Non-Housing First support & life skills workshops / training.
Stepping Forward
Life Skills Program
To make an intake appointment for the Stepping Forward Life Skills Program
Call204-925-3076 or email adminassist@ahwc.ca
You may also come stop in at our office at room 316-181 Higgins Ave for intake and information.
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About Stepping Forward
Stepping Forward is a community-based program for Urban Indigenous adults who are at risk of homelessness but do not meet the criteria for Housing First services. Using an Intensive Case Management (ICM) and Harm Reduction approach, we provide personalized, culturally safe supports that help participants build stability, strengthen life skills, and work toward permanent housing and self-identified goals.
The program also offers 16-week life skills training sessions with four opportunities available each year, providing ongoing access for individuals who are ready to learn, grow, and take meaningful steps toward greater independence.
Each session provides a supportive and engaging learning environment where participants develop practical skills in areas such as communication, decision-making, goal setting, problem-solving, daily living, and building positive relationships. Through hands-on learning and encouragement, participants are supported in recognizing their strengths, overcoming challenges, and developing the tools needed for personal success.
Grounded in the Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre's holistic Medicine Wheel philosophy, our services address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of wellness. We provide confidential, non-judgmental support in a welcoming environment where participants are empowered to move forward at their own pace.
Our Services
The program's goal is to connect participants to permanent housing while providing the personalized, culturally grounded supports needed to promote self-sufficiency and long-term housing stability.
Stepping Forward offers individualized and group-based supports, including:
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Intensive Case Management (ICM)
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One-to-one counselling and goal planning
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Home visits and community outreach
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Housing advocacy and referrals
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Connections to health, social, and community services
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Social and community engagement through drop-in programming
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Life skills development for independent living
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Employment readiness and pre-employment preparation
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Personal development workshops
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Addictions support using a Harm Reduction approach
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Group workshops and one-to-one life skills coaching
Criteria to Access
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Are Urban Indigenous adults (18+) living in Winnipeg.
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Are experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness.
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Are couch surfing or living in precarious housing.
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Do not qualify for Housing First services.
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Would benefit from individualized supports and life skills programming.
How to Join Stepping Forward
Step 1: Complete a Coordinated Entry Form
To begin the process, visit a Naatamooskakowin Access Point to complete a Coordinated Entry Form (CEF) with a trained staff member.
The Coordinated Entry Form gathers information about:
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Your current housing situation.
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Your history of homelessness.
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Your strengths, goals, and support needs.
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Any health, mental health, or substance use concerns.
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The types of housing and supports that may best meet your needs.
The information collected helps determine eligibility for housing programs and ensures you are considered for programs that best match your circumstances. Your information is securely shared within the Coordinated Access System, reducing the need to repeat your story to multiple service providers.
Coordinated Entry Forms can be completed at Naatamooskakowin Access Points located throughout Winnipeg. Please visit a participating Access Point or speak with a community service provider to find the location most convenient for you.
Step 2: Assessment and Prioritization
After your Coordinated Entry Form is completed, your information is reviewed through the Naatamooskakowin Coordinated Access process.
Referrals are prioritized based on several factors, including:
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Length and severity of homelessness.
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Current housing situation.
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Support needs.
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Health, mental health, and substance use challenges.
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Other factors that may affect housing stability.
This process helps ensure available housing opportunities are matched to individuals with the greatest need.
Step 3: Referral to Stepping Forward
When Stepping Forward is identified as an appropriate Housing First program and a space becomes available, Naatamooskakowin will send a referral to our team.
An Intensive Community Support Advocate will contact you to complete program intake, discuss your goals, and begin working with you to find and maintain housing while providing ongoing, culturally safe supports.