There's Nothing More Rewarding than Giving Back

What an extraordinary time to be a woman!

We notice the collective narrative is shifting. When we heal ourselves, we heal each other.

Now that the world is ready for a woman’s touch, we call in our powers of intuition, of softness, of compassion + nurturing, of wholeness - that allows us to embrace the duality of our humanness.

Here at the I Am Love Project, our mission is to empower women to empower others. When we act from a place of abundance, with the idea that there is enough to go around for all of us, we foster more to give than if we live from a lack mentality.

It can sometimes feel like all we do as women is give. But if we give with joy, while maintaining the boundaries that allow us to live authentically, we receive that joy back tenfold. When one of us celebrates success - whether that be by showing up for ourselves in our personal lives, saying what we mean, or breaking glass ceilings - we all celebrate that success.

Join us in celebrating YOU by taking a moment to appreciate all you bring to the table. Celebrate all the ways in which you are perfectly imperfect, because it is through our flaws that we gain a better understanding of who we are and what we need.

And something we definitely need in this world is more women to be aware of their inner strength, of their capacity to create change, and of the bright light that radiates from within.

I AM LOVE Project would like to partner with and support organizations that want to support + empower women by creating jewelry with mindful intention to do just that. 

Our hope is that with each purchase, one is inspired by the story the jewelry represents. As each piece of jewelry is created a story is told. As each piece is purchased, an individual's story is heard. As each piece is worn, a story is shared.

Check out our beautiful xoxo necklace collection and let us know whose story you are sharing today. ♡

We believe everyone is worthy of love, should be loved, and feel loved regardless of age, colour, or gender. July marks our 2 year celebration of the I AM LOVE PROJECT. During these unprecedented times, we have decided to withdraw from any celebrations and events until August. Instead, we want to celebrate the brilliance, dignity, and leadership of Black people, communities, and organizations.

We have teamed up with our friends at ZUEIKE to create a limited edition bracelet to call every person living in Canada to join in the life work of dismantling racism in all its forms. One way to do that is with the purchase of our “UNITY” bracelet. Made with intention, the purpose of this bracelet is to bring awareness and encourage us to stand in solidarity. Wear this bracelet as we stand together in power for those who have been silenced. This bracelet grounds us in the unity of equality and begins the path of healing. Black tourmaline is a stone of strength and protection, providing a sense of power and confidence for those who stand up, and promotes clarity and equality. This bracelet empowers those who have lived in challenging environments and its energy provides guidance when facing difficult circumstances.

Of course there's a charitable component! Proceeds from the bracelets will support The Higher Learning Foundation, dedicated to provide scholarships to students within our black communities.

Racism doesn’t stop with a bracelet. We can focus on calling out racism when we see it and taking accountability for reflecting on our own racist behaviours; it is essential to do so often. We can continue to educate ourselves and seek out information from Black educators. This matters every day.

Are you with us?

Empowering women through community building has always been a value of ours at the I AM LOVE Project and this June we support an organization aligning with that: The Shameless Circle.

The Shameless Circle is a grassroots community organization based in Winnipeg, MB and since its inception in December 2018, their workshops have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response. This volunteer-led healing circle for women aims to end the stigma of shame women experience when they stand up for themselves and their children, and to help them in the pursuit of overcoming that shame.

Our goal is to encourage these women and children to build a community of their own through continued free programming. This organization truly leads by example. Every Sunday, The Shameless Circle comes together as a group to engage with participants in meaningful, self empowering, FREE activities that help them regain their sense of belonging.

In times of high stress or transition, what people need most is someone to share information, sources of supports, and guidance in accessing them. Though Winnipeg has many fantastic services and resources, invisible gaps and barriers do exist.

We believe in making a difference for all women in need from a free hair cute to self-defence. Our organization is committed to helping women overcome barriers and get the help they need to empower themselves. -The Shameless Circle

The Empower Me Fund was born to fill that void: a way to assist women in niche-need situations by providing personalized monetary assistance. Shameless considers any request on a case-to-case basis, and empowers women to access support by assisting them with things like mental wellness, self-care and/or professional development. Rather than providing a handout, the Shameless Circle provides a hand up! Download application here.

Visit The Shameless Circle's website  for information on professional counselling services in Winnipeg, grief support, therapy resources, calendar of events and so much more!

We at the I AM LOVE Project are so proud to stand behind you and all you do!

As our province was instructed to stay home to help flatten the curve, many Manitobans are facing deeper financial disparity and the most vulnerable individuals are struggling more than ever. With schools and businesses closing, job and wage loss the demand for food is steadily increasing, but our capacity to respond is decreasing.

