During my three and half months in Portage, I was introduced to a great community organization that is making an impact throughout the town.
The Portage Friendship Centre (PFC) not only focuses on Aboriginal issues in the Portage and Central Plains area, but they regularly team up with other local foundations to help make the area a better place for everyone.
They have a large staff dedicated to improving the lives of people who are less fortunate. And every program that the PFC offers is completely free to those who want to register.
Portage la Prairie's Aboriginal Day. Credit to http://www.ptgfc.org/
Shirley Bernard, executive director for the PFC, said the organization offers many services to Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals in Portage.
“We’re a status blind organization,” she said. “We offer a variety of programs ranging from mentorship to employment advancement.”
One of their great programs is the Parent/Child Program. It offers children age’s six to twelve a chance to take part in educational activities that enhances their awareness about their own culture.
Parents are encouraged to take part in this program with their children, as it is a great tool to create a bond.
“The parent/child program is one of the programs I admire the most,” said Bernard. “It’s great to see children bringing their parents out for activities.”
Jeanna Campbell runs the program with a lot of the activities taking place at the Eagles Fire Youth Centre in Portage. The PFC staff incorporates community Elders’ to introduce a positive lifestyle to the children who go there.
Bernard said that her love of the community and people in it makes her job special.
“It makes me feel good when we can help anyone in the community,” she said. “We have an excellent staff that cares about Portage and we feel good about what we do here everyday.”
Another successful program has been the Partners for Careers program.
“We want to help people in the community acquire skills that will help them get employed,” said Bernard. “One of the aspects we target is teaching them good interview skills.”
The program also helps with resume building, as many of the people who take part will be able to work with the PFC is some fashion.
There is rarely a time during the year when the PFC won’t be holding some event or program.
This past week, the PFC held their annual Prayer Walk. The walk is to remember the missing and murdered Aboriginal women not only in Manitoba, but also across Canada.
“We had a very good turnout this year,” said Bernard. “Even though the weather wasn’t nice, we had a lot of people come out and walk with us.”
PFC holding their annual Prayer Walk on Oct 4. Photo by Robin Dudgeon/Portage Daily Graphic
With various community partnerships planned for the upcoming months, the PFC will continue to be a staple in the Portage community.
"We want to leave a positive mark on the community," said Bernard. "And we definitely encourage others to do the same."
To learn more about the PFC, what they offer and how you can get involved with them, you can visit their official website.
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