Our Services
The Futures Forward program provides services to youth who are in or have aged out of the CFS system in Manitoba as they transition into adulthood. Services include mentoring, education, workshops, skill development, and referrals. Appointments are available in-person or virtually.
CFS
In this section: rights, financial support, complaints process, your CFS file, and advocates.
Education
In this section: finish high school, start post-secondary, funding, and the tuition waiver program.
Employment
In this section: rights, resumes, cover letters, interview prep, and career assessments.
Financials
In this section: budgeting, taxes, government assistance, and grants.
First Nation, Métis & Inuit Resources
In this section: youth programming, education programming, and funding post-secondary options.
Health & Wellness
In this section: find a doctor, apply for Pharmacare, learn about harm reduction, intergenerational trauma, mental health & crisis support, and safe sex info.
Housing
In this section: rights, low-cost housing, rental grants, and emergency housing.
Life Skills
In this section: how to open a bank account, get ID, apply for a Status Card, and free cellphone plans.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Register Today
Register today to get access to Futures Forward services including employment, education, mental health, service navigation, and financial counselling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m eligible for Futures Forward services?
You are eligible for Futures Forward services if you are between the ages of 15 – 29* and have spent any time in Manitoba Child and Family Services (CFS) care. This includes both permanent and temporary wards, folks who are on an Agreement with Young Adults (AYA), or folks who have had any other involvement in Manitoba CFS care.
If you are over 29 years old, we can support your tuition-waiver application.
You do not need proof that you were in care to access the majority of Futures Forward’s services.
Where is Futures Forward located?
Visit the Connect page for our office locations.
Can Futures Forward help me find a job?
The employment services provided through Futures Forward can assist you with job searching, making a resume and cover letter, preparing for an interview and doing career exploration. Futures Forward does not provide job placements, but our employment facilitator will work with you for as long as you need to reach your employment goals.
Can Futures Forward do my taxes for me?
Yes! Futures Forward can help file simple tax returns for free. You can make an appointment with one of our financial counsellors to file your taxes anytime. You can also meet with them to discuss your financial situation and learn about topics related to budgeting, saving money, building credit and more.
What do Service Navigators do?
Service navigators work at CMHA and can support you with a wide range of things. They will help you obtain identification documents, support your access to basic needs, provide referrals to community agencies, help you navigate systems such as EIA or Manitoba Housing, and offer one-on-one peer support. Service navigators are here to help you with whatever you need or connect you with the resources that can.
How does the Tuition Waiver program work?
Tuition waivers are scholarships provided by ten different colleges and universities in Manitoba. They can cover tuition for students currently or previously involved in Manitoba CFS care. There is no age limit for a Tuition Waiver. The application is available each year from January – March 31.
Can you help me even if I don't know what I want to do yet?
Yes, our education and employment teams can help you with career, skills and strength assessments to help you narrow down a career you might be interested in and how to get the education you need to achieve your goals.
Do I need to use all of the services provided by Futures Forward?
No, you can access as many or as few services as you need and want.
What question do you need answered?
Get to know the people
that are working with you.
Indigenous Youth Service Navigator
Vacant
Indigenous Youth Service NavigatorCURRENTLY VACANT – If you are in need of Service Navigation supports, contact sgreico@cmhawpg.mb.ca.
Indigenous Youth Service Navigator
Vacant
CURRENTLY VACANT - If you are in need of Service Navigation supports, contact sgreico@cmhawpg.mb.ca.
Kristin Millar
She/Her
Mental Health ClinicianCan Help With: No cost, accessible low barrier mental health counselling to to assist with mental health and wellness, attachment, and life transitions. I can be flexible with...
Kristin Millar
She/Her
Can Help With: No cost, accessible low barrier mental health counselling to to assist with mental health and wellness, attachment, and life transitions. I can be flexible with when/where sessions occur to best meet participant's need. I can also help with group sessions and life skills workshops.
Favourite Quote: " Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." CS Lewis
Post Secondary Pathway: Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Sociology, Bachelor of Social work, and currently completing a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
3 Fun Facts:
1) I’ve been hit by lightning.
