About Us

Our Organization

Taking Charge! provides single parents and women on Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) full-time programming to work towards obtaining their Mature Grade 12. Through personal development programs, counselling, educational programs, and computer skills workshops, Taking Charge! prepares participants to succeed in the workplace or continue their education in post-secondary institutions. We also offer a fully subsidized and licensed childcare facility on site for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.

A Holistic Approach: 

The service model at Taking Charge! is facilitated by a team of social service workers and educators in a supportive and caring environment. The team strives to serve the participants by meeting many of their needs for social, emotional, intellectual and physical health.

Our History

Taking Charge! began in 1995 as a joint pilot project between the Federal and Provincial governments.  Lloyd Axworthy and Bonnie Mitchelson had a vision that single parents could be supported to find employment with the assistance of Taking Charge! Taking Charge’s intent was to break down the barriers for single parents who wish to enter the workforce by providing daycare, education, and financial support. In 2000, it marked the end of the pilot program with the federal and provincial governments. Since then, the Province of Manitoba became the sole funder of programs and services.

In 2020, Taking Charge! celebrates 25 years of providing quality service to single parents (of any gender) and women in Winnipeg. Our programs have evolved over time and now have a strong focus on preparing single parents and women to complete their mature grade 12 to continue in post-secondary education to support their families. An employment stream is available for women who wish to enter or re-enter the labour market through Taking Jobs!, a 64-space daycare is available on-site to provide care for children five years of age and under while their parents are in programming.

In 2025, Taking Charge! celebrated 30 years of providing service to single parents of any gender and women in Winnipeg. Our programs have evolved over time to meet the needs of our participants and give them the best possible chance at success in both post-secondary education or the workplace.