To reciprocate the love and support from our community, we are excited to launch the "Pay It Forward Project", an initiative dedicated to help our friends, local businesses, charities and our most vulnerable THRIVE during this pandemic. We want to:

• Help alleviate the stress for Manitoba charities so that they can continue to serve our most susceptible during this pandemic.
• Support our local partners, in hopes their doors can remain open.
• Encourage and uplift those we miss and we want to hug.
• Spread love and create a more giving in our community.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

1. You will DONATE $20
2. We will BUY a "Family Meal" from Freshii Sage Creek.
3. We will donate ALL meals to 1 JUST CITY's "Emergency Food Kits" to help feed families during this difficult time. Due to COVID-19, 1 JUST CITY has been providing 50 Emergency Food Kits for families and serving over 1500 meals to those experiencing homelessness every week.
4. We will ship out our newest intention bracelet, "Love Defends Us" to your special someone with a personalized card. Let us know what you want us to write in the card. Shipping address needed.

Help us make our COMMUNITY GO ROUND! Click here to donate $20!

We hope that you and your loved ones are staying well and keeping connected during these unprecedented times.

The I AM LOVE team is diligently working behind the scenes to support those affected by COVID-19. Your mental wellness is our utmost priority and WE WANT TO BE THERE FOR YOU!

While we are working on some new initiatives for you and your family over the summer, we want you to check out some of the FREE on-line resources that are currently available for you.

Hello. My name is Kathy. I have resided in the Downtown area of Winnipeg for over 28 years. I left 2 abusive relationships and was a single mother of 2 when I came across Pregnancy Distress Services on Furby Street in the early 1990’s. I never knew such a place existed. This began my journey with what is now known as Thrive!

I started to take advantage of the programming that was offered. I was now a mother of 4; 2 older ones in elementary, a toddler and a newborn. During my time at the Family Community Centre, I connected with a lot of other families and took full advantage of the respite program. Shortly after, I began volunteering at the Spence Street Thrift Shop. I enjoyed the atmosphere, others who volunteered there, which led me to volunteering on a regular basis. 

Tragedy struck my family in 2008 with the loss of my partner. It left me and my family devasted. In the days that followed, a lot of family and friends stopped by. I was surprised to see three workers from the Family Community Centre at the funeral service. It was then that I knew these people who worked at Thrive, really genuinely cared for the families that access and utilize their programs and services. 

The next two years were a blur, a roller coaster of emotions and changes. I was now a widow and a single mother of 4. I felt so lost and devastated with little to no help from family. This went on for around three years. I found myself once again at the Family Community Centre. 

Fast forward again a few years, I was now in need of childcare for my now three year old son. After getting my son into the Thrive Child Care, I decided to start working on myself once again. I wanted to build myself up both mentally and emotionally. I started accessing therapy through what is now Thrive Community Support Circle.  I took a “Loss and Grief” program while still accessing therapy.  

It was at this point I decided to start volunteering once again at the Thrive Thrift Shop. I stayed there for awhile till I was asked if I would like to volunteer at the Thrive Resource Centre located next door. I was kind of hesitant at first. I was also nervous and scared to volunteer on that side because I have never worked there before. 

In November 2018, while I was volunteering at the Thrive Resource Centre, I was offered a casual position! I really enjoy it. Thrive was and still is very helpful and they go out of their way to help you in whatever situation you are in. It was here that I finally realized what I wanted to do in life. I want to help people. 

At this time, I am proud to say I have applied to enter into upgrading my education. From there I plan on enrolling in the Family Support Worker program at Urban Circle Training Centre. If it wasn’t for the opportunity of having to volunteer at the Thrive Resource Centre, I wouldn’t have known how fulfilling it is to be able to be a part of a support team for individuals. 

Thrive has been and continues to be a very important part of my life and healing journey. I honestly don’t know where I would be today if it weren’t for all of the support Thrive has given me. I can’t say thank you enough to Thrive for being there when I needed you. You are truly a blessing to the community!

Join I AM LOVE PROJECT this month in support of a non-profit organization that has truly been caring for the people of Winnipeg for generations: Thrive Community Support Circle: A Resource Centre, Therapy Department,  Child Care Centre, Thrift Shop and so much more.

Thrive Community Support Circle is an inner-city agency dedicated to cultivate family, to empower individuals, and to grow community by offering a wide variety of the best quality services and programs, to support women, men and children of all ages and at all stages in life.

