About The Manitoba CAPC Coalition

The Manitoba CAPC Coalition is the collective of Manitoba programs funded through the CAPC (Community Action Program for Children) funding branch of the Public Health Agency of Canada.  The goal of the Coalition is to assist the Manitoba CAPC programs in enhancing the well-being of children aged 0-6, living in conditions of risk. 

The Coalition provides opportunities for management and front-line staff of Manitoba CAPC projects to network and learn from each other. 

The Manitoba CAPC Coalition was established in 1996, when the CAPC projects came together to provide projects with a collective approach to addressing the issues facing CAPC projects.  The Coalition was also created to ensure a more level playing field with respect to resources, communication, evaluation and support. 

Over the last fifteen years, the Coalition has grown and is playing an increasingly significant role in project functioning.  Consistent funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada has allowed the Coalition to provide an annual training conference for front-line staff, exploring topics as diverse as child development, FASD, children’s physical fitness, crack cocaine and other drugs, and the misuse of technology.  The Coalition also provided regular training for managers, enhancing skills in areas such as finance, employment standards, and managing change.

Meetings of the CAPC directors is a primary focus for the Coalition.  At Coalition meetings, directors are able to discuss and brainstorm regarding common issues and concerns, sharing resources and learning from each other.  Directors have been able to learn of new programs and resources that they are able to take back to their programs and share with staff and participants.  Additionally, the Coalition has become a forum where directors can share and support each other regarding concerns that are unique to Directors.

Over the years, the Coalition has identified a need for training resources for new Executive Directors of non-profits, both in CAPC agencies and in the broader community.  To meet this need, the Coalition developed Lighting the Road to Success:  A Handbook for Non-Profit Executive Directors”.  This manual provides a comprehensive look at tasks involved in running a non-profit, looking at issues related to i) Running a Non-Profit Organization, ii) Finances, iii) Program Planning iv) Board of Directors, and v) Human Resources. The handbook information is supplemented by many forms which will help an Executive Director keep their tasks and responsibilities organized.

Participation in the Manitoba CAPC Coalition has served to strengthen both the participating directors and their agencies.  As one director stated, “I don’t know where I’d be without the support, knowledge, and resources of the Coalition.  Nobody trained me – I’d still be up there trying to figure my job out.”  For this reason, when the Coalition received word from the Public Health Agency of Canada that they will no longer provide funding to the Coalition, members determined that they would continue functioning as a Coalition.  This continuation will allow the partnership to continue, maintaining a province-wide focus.  Our resources are being focused on enhancing our projects by strengthening the projects’ leadership.  Networking and collaborating meetings remain a priority, enhanced by annual management training.