By Sarah Klein
Cliff Derksen, Karen Wiebe (executive director, Manitoba Organization for Victim Assistance), Wilma Derksen, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen and Cecilly Hildebrand (executive director, Candace House) at the grand opening of Candace House on Monday, November 26, 2018. (PROVINCE OF MANITOBA)
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is investing $55,000 into Candace House, a space providing services to families of victims going through the criminal justice system.
The province’s funding will be split between $25,000 for construction costs at the Kennedy Street location, and $30,000 towards programs offered to families.
Candace House, which held its grand opening on Monday, is the creation of Wilma and Cliff Derkson, whose daughter, Candace, was the victim of a homicide in 1984 at the age of 13.
“The support Candace House received was used to transform what was an empty, commercial space into a safe and comforting home-like day refuge,” said Cecilly Hildebrand, executive director of Candace House.
“We are grateful for the ongoing partnership and funding commitment from the Manitoba government.”
Aside from providing a safe and comfortable space as cases move through the court system, Candace House helps connect victims and their loved ones to services and resources, with plans to offer educational workshops and group support sessions in the future.
Justice Minister Cliff Cullen says the investment is in addition to $532,300 going to support victims services programs throughout the province.
