In the north end of Winnipeg, the aboriginal population — many of them poor, homeless, hurting — continues to grow. Drugs are rampant, violence is a constant threat, and absent or addicted parents fail to provide a warm and positive environment for their children. Enter Flora House.
Established in 1962 as a vacation Bible school and later a ministry to women and children, it still caters mainly to children and youth (though it also offers a much-needed food bank and several other adult programs). Kids come here for recreation, computer use, special outings, Sunday school, play time and an after-school skills-based program. Run by Warren Whittaker, who has been at the centre for 27 years, the small building on Flora Ave. has come to symbolize education, activity and a positive example.
“We're trying to promote a 'hands up' not a 'hand out' mentality,” said Whittaker, a diaconal minister. “We're not overt in our expression of faith. It's about Luke 4 — feed the poor and proclaim liberty. We work alongside people.”
On a sunny Monday in May, about 20 kids gather at the centre and head out to the local school to play soccer. Here they not only engage in some friendly competition, but learn how to respect each other, solve minor problems, learn the importance of physical activity, and receive praise and encouragement, all of which are often lacking in their homes.
Roberta Bartolo has been on staff at Flora House since 1994. Athletic and outgoing, she's the perfect fit for the after-school program, which currently receives funding from the Royal Bank. She's comfortable in this setting; being from Kenora, Ont., she has worked extensively with aboriginals.
“Some families have it together. They come early to pick up their kids, they have jobs, they're still married. Others have addictions. The kids see everything — hookers, drinking mouthwash. You don't have to protect them. The kids tell us about it.”
As the kids walk back to the centre, they are laughing and shouting. Some of the girls walk hand-in-hand, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings. Dilapidated houses with windows smashed, doors hanging off the hinges, gang symbols painted on walls, rickety fences and choking weeds; a once-decent, working-class neighbourhood overtaken by drug dealers, slum landlords and gangs.
“People do come back and say, 'Look at my children now' or 'If it wasn't for you,'” said Whittaker, smiling at what must be vivid memories. “There are challenges, but you do see successes, and you treasure those.”