 When Thrive Community Support Circle began in 1973 as a crisis line for pregnant women (Formerly known as Pregnancy Distress Service & Pregnancy and Family Support Services Inc.), The Adams couldn’t have imagined that 45 plus years later, it would have expanded to be such an important resource and staple of the West End community. 

Through  a participant led holistic approach to health and healing, they provide practical and basic needs like food, clothing, safety, and family supports, such as; parenting , child care, community resources, and support for physical, emotional, and spiritual health. 

 

 “I have seen such growth and changes over the years, and see constant examples of how the work that we do is an integral part of health and healing. I am so excited to continue creating a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable community.”  

 Rhonda Elias-Penner, Thrives Executive Director

Thrive is supported through private donations, The United Way, Manitoba Child Daycare, The Dept. of Child and Family Support, and through other community groups, corporations, and foundations and of course, by attending I AM LOVE PROJECTS March event: DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS!

For more information on how you can support Thrive Community Support Circle by donation or volunteering.

Thrive believes people and community will always be successful when you have cooperation, collaboration and communication with one another…  we couldn’t agree more.

"I wish to express my graitude for your cheque to cover my transportation costs. Women lose so much in wages, their CPP contributions are lost, and so many out of the pocket expenses, but thanks to your organization I can pay this most important bill."

-Bonnie-

Recipient of Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer Inc.

This February, donate your love and support with us to Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer Inc.

Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer Inc. has been committed to providing financial assistance to those undergoing breast cancer treatment or follow up. Click here to apply! This compassionate and dedicated charity is here to provide hope and we are here to support them!

In 2005, a small group of Manitobans recognized this need was not being addressed by the health care system and decided to do something about it. In 2020, Helping Hands will have provided financial assistance for uninsured medical/treatment cost, transportation to/form appointments, parking at hosiptal/doctor's office, and other support care services including Lymphedema garments and wigs for breast cancer patients for 15 years!

Misfortune, suffering, hardship, distress, and setbacks - these are just a few of the many challenges faced by women undergoing breast cancer treatment or recovery. 

From transportation costs and prescription drugs, to the miscellaneous expenses that arise to help those in treatment get through this ordeal, patients are in desperate need of financial support. Not only for these out-of-pocket expenses, but to support the loss in wages and CPP contributions.

"You truly do understand how difficult life can get when a person gets sick"-Helping Hands Support Recipient, Myla

Helping Hands has become an invaluable guardian angel for recipients of their love and financial support! When treatment and recovery left patients and their families feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, Helping Hands greatly lightens the load, allowing those in need to focus on getting through treatment, supporting their family, and beginning to start a new life.

We at I AM LOVE PROJECT are so full of love for this charity and encourage you to support this cause by joining our CHAIN OF LOVE: Self-Development Workshop- "Falling in Love with You" this February or by making donation or volunteering your time to help Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer Inc with one of their upcoming fundraising events!

We can't help others without your helping hands!

This January, we will be supporting Inspire Community Outreach, an incorporated non-profit social services agency which truly leads our community to greatness! 

By providing culturally informed, family-centred education and programming, Inspire Community Outreach has become an invaluable resource that benefits the overall well being of families in Winnipeg living with unique challenges, like cognitive, neurological, physical and mental health disabilities. 

It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder making this the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide. The impact of mental health concerns extend beyond the daily struggles of the individual but into the home, the classroom, and the world. 

Inspire Community Outreach Inc. exists for our community and is run by our community, working with amazing people and organizations everyday! From therapists to teachers, clinical case managers and social workers, to parents, researchers, experts and passionate volunteers.

Their first funds allowed them to reach 1000s of children and family members over a year, and gave this small but mighty volunteer ream the encouragement to continue, currently supporting nearly 3000 community members yearly, through free programs, education, advocacy and one-on-one support. Inspire is almost run entirely on small donations through the year, and we could not be more happy to help support them in their vision...

Join us for a fundraiser on January 26th, 2020- Starting Strong: Finding Gold in Your To Do List and a break to bathe! That's right, in a soothing, healing, aromatic, crystal sound bath. 

A time to cleanse, clear out the old, and make way for the year ahead!

We are honoured to have Brie Henderson of Brie's Botanicals grace us with calming crystalline tones and aromatherapy anointments to help install a deep sense of relaxation. Sound vibrations clear away stress and anxiety, while improving circulation and stimulating the immune system. All you have to do is lie back and let the sound do the healing!

