June 5, 2025
Hi everyone! Here is my message for June.
My thoughts are with the thousands of Manitobans who have been forced to evacuate from their homes due to the wildfires. Both the WRHA and the Department of Families have reached out to us, asking whether we could provide shelter to evacuees with disabilities if necessary. We stand by ready to help.
The communities that are threatened by fire, including Flin Flon, Pukatawagan, Pimicikimak and Tataskweyak Cree Nations, are all places where St.Amant staff support people to reach their goals. We are grateful for the trust and relationships we have in each of those communities and wish everyone safety.
In the last few years, St.Amant has truly become a province-wide service provider.
Of the 5,000 Manitobans we support, a significant number live outside of Winnipeg. We recognize that people’s lives may look different depending on where they live, their culture(s), and their day-to-day experiences. Each person will define for themselves what it means to have a good life. It our role to listen, to earn people’s trust, and to understand what matters to each person. Providing excellent services to so many people in so many places means that we must be consistently flexible and yet always true to our core values.
On a similar note, May and June are a time to celebrate rights and diversity. Last week was Manitoba Access Awareness Week and Pride Week. And, on June 21st, we recognize National Indigenous People’s Day. Each of those is obviously distinct. However, each one also reminds us of a plain truth: we all experience life differently- due to our values, the way we grew up, our choices, and experience of being in the world. And yet, we all share a common humanity. Each of us wants dignity and to be respected for who we are and for how we contribute to our communities.
St.Amant’s Vision is an inclusive Manitoba where everyone is empowered to live their best life. That vision guides our strategic plan and our daily decisions. Thank you all for bringing that vision to life.
I usually pause these messages in July and August. As we look ahead to the summer months, I hope each of you finds time to rest, recharge, and enjoy moments with family, friends, and community.
