Let's build a better world together

SWCO is governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors, whose members share a vision that all people are accepted and valued as contributing members to society.
GET INVOLVED NOW

Make a difference today

Walking Club

Through grant funding with RHA we were able to purchase fitbits for each of the people we support. We have a monthly contest for most steps and the winner gets a small prize. We walk daily as a group and encourage members of the community to join us.

Able Sail

In conjunction with the Pelican Yacht Club we have the Able Sail Program. Sailing is in a Martin 16 sailboat and is available to all ages and abilities. The program will resume in the summer 2025.  Stay tuned for available dates.

Thrift Store

The people we support work diligently Monday-Friday at the day service program in our Secret Seconds ‘n More store, which provides a clean, bright, and cheerful shopping experience. A café, where we sell specialty coffee and drinks along with our café menu – soup/sandwich, wraps, rice bowls & sweet treats. This work provides life skills development and involvement with the public and community.

OUR HISTORY

Southwest Community Options Inc.

In February 1999, the Manitoba government announced the closure of Pelican Lake Centre, an institution located on the north easterly shores of beautiful Pelican Lake and a major employer in the Ninette and surrounding areas.
Following the closure announcement, a need for services for people living with intellectual disabilities and families wishing to remain in the Ninette area was identified and Southwest Community Options (SWCO) Inc. was created to meet that need.

25

YEARS

OF EXPERIENCE

The Strategic Plan Process

Over the first six months of 2022 the board of Southwest Community Options facilitated a strategic planning effort to set long term goals and direction for the organization. The process began with a broad consultation with the community. This included holding discussions with residents, funders, and other stakeholders, as well as the circulation of a survey throughout the communities where SWCO operates. The feedback received through this consultation was considered by the board while developing the strategic plan and it helped ensure the community’s voice is reflected in the final plan.

This effort resulted in a new vision, mission, value statements, and four long-term goals to guide the organization into 2025.

Vision

All people are accepted and valued as contributing members to society.

Mission

Together we empower our community by providing individualized care and support to help everyone realize their potential and enjoy quality of life.

Values

Dignity - SWCO believes everyone is worthy of respect of others and should be treated with dignity

Inclusion - SWCO aims to offer inclusive opportunities and is committed to barrier-free communities

Integrity - SWCO believes in being an honest and ethical organization, and strives for excellence

Compassion - SWCO recognizes that caring for others involves listening, supporting, and empathy

Diversity - SWCO is a diverse community that respects and embraces differences

Sustainability -SWCO believes in responsible financial and organizational stewardship to ensure mission success and long-term sustainability

DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE A STORE AND A CAFÉ

Secret Seconds n’ More Thrift Store and Café

Dine-In or Take-Out available. Call or text ahead and we’ll have your order ready!

We offer a clean, bright, and cheerful shopping experience with a café where we sell specialty coffee and drinks along with our café menu of soups/sandwich, wraps, rice bowls & sweet treats.

Fresh coffee beans and menu from Forbidden Flavours, locally owned and operated in Brandon, MB.

Open 8:00am – 6:00pm Monday – Saturday

Food Available Until 5:30pm

Check out our Facebook page Secret Second’s N’ More for our soup selections of the week.

MEMBERS

Board of Directors

Deb LeBlanc

Board Chairperson

Dennis Collingwood

Vice Chairperson

Marv LeBlanc

Secretary/Treasurer

Larry Windsor

Board Member

Leanne Treloar

Board Member

Valerie Kozak

Board Member

Gayle Johnson

Board Member

Liz Nichol-Seymour

Board Member

Our Gallery

Hours of Operation

8:00am – 6:00pm Monday – Saturday

Food Available Until 5:30pm

210 Queen Street, Ninette, M.B.
PH: (204)720-4724