Following this beautiful meditative experience, we are blessed with the presence of Winnipeg entrepreneur, coach, writer and speaker: Linda Drosdowech. She will show us how to create and stick to a To Do List that moves you from procrastination to productivity. Linda is a passionate woman, committed to helping other women achieve their goals by adding simple yet brilliant productivity tools into their daily lives. She empowers women to tap into their confidence, power and potential, and to live life on their own terms...

What do you see yourself accomplishing in the new year? What life do you dream of living? Who do you see yourself becoming in 2020? 

Regardless of your goals and where you're at, we can work figure it out together! 

This November, as the snow piles on and we brace ourselves for another Winnipeg Winter, we are bringing the charity You Can't Spoil A Baby into the spotlight.

Striving since November 2011 to bring love into people's lives, they are in their 8th year of connecting members of our communities with once-loved baby items. Donors can drop off the items at one of 40+ drop spots, and the You Can't Spoil A Baby team collects, wraps, and distributes these items to people in need of them.

Not only do they work to help reduce child poverty, they also work to reduce the environmental footprint, operating from their homes, vehicles, and donated office spaces, keeping costs low and using as little resources as they can.

In support of You Can't Spoil A Baby and the heart-warming work they do, we are excited to be bringing back the Serenity bracelet!

D'Arcy Johnston, a former Animal Health Technician, saw the need for an Animal Rescue Centre, and officially opened its doors in November 2001. Being a not-for-profit organization, the operations of D'Arcy's ARC are focused on providing shelter, veterinary care, and adoption services for stray and abandoned pets in Winnipeg and the surrounding areas.  Since 2001, over 15,000 animals have found permanent homes through the ARC.

D'Arcy's ARC provides a service to these animals in need of compassion and understanding, a comfortable and safe living space, an opportunity for socialization, assistance with emotional issues, and so much more.  Their commitment to the community is to find solutions for animals they do not have space for, to provide knowledgeable guidance post-adoption.  They strive to build meaningful and lasting relationships with the community, and the I Am Love Project wants to help protect these loveable beings.

Animals are not disposable, temporary or a matter of convenience.  This value defines the ARC's purpose ad practice.  Every living being deserves a chance at compassion and understanding.  The I Am Love Project was built on that premise and who's to say it should stop with human beings?

Check out our September bracelets and event in support of D'Arcy's ARC to help give these animals a chance at a loving and safe environment.

Event:  Learn to identify the signs of codependency, understand why it is such an important issue and how you can start the journey to healing from codependency.

Break the cycle of repeated patterns and behaviour in your relationships with others and yourself, with Vanessa's invaluable insight paired with an incredible balancing and heart opening Hatha practice with Valerie Joy.

September is all about building a solid foundation for success! Lets ensure that every child has the opportunity to start the day right with a healthy meal.

A successful day of learning and growth of a child, begins with a healthy meal. The Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting children in school with breakfast, snack, and lunch programs across all regions of the province. This generous and passionate organization serves over 29,000 children and teens yearly with successful results reaching well beyond the schools themselves, but into the communities, and life at home.

"Every kid that walks through the doors of this building, has the opportunity to start the day right." Kevin Clace, Principal, Morris School

Inspired by the core values: Belonging, Acceptance and Generosity, truly unique programs have been created, from breakfast carts to salad bar Tuesday's! Arglye Alternative High School offers their students the opportunity to collaborate in the creation of meal plans and hands on experience in the kitchen, while learning about healthy alternatives. the benefits of these programs reach far beyond the school itself, not only affecting academics, but the community, and life at home. 

"What we put into our children's bodies is just as equally important as what we put in their minds." Deb Versus, Program Coordinator, Gillis School

Over the last 18 years, the CNCM has raised over $2 million dollars to support almost 250 school and community based nutrition programs, serving 29,000 children and teens each year. A team of passionate individuals in Health, Education, Social Services, Community Service Agencies, and Business, have come together, not only to create and run these incredible programs, but to raise awareness for the need for Food and Nutrition Policies in schools. It has become a guiding voice behind these policies, and is always looking for new program and partnership opportunities. 

Let's help them grow the support for Manitoba schools. Consider how you might be able to partner or donate! 

Stay in touch with them!

191 Provencher Blvd. Winnipeg, MB

204-202-1233

info@childnutritioncouncil.com

www.childnutritoncouncil.com

I want to genuinely thank Big Brother Big Sister of Winnipeg for the opportunity of being a Mentor to Paije- the gift of friendship!

We've certainly enjoyed a variety of fun activities and experiences since our match began in May 8th, 2018. Many wing nights, yoga, Fun Mountain and endless conversations! I have many happy memories to take with me.

Although our match is officially closed, we are staying connected and still hanging out! #BFF

Love,

Amy