The Immigration Partnership Winnipeg (IPW) Public Engagement Session on March 5 served as an immersive platform for community partners to learn about IPW’s ongoing work and provide valuable feedback. Held at the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg office, the come-and-go event welcomed 32 attendees—more than double the 15 who had pre-registered. Executive Director Reuben Garang greeted guests in the lobby, setting the stage for a structured yet informal exploration of IPW’s initiatives. He provided an overview of the organization’s mission and directed attendees to various stations, each dedicated to one of IPW’s five sector tables. At these stations, project managers shared insights into their work, fostering meaningful dialogue with community partners.
Among the community partners who came by included representatives from Aurora Family Therapy Centre, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Manitoba Office, City of Winnipeg, ComIT.org, Family Dynamics, Healthy Muslim Families, International Community Network of Canada Inc.., Knox Employment Entry Winnipeg, Manitoba Housing, Manitoba Justice, Manitoba Start, Newcomer Ethnocultural Youth Council of Winnipeg, Occupational Health Centre, OFE – Opportunities for Employment, SEED Winnipeg Inc., Success Skills Centre, N.E.E.D.S. Inc, The Excel Empowerment Centre Inc. – TEEC, Turtle Island Project, and the Winnipeg Newcomer Sport Academy.
Attendees were encouraged to share their thoughts on comment boards at each station or anonymously via a comment box in the kitchen. The availability of light refreshments further enhanced the welcoming atmosphere as guests navigated through the event. The Open House successfully strengthened IPW’s connections with community stakeholders and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative, inclusive engagement. Project managers expressed satisfaction with the level of interaction and constructive feedback received, reinforcing the event’s effectiveness in both informing and inspiring ongoing partnerships.