Opening November 17, 2025 is a new Child Feeding Room in 532 UMSU University Centre. Caregivers are welcome to use the space for: 

• Breastfeeding 
• Pumping milk 
• Storing breastmilk 
• Diapering 
• Feeding young children 

Dr. Brandy Usick, Executive Director, Student Engagement and Success spearheaded the project made possible thanks to the Strategic Initiatives Support Fund. 

“We are grateful for support through the Strategic Initiatives Support Fund to help us to expand support for those with family responsibilities in our community. Creation of a centrally located Child Feeding Room provides community members, particularly students, with a comfortable place to pump and to feed their infants and children.” 

This project is aligned with MomentUM strategic theme of Reimagining Engagement. Our physical spaces play a vital role in reflecting the diverse needs of our community and importance to be accessible to all. 

Francene Perehinec, Family Resource Coordinator, summarises the goals of the project: 

“The Child Feeding Room is designed to offer practical support and convenience, helping families manage their responsibilities efficiently and with confidence. We truly hope this space will become a valued and frequently visited resource for those who are pumping, nursing, or need to feed their little ones.” 

The space was designed with comfort in mind. Users will find a quiet, inviting atmosphere. Furnishings include comfortable seating, a sink, a microwave, a kettle, a mini fridge, and a change table. Supplies for easy cleanup and disinfection of surfaces are provided. For privacy, the room is also equipped with a lockable door and blinds. 

Inclusivity is another key principle incorporated into the space.  The room is accessible by elevator and has enough space to fit a stroller or wheelchair. Caregivers with multiple children can also bring them inside while they breastfeed or pump, and some books and toys are available to occupy them. 

The room is located on the 5th floor of UMSU University Centre, Room 532. Those interested in using the space can sign out the key at the International Centre (down the hall in Room 541). The room can be accessed during regular office hours 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Those wanting to access the room during after-hours events and programming are encouraged to make arrangements with Francene Perehinec, Family Resource Coordinator.

To ensure this new resource meets the needs of the community, caregivers who use the space are encouraged to complete a feedback survey via the QR code and link in the space. UM will use the responses to continue to improve this service.  

In addition to the new space, there are several other existing child feeding areas across both UM campuses: 

• Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge (114 Sidney Smith, Fort Garry Campus) 
• Student Wellness Centre (162 Extended Education, Fort Garry Campus) 
• Global Lounge at the International Centre (542 UMSU University Centre, Fort Garry Campus) 
• Faculty of Arts Quiet Room (605 Fletcher Argue, Fort Garry Campus) 
• The Women’s Centre (190 Helen Glass, Fort Garry Campus) 
• Child Feeding Room (Room 290a Brodie Centre, next to the RFHS Family Centre, Bannatyne Campus) 

Many of these spaces are subject to access upon request. Visit UM’s Family Resources website for more information including details about other services, resources, and spaces. Student can find ways to connect with community and receive support while meeting academic requirements at the Student Parents/Caregiver webpage.

The AFU Showcase is open to the university community and the public, where you are invited to connect with units from across the university and learn more about their offerings. Registration is not required to attend the AFU Showcase, which will take place in conjunction with the Centre on Aging’s 42nd Annual Spring Research Symposium, which will be held on the same day and location.

Why attend the AFU Showcase?

The AFU Showcase is a way for both the UM community and public to connect with one another. Using the AFU principles for inspiration, here are 10 reasons why you should join us!

