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

Café & Thrift Store

The people we support work diligently Monday through Friday at our Secret Seconds ‘n More store, which provides a clean, bright, and welcoming shopping experience for customers. The store features a variety of items, including unique finds and products from local vendors, giving shoppers something new to discover while supporting our program.

Our program also includes a café where we serve specialty coffee and beverages along with a café menu featuring soups, sandwiches, wraps, rice bowls, and sweet treats. 

Participants are actively involved in many aspects of the store’s daily operations. They assist with stocking shelves, organizing merchandise, greeting customers, and helping maintain an inviting environment. These responsibilities help build important life and employment skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, and customer service.

Through these experiences, participants gain confidence, independence, and meaningful opportunities to interact with the public. The day service program provides valuable life skills development while fostering connection and involvement within the community.

New & Local

There’s always something new to discover in our store. We’re excited to welcome a variety of fresh products from our talented local vendors, with new items being added regularly. From handcrafted goods and unique gifts to locally made treats and one-of-a-kind finds, every visit offers something different.

We’re proud to feature products from amazing local makers, including Warlock Lid Co., Sandhill Natural Feel, Handmade by Lori and Forbidden Flavours with more being added throughout the year. These partnerships allow us to showcase the creativity and talent within our community while offering our customers a wide selection of unique items you won’t find anywhere else.

Our vendors bring a variety of products to the store, such as hats, hoodies, soaps, coffee beans, bracelets, and key chains. Every item helps tell the story of a local maker and the care they put into their work.

By supporting our vendors, you’re also supporting local makers and small businesses in our community. Be sure to stop by often to see what’s new—you never know what treasures you might find!

Walking Club

Through grant funding from the RHA, we were able to purchase Fitbits for each of the people we support to help encourage healthy, active lifestyles. Participants use their Fitbits to track daily steps and stay motivated while working toward personal wellness goals.

Each month we host a friendly step challenge, where the person with the most steps wins a small prize. The contest adds a fun sense of motivation while promoting regular movement and healthy habits.

As part of the program, we also take daily group walks together. These walks provide an opportunity for exercise, social connection, and time outdoors. We love seeing members of the community join us along the way—everyone is welcome to walk with us, support one another, and be part of a positive and active environment.

Able Sail

In conjunction with the Pelican Yacht Club our Able Sail program helps make sailing accessible for everyone.

Designed for individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, the program provides a safe and supportive way to experience the joy of being on the water. With adaptive equipment, trained volunteers, and specialized boats, participants can enjoy sailing while building confidence, independence, and new friendships. Able Sail is about inclusion, adventure, and making the freedom of sailing available to all. 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 2026.  Stay tuned for available dates.

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 – 4:00pm Monday – Friday

Food Available Until 3:30pm

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

Leanne Treloar

Vice Chairperson

Marv LeBlanc

Secretary/Treasurer

Larry Windsor

Board Member

Valerie Kozak

Board Member

Liz Nichol-Seymour

Board Member

Hours of Operation

8:00am – 4:00pm Monday – Friday

Food Available Until 3:30pm

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