WINNIPEG – The West Broadway community officially welcomed new neighbours on April 1, 2026, as Initiatives for Just Communities (IJC) formally launched their new drop-in space at 555 Broadway.
The new IJC Winnipeg offices are open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a drop-in centre, food bank, clothing depot, cooking classes, sewing and beading programs, singing and drumming, and counselling services.
Founded nearly 20 years ago by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Manitoba, IJC supports individuals involved in the justice system, particularly those living with disabilities or mental health challenges such as FASD, ADHD, autism, and other cognitive or developmental conditions. Many participants are also supported through the Department of Family Services’ Community Living Disability Services (CLDS).
According to its mission, “The vision of IJC is to create communities where each person, particularly the stigmatized and the vulnerable, has a place to belong. We believe that all are created equal, recognizing and honouring our diverse cultural realities. We value the experiences of all, with an emphasis on community, compassion, restorative justice, advocacy and transparency in our work.”
Over 60 people attended the grand opening on April 1, including Family Services Minister Nahanni Fontaine. She also visited IJC’s Steinbach operations at The El’Dad Ranch exactly one year earlier, where she formally recognized the historical impacts and ongoing healing work IJC has championed across Manitoba.
Fontaine was one of eight individuals who provided remarks during the grand opening. Others included Rev. Canon Dr. Murray Still, Indigenous Elder and Chair of IJC’s Board of Directors, Darryl Loewen, the MCC’s Executive Director, Jen Brisson and Kevin Drain of IJC’s Shared Leadership Team, and Harri Vallittu, who’s worked with IJC’s Touchstone program as a Direct Support Worker for over 20 years.
“There will always be challenges, and we have to face them head-on, with the support of our wonderful staff and the people that support the program. We have a lovely place like this, and we can work together to achieve these goals,” said Vallittu.
“Without understanding, we have no hope for justice. Keeping that in mind, the true measure of humanity is how we treat those less fortunate than ourselves. Keep up the good work everybody, this is phenomenal.”