1. To encourage the participation of older adults
   Whether you’re interested in learning opportunities, being a research participant, or engaging in a variety of activities and events, connect with UM staff to find out about opportunities available to you.
2. Personal and career development
   Interested in learning more about where your future career path can take you? Access resources to update your resume or learn about current job and volunteer opportunities and get recognized for your extracurricular activities through the student Experience Record. Connect with staff from Career, Community and Experiential Learning Centre. Those who are current students or have graduated from UM within the last six months can schedule meetings with Career Services and are also able to access online resources and workshops.
3. Range of education needs
   Whether you’re looking to change careers or pursue a graduate degree, staff from the Faculty of Graduate Studies can talk to you about the various graduate programs offered. They can also share information about the Graduate Focus on Aging Concentration.
   Are you in need of support for your learning? Student Accessibility Services can assist students with disabilities to foster future academic success. Connect with them in person to find out how.
4. Intergenerational learning
   There are many opportunities for older adults and younger adults to connect and learn from one another. Whether it’s by auditing a course or attending an arts or cultural event, check out the Events calendar to find out what’s happening on campus.
5. Online educational opportunities
   Whether you’re interested in learning about research through an online webinar or taking a short course, connect with Extended Education staff to learn about their range of learning opportunities both in person and online!
6. Research agenda
   The Centre on Aging has a participant database for those aged 55 years and older who are interested in participating in research studies focused on older adults. Sign up to be contacted about future studies and contribute to aging research.
7. Longevity dividend
   Manitobans are known for their generosity. By 2041, the projected number of those aged 65 to 74 years will be over 140,000 Manitobans, with over 80% of individuals aged 55–74 donating to a charitable organization. Learn how you can make a difference to future generations at the UM by connecting with Planned Giving staff.
8. Health and wellness programs and cultural activities
   No matter which campus you’re on, the Family Resource coordinator (Fort Garry) or Rady Family Centre  (Bannatyne) provide various resources and supports for staff to access on family care topics: child care, older adult care, newcomer supports.
   Visit Recreation Services to learn about their Aging Actively programs and if you haven’t already, take a tour of their facilities during the lunch hour.
9. University’s retired community
   UM staff considering retirement can find out about other considerations they need to know by connecting with the UM Retirement Readiness Peer Network Group or taking the Road to Retirement course on UM Learn.
   For those who will be retiring, speak with a University of Manitoba Retirees Association (UMRA) representative to learn how retirees can stay connected with the UM.
10. Dialogue with organizations representing older adults
    As part of the Centre’s 42nd Annual Spring Research Symposium, you can connect with exhibitors who will be available to talk about programs and services they offer in Manitoba to older adults, their caregivers, families, and friends.

For more information

To learn more about Age-Friendly University Showcase participants and initiatives, visit the AFU Hub.

Since beginning her role, Francene Perehinec, Family Resource Coordinator, has helped numerous UM community members and developed a variety of new programs. On its two-year anniversary, we take this opportunity to re-introduce the role and share some updates from Family Resources.

Get to know Family Resources! Watch this short introductory video:

Services include:

Relocation support

Together, HR Immigration and Family Resources provide free comprehensive relocation and settlement support to foreign national academics, post-doctoral fellows and visiting scholars. Newcomers to Canada can connect with the Family Resource Coordinator for assistance on housing accommodation search, navigating the education and early learning childcare system, referrals to newcomer agencies or community programs, and more.

Childcare search and waitlist assistance

Family Resources helps faculty members, support staff, and students in navigating the early years learning system through regular monitoring of childcare space availability on the Manitoba Child Care Search online tool, assisting with program waitlists, communicating with childcare providers, and more. 

Babysitter directory

In November of last year, Family Resources and Rady Faculty of Health Sciences (RFHS) Family Centre launched the UM Babysitter Directory that lists UM student babysitter profiles for families to contact for babysitting services.  

Event childminding

Units hosting an event at UM Fort Garry campus can sign-up to offer childminding services for their event participants. Family Resources works with the event/conference coordinators to learn about the needs of their attendees and organizes all of the logistical details such as securing the childminder, determining the location of the service, and planning the age-appropriate activities for the children.

Adult companionship services directory

Working with the Centre on Aging and the UM Age-friendly University Committee, this directory aims to connect caregivers of adults within the UM community with students offering support through companionship services.

Events

Family Resources works with partners across the university to hosts a variety of events for networking and social opportunities. Some past activities include a Hallowe’en and Christmas event at the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre, Take Our Kids to Work Day with Human Resources, and children’s programming at Campus Beautification Day with a neighboring school and daycare centre.

“We strive to be responsive and will continue to evolve our programming based on the needs of our diverse community,” says Perehinec. “I look forward to continuing this work, serving our outstanding community of faculty members, support staff, and students as they navigate through the different stages of family life.”

To learn more and to connect:

• Visit the Family Resources webpage and UM Intranet site.
• Email FamilyResources@umanitoba.ca.
• Drop in at an Open House, 12 to 1 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month (Room 319, Administration Building).
• Sign-up for the Family Resources newsletter.
• Follow UM Family Resources on Instagram.

“The work of our academic support staff, in supporting faculty members and students and administering programs and services across our campus community, is critical to the success of our institution,” says Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “We saw this conference as an opportunity to show our appreciation for their work and to invest in their development.”

