-old Samuel arrived in Winnipeg from war-torn South Sudan, his life had been filled with sights and sounds no child should ever experience. The upheaval of constant conflict had made his early years unpredictable and education a distant hope. Once in Canada, Samuel found himself in a new place with a different language and culture, struggling with feelings of isolation and uncertainty. His family, hopeful for a better future, introduced him to Neighbors Mission for Kids, a program dedicated to helping newcomer youth thrive through academic support and community engagement.
Through the program’s tailored academic sessions, Samuel slowly began to find his footing. With patient mentors guiding him in reading and language skills, he gained the confidence to participate and connect. However, the most profound change came from beyond the classroom. Field trips to places like Assiniboine Park and Farm and Food Discovery opened Samuel's world to experiences he’d never dreamed of—making ice cream, learning about farm animals, and simply enjoying the outdoors without fear. These moments not only brought joy but also a newfound sense of belonging, as Samuel connected with other kids and built friendships that helped heal the trauma he carried..
Neighbors mission for kids: Empowering Communities
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ADDRESS - 9-472 Balmoral Street Winnipeg, MB R3B 2P8
EMAIL - neighborsmissionforkids17@gmail.com
PHONE NUMBER - (204) 291 0726
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