The Mino-Bimaadizidaa Program

“Let’s All Live Well”

Mino-Bimaadizidaa provides an understanding and awareness of how self-identity (self -concept, self-image and self-esteem) influence our life choices. The program provides life skills, cultural awareness and alternative ways to live a healthy lifestyle as well as to cope and adapt with life stressors.

“My perspective on life has changed. Before this course I had nothing to do and felt like I couldn’t move forward.”

Program goals include:

• Enhance and develop self-identity and problem solving behaviours
• Increase communication skills
• Develop confidence to dream and state goals
• Develop new attitudes about their self-worth and self-concept
• Express strengths and needs
• Open doors to new opportunities

For more information or to enquire about the Mino-Bimaadizidaa program, please visit us at: http://niigaaniin.com/mino-bimaadizidaa/

Niigaaniin Ontario Works

Niigaaniin Ontario Works primary services include Financial Support, Employment Assistance and additional Services. Niigaaniin program is based on community specific needs and programs are delivered through client case management.

Employment Assistance

Employment Assistance helps become job ready, find employment and stay employed. Niigaaniin staff will work with you to determine what your employment needs are and help you develop a plan that is suited to your skills, experience and circumstances.

HOW CAN NIIGAANIIN HELP YOU OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE?

• Job readiness workshops, like job searching, resume writing, preparing for an interview.
• Opportunities to build your skills through volunteering through the Community Placement Program.
• Referrals to training programs to help build your skills and enhance your employability.
• Referrals to paid employment and training opportunities, such as the Enhanced Employment Placement Program.
• Referrals to job counselling to help you make sense of your employment opportunities.
• Referrals to educational programs that will help you obtain your grade 12 diploma or Grade Equivalent Diploma (GED).

Financial Support

Basic needs, such as food and clothing for individuals and their families, shelter costs based on the size of the family, which includes rent, heat, hydro, gas, water, sewage, and house insurance.

Eligibility For Assistance

Eligibility is based on several considerations, including:

• The size of your household family.
• Your household’s total shelter costs, including energy use.
• The income of everyone in your household.
• Any assets owned by everyone in your household, including vehicles, properties, RRSPs, etc.
• That you and everyone in your household, who is at least 18 years of age and employable, participate in approved Employment Assistance Programs.

Transitional Support Funding (TSF) – Shelter Related

Niigaaniin provides financial assistance (up to $1,500 per 12-month period) to current Ontario Works and OSDP Clients as well as Low Income Applicants.

TSF assistance is intended for clients to:

• Avoid evictions and disconnections by helping with rental and energy arrears.
• Obtain and retain housing by helping with rent and energy deposits and energy top-ups.
• Establish a new residence by helping with the purchase of essential furniture and appliance needs.
• Relocated to better or more suitable accommodations for educational or employment needs.
• Improve living circumstances or resolve health and safety needs, including home repairs.

Extended Health Benefits

Determined base upon need, Niigaaniin provides various health benefits (up to $400 per fiscal year) to individuals and families with high health costs, such as:

• Basic Dental Care.
• Diabetic Supplies.
• Eyeglasses.
• Prosthetic appliances (i.e. hearing aids).
• Prescription Drugs.
• Surgical supplies and dressings.
• Transportation for medical appointments.

Funerals And Burials

Determined based upon need, Niigaaniin provides funeral and burial benefits for up to $2,250.

Non-Health Related

Determined based upon need, Niigaaniin provides assistance (up to $200 per fiscal year) to help you receive training, travel for non-health related reasons, moving expenses and any other special service authorized by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

Our Team

Niigaaniin Program Manager – Dawn Meawasige

Niigaaniin Case Worker – Jerry Commanda

Food Bank Operator – Sherri Pelletier