In the heart of Winnipeg, an organization is quietly making a profound difference in thousands of lives, extending a vital lifeline in the often-challenging landscape of mental health and addiction. Jewish Child and Family Service (JCFS) Winnipeg, under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Alexis Wenzowski, is more than a service provider; it’s a community builder, a stigma breaker, and a testament to the powerful “plus-value” of compassionate local support.

JCFS Winnipeg touches over 5,000 lives annually through a diverse array of services, including settlement integration, child welfare, older adult services, and food security. At the forefront of their current initiatives is their robust mental health and addictions counseling program, a critical response to a rising community need.

What sets JCFS apart is its unwavering commitment to accessibility and destigmatization. Mental health is a continuum that affects everyone, regardless of income, background, or identity, and their approach reflects several key social “plus-values.” Geared-to-income counselling ensures quality clinical support is available on a sliding scale, preventing mental health challenges from escalating due to affordability. Innovative approaches like “Mindful Movements”—free walks in Assiniboine Park with therapists—and online webinars create casual, low-pressure entry points, allowing individuals to access support discreetly. Multicultural and multilingual services, with therapists fluent in languages such as Spanish, Hebrew, and Russian, ensure care is culturally sensitive and linguistically accessible.

Despite “Jewish” in its name, JCFS’s counselling and mental health workshops are open to everyone across Manitoba. Individuals from Brandon, Gimli, and Steinbach access their hybrid counselling options, reinforcing the idea that mental well-being is a shared community responsibility.

The impact on the Winnipeg community is substantial. JCFS delivers approximately 1,500 counselling sessions annually with a waitlist of only two months, providing timely support that prevents crises and promotes early intervention. Beyond one-on-one counselling, they offer intensive case management for those with chronic mental health conditions, connecting them to vital resources like housing and EIA, and providing specialized groups such as bereavement support and wellness programs. Community philanthropy also plays a role, exemplified by the annual “Raffle for Mental Wellness,” where donations directly fund subsidized counselling and programs.

JCFS is proactive in addressing emerging mental health challenges, including modern addictions such as gambling and shopping, with workshops for children and adults. Alexis Wenzowski emphasizes the importance of human connection in mental health, advocating for simple acts of kindness, volunteering, and community engagement as a way to combat isolation and foster resilience.

Wenzowski envisions a Winnipeg where mental health support is as accessible as physical healthcare, from infancy through geriatric care. JCFS Winnipeg is cultivating a culture of empathy, understanding, and support, building a more resilient, connected, and mentally healthy community for all Winnipeggers.

The second annual Raffle for Mental Wellness is underway, with tickets starting at just $5. Participation supports JCFS’s vital mental health and addiction services. Visit www.jcfswinnipeg.org to purchase tickets, learn about programs, and find workshop schedules. JCFS also welcomes volunteers for roles such as friendly callers, grocery shoppers, and food pantry assistance. For those seeking support, JCFS intake workers can guide individuals to appropriate services, both within JCFS and through community partners. The last day to purchase raffle tickets is August 27, with the winner announced live on August 28.