Since 2006, the Ministry of Social Services has partnered with the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI) to provide positive outcomes for Saskatoon residents in the areas of child and family services, supports for persons with disabilities, and affordable housing. In the 2018-19 fiscal year, over $5.4 million was provided by the ministry to CUMFI through Child and Family Programs.
CUMFI strives to promote the cultural, economic educational and social well-being of the Métis community in Saskatoon as well as their heritage. This keeps families together with a focus on self-reliance and empowering independence. Through CUMFI's Coming Home Program, the usual barriers between parents and their family goals are removed. Whether it is attending addictions, parenting, domestic violence or other programming, they are given the support they need by CUMFI staff to have their children returned or maintained in their care. These services emphasize Indigenous values, traditions and supports to build better lives and communities.
CUMFI operates 33 suites in four supported living homes under the Coming Home Program. In 2018, these included:
- Infinity House
- Pritchard House
- NiWaapatahanaanik Home
- Trotchie House
CUMFI also provides a variety of affordable, respite and emergency housing options for at-risk children and families. A few of these include:
Supervised Home |
Focus |
Auntie's Place |
Emergent care for apprehended children |
Kookum's Home |
Respite services for at-risk children and youth |
Hessdorfer House |
Support services for individuals with disabilities |
Visiting Suites |
Supervised visiting opportunities for parents |
These homes and apartments are integral to short-term, out-of-home care when no other options are available. Besides support homes, CUMFI also maintains 64 affordable housing units, a wellness centre for youth and adults impacted by disability, a grief and loss counselling program, and a community outreach program.
For more information, visit www.cumfi.org.
Source: Ministry of Social Services