This is one of the Canadian CED Network's CED in Manitoba Profiles Project produced 50 stories of Manitoba communities working to build fairer and stronger local economies, reduce poverty, and revitalize neighbourhoods.

Urban Circle Training Centre Inc. started in 1990 when Aboriginal women volunteering in a second hand clothing depot in Winnipeg’s North End voiced their desire to take training that would lead to employment. These women wanted to gain employable skills to support their families and contribute to their neighbourhood’s local economy.

With the support of Urban Circle’s founder and a local Elder, these women were involved in the proposal writing process and program development. Funding was secured for a 6-month training program leading to employment in the retail and service industries. An Employer Advisory Committee was formed to connect the women directly with employment opportunities. All 12 women successfully completed the first program and secured employment afterwards.

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