About Us

New Steps Independent Living Program in Winnipeg

New Steps ILP is a Winnipeg-based residential program supporting youth ages 16–21 — with strong ties to First Nations and Métis communities — as they build the skills, confidence, and connections needed for independent living.

A young person in a riding helmet sitting on horseback on a gravel path while another person reaches up to a horse's bridle in the foreground

Our Mission

To provide young people aging out of the child welfare system with a stable, culturally grounded home environment where they can develop the life skills, education, employment readiness, and personal growth needed to transition successfully into independent living.

Our Vision

A Winnipeg where no young person ages out of care without a safe place to live, a community to belong to, and a clear path toward a self-determined future.

Our Community

Building skills, building futures

A mentor in an apron slicing meat at a kitchen counter while a young person watches

Life Skills

Two young people pressing printed designs onto garments with a heat press

Vocational Training

A young person punching focus mitts held by a coach in a boxing gym

Recreation

Youth and adults sitting together on blankets and camp chairs at an outdoor evening gathering

Community

Our Values

What guides everything we do

Cultural Identity & Spiritual Wellness

We centre First Nations and Métis culture, traditions, Elder guidance, and spiritual wellness in everything we do. We honour traditional practices and respect the faith communities that ground many of the young people we serve.

Trauma-Informed Care

We understand the impact of intergenerational and systemic trauma. Our approach prioritises safety, trust, and empowerment.

Youth-Led Growth

Youth set their own goals and pace. We walk beside them — never pushing, always supporting their choices.

Community Connection

Independence doesn't mean isolation. We build connections to Elders, mentors, employers, and the wider community.

Holistic Support

Housing is just the start. We address education, employment, mental health, life skills, and cultural wellbeing together.

Accountability & Transparency

We are accountable to the youth we serve, their families, our funders, and the communities we partner with.

Common questions

What is New Steps Independent Living Program?

New Steps is an Independent Living Program in Winnipeg for young people ages 16 to 21 who are leaving care. We offer housing, life skills, and 24/7 support.

Who does New Steps support?

Young people 16 to 21 in Winnipeg who are leaving care or do not have a stable place to live. CFS workers refer through the professionals page.

How do I contact New Steps?

Call 431-444-2114. Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with urgent calls answered any time. Young people can also start the form on Get Help.

Do you take emergency or same-day placements?

No. This website is not a crisis service. When a room is open, a referral can take about a week.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that New Steps ILP is located on Treaty 1 Territory, the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, and Denesuline, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. Our water is sourced from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory.

We respect the spirit and intent of Treaties and Treaty Making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and collaboration. We honour this responsibility through culturally grounded programming and our commitment to the young people we serve.