Building Momentum in Portage la Prairie Creating a Vibrant Portage Together!

Dreaming of Economic Security “Being able to buy all the things on my grocery list without having to choose between essentials.”

Family and Friends Help You Out! You have family and friends to help you get through your difficulties. MOVE AHEAD 5 SPACES

Congratulations you Graduated! New possibilities open up to you with increased education. TAKE THE ROAD OF OPPORTUNITIES

Congratulations you got a great JOB! You can now have the stability of a paycheque every two weeks. MOVE AHEAD 5 SPACES

You are one of the 22.6% of children living in a low income household! This means you have an increased risk of: Physical and mental health problems Dropping out of school Living in poverty as an adult TAKE THE REDUCED OPPORTUNITIES ROAD

Income is the greatest indicator of economic security 16.5% or 2,144 Portage la Prairie residents are defined as low-income Women are more likely to be impacted than men 32% of women living alone 45% of female led lone parent families 27% of senior women 17% of all children in Manitoba, but 62% of all Aboriginal Children 40% of Portage Kindergarteners are Aboriginal

Sorry, you can’t find child care! Without someone to look after your toddler you cannot go to school or get a job. MISS YOUR NEXT 5 TURNS.

Child care is a good investment for Portage Portage currently has 344 licensed full-time spaces 301 children are on the waiting list Only 16 of the licensed spaces are available for infants (under 18 months) The number of licensed family childcare homes has declined by 71% in the last 10 years.

Chance: You don’t have a car, but are offered a job across town. Spin a 1-3: Walk 45 minutes to work. Spin a 4-6: Take a shuttle - $10 each day Spin a 7-10: Turn down the job

Lack of Transportation is a Barrier to Economic Security One in five Portage residents (21%) lack reliable transportation 76% of surveyed youth with barriers to employment indicated they did not have a drivers license Shuttles generally cost $5 per one-way trip, and $3 for each stop during that trip One return trip, 5 days a week would cost $200+ a month – a big chunk of a minimum wage paycheck

Limited Employment Opportunities Job Readiness Mental Health Self Confidence Childcare Food Insecurity Racism and Stigma Unsafe Housing Parenting Responsibilities Meeting Basic Needs

Creating a Vibrant Portage Together! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead