The Canadian Mental Health Association (2011)

October 3rd, 2011
Mrs. Lucci’s Second Hand Store

In recognition of outstanding accomplishments and demonstrated commitment and contributions to Mental Health.

As Heroes of Mental Health you stand as an inspiration and a source of hope to those who live with and continue to deal with the effects of mental illness.

Mrs. Lucci’s has been a great help in supplying materials and keeping a wish list for the CHANGES Clubhouse. Mrs. Lucci’s has provided, for those in need, a safe place to go – before the Clubhouse became available.

They have been a great help and support in the community for those that were in need, for finding a place to live, for being there when help was needed, to make phone calls and to write letters to professional organizations.

They never turn away anyone in need, no matter what the problem might be.To the helpers at Mrs. Lucci’s, we thank you and celebrate you!!

This nomination was respectfully submitted by Michael Holland and Pat Desautels

The Canadian Mental Health Association
Stan Rossowski, Program Director
Eastman Region

Community Futures Development Corporation (2005)

September 23rd, 2005
Mrs. Lucci’s Resource Centre

Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) is pleased to announce the recipient of the annual Minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation. Winnipeg River Brokenhead Community Futures Development Corporation has been awarded the honour for their project, Mrs. Lucci’s Resource Centre. The Centre operates a unique second hand store and delivers training and social development programming for at-risk youth, the unemployed, the disabled, and disadvantaged.

“The Minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation celebrates the very best of the Community Futures initiative – people coming together to play an active role in the future of their communities,” said Minister Alcock. “I’m very pleased to present this award to the volunteers, board members and staff of this organization.”

The award is sponsored by Western Economic Diversification Canada and recognizes an outstanding economic development project undertaken by one of Manitoba’s 16 CFDCs.

“Mrs. Lucci’s is another great example of the broad range of assistance Community Futures Development Corporations can provide,” said Jason Denbow, General Manager of Community Futures Partners of Manitoba, the association of Manitoba’s 16 CFDCs. “With the help of Winnipeg River Brokenhead CFDC, residents in Lac Du Bonnet and the surrounding region now have access to much-needed services that are now available under the umbrella of this innovative social enterprise.

Mrs. Lucci’s Resource Centre is a non-profit organization and includes a resource information area, a teaching café, and a multi-purpose room where programs are delivered on behalf of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Healthy Child Manitoba, Manitoba Advanced Education and Training, Sunrise School Division, and the North Eastman Health Association. They are currently providing services to 115 individuals and 145 families.

The Winnipeg River Brokenhead CFDC project was one of two nominations for this year’s award. The other submission was a Flin Flon tourism initiative submitted by Greenstone CFDC.

Supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Community Futures Initiative strengthens rural economies by providing small-business loans and assisting entrepreneurs through counseling and training. Each Community Futures Development Corporation delivers a variety of services ranging from local strategic economic planning, technical and advisory services to businesses, loans to small and medium-sized businesses, self-employment assistance programs, and services targeted to youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Community Futures Partners of Manitoba Inc. (CFPM) is an association representing the 16 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) established throughout rural Manitoba.

For Canadian Non Profit Innovation (2002)

Mrs. Lucci’s Second Hand Store
Winnipeg River Community Resource Centre
Elements:  Shared Values,Strategy,Structure
Year: 2002

Mrs. Lucci’s has been a part of the community of Lac du Bonnet since August 1998 providing residents in the community and surrounding area a variety of programs and services. The Winnipeg River Community Resource Center (WRCRC) was developed through the identification of additional needs within the region. The WRCRC is now responsible for the programs initiated by Mrs. Lucci’s Second Hand Store. Mrs. Lucci’s will remain a part of the community by providing youth with a place to gain work experience, community groups with an opportunity to fund raise and shoppers to purchase second hand goods.

Programming targets the entire community but will focus on the at-risk population. All programs and supports will be individually focused, holistic in nature and will look to the Determinants of Health to ensure all aspects of health are addressed.

About the Innovative Program

Though the schools and Social Service Agencies in the region, it was recognized that people were falling between the cracks of the existing programs for development (education) and well-being. Children were coming to school hungry and youth were dropping out before graduating. Many of these young people were facing complications in their lives, added responsibilities (unplanned pregnancies), low self-esteem, no work place skills and little or no prospects for work. Unemployment and need for affordable clothing and household items were growing in the region.

The Eastman region of Manitoba where Mrs. Lucci’s is located, is a growing recreational area; cottage country. The local Chambers and Councils saw a growing need to provide a shopping option to this clientele.

Mrs. Lucci’s began through a partnership between Public Health (North Eastman Health Association), Centennial School (Agassiz School Division) and the Lac du Bonnet Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce saw a need for a second hand store to draw the cottagers into the community, the School needed a place to teach practical living skills in a real-life setting and the Public Health Nurse had clients in need of affordable clothing and a place for clients to go and feel a part of the community.

The community generously donates all merchandise sold at Mrs. Lucci’s. As a way to give back to the community, Mrs. Lucci’s offers local service groups the opportunity to work the store for 6 days within a two-week period and in return they (the service group) receive 50% of the profits for those weeks up to a maximum of $500. The program is called the Profit Sharing Program. This program means Mrs. Lucci’s never has to advertise because every two weeks a different service group is working the store and spreading the word to shop and donate to the store to ensure their (the service group) maximum share can be reached. Between October 1998 and February 2002 Mrs. Lucci’s has given $45,472.74 back to the community. This initiative promotes community involvement and support for Mrs. Lucci’s and the programs it offers to the community and those in need.