Réseau Compassion Network believes that the people who work within the network are the very heart of all we do. We also know that those on the frontlines have a unique perspective on community and its needs. To uplift the voices of these staff members, and ensure we’re meeting the needs of those we walk alongside, Inspiration Grants are offered every two years and designed for frontline staff to submit innovative, bold ideas that require seed funding to get off the ground.
Ideas are dreamed up, needs are assessed, applications are made and $150,000 in funding goes out into our network organizations to help them better serve their clientele. For 2025, the projects chosen are:
Youville Centre
A healthy eating education program offered to low income & marginalized populations at heightened risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. This program will teach food literacy by taking clients shopping, reading labels, holding cooking classes and providing them with essential cooking utensils. While Youville Centre will be the host of these programs, they intend to invite guests from other RCN organizations.
St.Amant
With an additional $20,000 committed by Abilities Manitoba and the Manitoba Inclusion Fund, St.Amant will use the grant to develop an online learning tool to educate Manitobans with disabilities on their rights, as well as trusted partners who can support them in getting the services they need and deserve.
Résidence Despins
Implementation of an innovative motion detection and monitoring system that reduces/eliminates the need for regular resident safety checks, enhancing the independence and privacy of the residents and add peace of mind for the families.
St. Boniface Hospital
The funding will enable a group of staff and physicians on the cardiology unit to develop the requirements for, and assess the feasibility of, a patient self-care education system which will consider the unique needs of each cardiac patient. The current tools offered, are “one size fits all” and do not provide equitable access to everyone with all language and learning abilities, nor do they consider variations in ethnicity.
St.Amant
An innovative set of tools supplies and training that would enable Autism case managers to build custom teaching tools for the people they support. These custom tools educate them in a tactile and simple way to navigate the difficult world of social interactions.
Sara Riel
This grant will allow Sara Riel to deliver training (at no cost) to the families of people experiencing addictions. This education is highly valuable in helping loved ones better support those who are using substances, as well as themselves, since the effects of it impact close family relationships as well.
Centre de santé Saint-Boniface
Training, equipment and supplies to deliver Indigenous cultural programming at Centre de santé, for their clients and the community at large. This grant will complement the more than $100,000 Centre de santé has already raised to retrofit their building to allow smudging indoors.