About Us
Our Mission: Empowering newcomer women to begin life anew.
Our Vision: A world of justice, tenderness and communion.
Who we are:
Holy Names House of Peace, a not-for-profit organization founded in 2004, is an intercultural, life affirming refuge in the heart of Winnipeg that welcomes all. This life affirming community provides a safe home for newcomer women in transition.
The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary are educators dedicated to empowering impoverished and marginalised persons. Active on three continents, their work focuses mainly on: refugees and migrants, human trafficking and access to clean water.
Core Values:
Be Inclusive and Accessible
By welcoming the richness of diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences
By opening the door wide every day
Be a Caring and Hope-filled Community
By celebrating people’s strength and goodness
By responding to needs with courage and compassion
Be Transformative
By loving our Neighbour
By sponsoring initiatives that promote justice, peace and understanding
The Neighbours
The House of Peace provides a warm and engaging home for 20 newcomer women of diverse cultures and voices. These women, who have suffered beyond measure due to poverty, war, violence and abuse, may stay for up to two years.
The House of Peace is dedicated to help them heal from past trauma, set goals and move forward together with dignity and hope.
From 2004 to 2023, 180 newcomer women from 45 countries and
9 faith traditions have lived at the House of Peace as “Neighbours”, a term of endearment we use when referring to our residents.
Over time, Neighbours regain their professional status, find employment or further their education. When they are ready to transition, volunteers and staff are there to help pave the way.
86% of the Neighbours stay in contact with the House of Peace.
91% are employed and/or in school when they move forward.
House of Peace Team
The House of Peace, founded in 2004, has grown beyond imagination under the leadership of Sister Lesley Sacouman, the House of Peace Leadership Circle, and the astute Board of Directors.
Leadership Circle
Rosalinda Amato – Executive Director
Flora Palomar – Finance Coordinator
Raquel Diez – Neighbour Coordinator
Jen Manzanares – Operation Coordinator
Staff
Bernadette Palomar - Kitchen Coordinator
Linda Walmsley - House Keeping Coordinator
Board of Directors
Marcella Poirier - President
Daneeka Abon, Ezinne Ofoegbu - Vice President
Joshua Villanueva - Treasurer
Arnella Myers - Secretary
Sina Aiello , Monica Giesbrecht, Kaitlyn Militano, Kate Hodgert- Fennell, Rosalinda Amato