The following article, by The Winnipeg Foundation's Board Chair, Gregg Hanson, appear in the fall 2008 issue of the Foundation's magazine, Working Together.

This past summer there were some disturbing reports in the media about our inner-city neighbourhoods. Issues related to safety, housing and poverty sometimes seem to overwhelm our public systems.We appear to be treading water and Winnipeggers might be forgiven for wondering if the challenges are simply too big.

In these difficult circumstances, The Winnipeg Foundation sees committed charitable agencies and their dedicated staff and volunteers working tirelessly to make a difference. These pages contain just a few examples of the important work happening in our city. A new prevention campaign informs youth about the dangers of drugs, gangs and crime; increased support for child nutrition programs has the potential to dramatically alter young people's lives; and an innovative art program provides productive alternatives for at-risk women. The resources of the philanthropic sector are very small compared to those of government and, indeed, a high percentage of the budgets that fund community organizations often comes from government. Despite their limited resources, these agencies focus their energies effectively to improve people's lives.

Perhaps our greatest insight comes through the Centennial Neighbourhood Project. For four years, The Winnipeg Foundation has invested in this ten square-block area where the challenges of an inner-city neighbourhood are obvious.We are encouraged by the leadership of the residents' association and, with the support of Aboriginal organizations like Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata, Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad and Kinew Housing,we see that community development principles are working. The Winnipeg School Division has been a funding partner from the beginning and,working together, there is now clear evidence that students at Dufferin School are improving academically and socially.

The premise of the Centennial Neighbourhood Project is that education is a ticket out of poverty, but we know that neighbourhood conditions and individual circumstances have an enormous influence on our education system. Reputable agencies like Rossbrook House, Boys and Girls Clubs and Anishinabe Fellowship Centre have been working for years to improve the quality of life in this area. Now, there is a greater collaborative effort. For example, the Province has added Centennial to its Neighbourhoods Alive program, the City has declared Centennial a Housing Improvement Zone, and the federal government is funding an Aboriginal Head Start Program at Dufferin School. We are working with the United Way and Manitoba Hydro on a housing insulation effort, the Social Planning Council has launched a summer learning program, and the Manitoba Business Council has introduced a career exposure program. The list goes on and on and, as a result, Centennial is becoming a more vibrant neighbourhood.

Philanthropic organizations, working together with our various public services, are having a meaningful impact. Troubling media stories should not overshadow the good work that is being done in Winnipeg's inner city, nor discourage the notion that a more fair society is within our grasp.

Gregg Hanson
Board Chair