2) I lived as a cyborg without a pulse for almost 2 years (unrelated to point #1).
3) I will defend pistachio as the best ice cream flavour to the end of time.
Santiago Greico
Youth Service NavigatorCan Help With: I can assist you with navigating services throughout the province. I can provide advocacy in situations where your needs and voices should be met. Help with...
Santiago Greico
Can Help With:
I can assist you with navigating services throughout the province. I can provide advocacy in situations where your needs and voices should be met. Help with applications, getting ID, housing, referrals to services and resources, mental health, and substance use system navigation, and understanding government systems work.
Favourite Quote:
“I’m trying to do better than good enough.” -Drake
Post-secondary pathway:
Addictions and Community Services Worker Diploma - CDI College. Current U of M student.
3 fun facts about me:
- I play NHL habitually.
- I like to watch cartoons.
- I have a wide taste in all music.
Jade Richardson
She/Her
Post-Secondary Education AdvisorCan Help With: Identifying post-secondary programs, support in applying, finding scholarships or other funding options, answering questions about adult education or upgrading...
Jade Richardson
She/Her
Can Help With: Identifying post-secondary programs, support in applying, finding scholarships or other funding options, answering questions about adult education or upgrading courses and general post-secondary planning.
Favourite Quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” —Winston Churchill
Post-Secondary Pathway: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg
Three fun facts: My favorite comfort-binge TV show is Superstore; I collect anything frog-related & my favorite takeout meal is the Fully Loaded Fries from Wok Box (seriously – so good!)
Jason Fillmore
He/Him
Student Support Case ManagerCan Help With Support for Tuition-Waiver students such as navigating between post-secondary schools, living supports (Workplace, Training and Employment) and social workers. I...
Jason Fillmore
He/Him
Can Help With
Support for Tuition-Waiver students such as navigating between post-secondary schools, living supports (Workplace, Training and Employment) and social workers. I also help with applications for living support, scholarships and bursaries
Jessica Cohen
She/Her
Employment FacilitatorCan Help With Resume and cover letter writing, job searching/exploration and interview preparation (including mock interviews). Educational Background RRC Polytech, Business...
Jessica Cohen
She/Her
Can Help With
Resume and cover letter writing, job searching/exploration and interview preparation (including mock interviews).
Educational Background
RRC Polytech, Business Administration Diploma (Marketing Specialization)
3 Fun Facts
1. I love animals and have 2 cats named Beans and Cheese.
2. I love Hip-Hop and the local music scene, and have coordinated many live shows and a local Music Festival (Northern Touch Music Festival).
3. I also love travelling and trying new foods from different cultures.
Favourite quote – “The man that knows something knows that he knows nothing at all” – Erykah Badu
Evan Forest
He/Him
Outreach CoordinatorCan Help With Support high school and under-18 students to create post-secondary plans and community presentations Favourite Quote – “When I was young, I admired clever people....
Evan Forest
He/Him
Can Help With
Support high school and under-18 students to create post-secondary plans and community presentations
Favourite Quote – “When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel
Post-secondary diploma or degree – Bachelor of Science, Honours, in Psychology from the University of Manitoba
3 fun facts about me:
- My favourite season is summer
- My favourite sports team is the Phoenix Suns
- My favourite movie is Twister (1996)
Michelle Eskandari
She/Her
Financial CounsellorCan assist with: Budgeting, tax filing, debt, and financial counselling.
Michelle Eskandari
She/Her
Can assist with: Budgeting, tax filing, debt, and financial counselling.
Financial Counsellor
Vacant
VACANT
“Futures forward (FF) changed my life as a youth in care…. I just finally graduated college successfully with the help of tuition waiver and education and training supports that FF got me connected with.”
“I am so grateful for the Tuition Waiver program, I wouldn’t be in university otherwise and it has been an enormous help in my life.”
“Everyone is so good! I have never felt so connected with people before.”
“The staff have been amazing, my life has improved so much from the services Futures Forward has offered.”
Get Involved!
Interested in improving the lives of youth in and from CFS care in Manitoba? Check out job postings and volunteer opportunities.