Fostering awareness of the role of the Provost and the portfolios within the Provost Office was an important objective of the conference. “The opening session, as well as content throughout the day, outlined the scope of academic activities that our office oversees, and built understanding of how we all work together to advance UM’s teaching, learning and research mission,” says Rowena Krentz, Director of the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

The conference offered breakout sessions and presentations covering relevant topics to participant roles:

• Students at UM: The Heartbeat of our Institution
• Academic Program Review Site and Visit Management Tips
• Academic Hiring Processes and Initiatives
• Excel Tips and Tricks
• Supporting Graduate Education, Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows
• Responding to mental health distress in students
• Microaggressions in the workplace

Overall, the conference offered the opportunity to network with colleagues from different units and feel more connected to UM as a whole. One participant commented, “Many times I’ve found that faculties and units are siloed and this conference provided a great opportunity for support staff to interact with staff from other areas, as well as feel appreciation for their work from the university.”

Learn more about the Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

Addressing a need in our community

Last year, approximately one in four Canadian adults provided care for someone who had a long-term health condition or a physical or mental disability, according to Statistics Canada. This responsibility can be demanding, and many caregivers rely on others for various types of support.

That is why when William Kops, Professor Emeritus and member of the UM Age-friendly University Committee, learned about the UM Babysitter Directory, he thought a similar resource could benefit UM members who are caregivers for adults. By providing opportunities to arrange casual visitation and companionship, the directory hopes to help both caregivers and the adults receiving care.

“Matching adults in need of companionship with UM students makes perfect sense. In addition to social and emotional support, the Adult Companionship Services Directory fosters inter-generational connections within the UM community,” says Kops.

“This new service shows how the University of Manitoba can make strides as an Age-friendly University by bringing together different units to work collaboratively to improve the lives of students, staff, faculty, and their families,” says Michelle Porter, Director of the Centre for Aging and a collaborator in the development of the ACS directory. “Students can gain volunteer/employment opportunities, and both students and clients can benefit from inter-generational engagement.”

How the directory works

The directory will contain service provider profiles, stating their availability, contact information and any certifications they may have. Clients can choose to list a job opportunity or contact a service provider directly to discuss a service opportunity.

The responsibilities of an Adult Companionship Service Provider are to provide companionship and emotional support and engage in meaningful activities with clients. Companionship services can include a variety of tasks, such as regular check-in visits and phone calls, accompanying clients on outings or appointments, playing cards, fixing light snacks or coffee. It will not include services reserved for professionals, such as lifting, dressing, and feeding.

The ACS Directory is open to UM students, employees, retirees, and their family members. Most listings will be for paid services, however in some instances volunteer services may be available.

“The Adult Companionship Services Directory is part of our continued efforts to build a supportive environment for our UM families,” says Francene Perehinec, Family Resource Coordinator.

Sign up for access to the Adult Companionship Services Directory.

If you are a student passionate about making a difference in the lives of older adults, access the job description here on UM Connect.

For other family care matters, visit the Family Resources webpage.

The Adult Companionship Services (ACS) Directory, set to launch on April 2, aims to connect older adults and their caregivers within the UM community with students offering support through companionship services. The initiative is a collaborative effort between UM Family Resources, the Centre on Aging and the UM Age-friendly University Committee.

What is an Adult Companionship Service provider?

The responsibilities of an Adult Companionship Service Provider are:

• To provide companionship and emotional support,
• Engage in meaningful activities with clients,
• Accompany clients on outings and appointments,

Companionship services can include a variety of tasks, such as regular check-in visits and phone calls, going for a walk, playing cards, fixing light snacks or coffee. It does not include services reserved for professionals, such as lifting, dressing, and feeding.

This opportunity can be done on a voluntary basis, or as casual employment.

How the ACS directory works

The directory will serve as centralized hub for older adults or their caregivers to view services and post job opportunities. The directory will house service provider profiles, availability, contact information and any certifications they may have. Clients can choose to list a job opportunity or contact a service provider directly to initiate the process of hiring for service.

The directory is exclusively for UM students, employees, and their family members. Using their UM credentials, a student can request access to the directory for themselves (mature student) or on behalf of an older adult family member.

How to apply

The job description (posting #70165) is available on UM Connect.

If you have questions, please contact FamilyResource@umanitoba.ca

“I encourage students to apply for this opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of older adults connected to the UM. I believe it will be a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved,” says Francene Perehinec, Family Resource Coordinator.

“Our aim is to bring a peace of mind to parents and guardians in knowing they don’t have to look too far to find sitters. Whether you need someone to look after your little ones to attend a school event or work-related commitment, or simply for a well-deserved night out, the Babysitter Directory can help you with that. We are excited to provide this resource that fosters an inclusive, more supportive environment for the University community and their families,” says Francene Perehinec, family resource coordinator.

This new resource provides a convenient way for university families to find a suitable babysitter and connects them with students within the UM community, and also provides students with casual employment.

The directory will provide parents with babysitter profiles, availability, contact information and any certifications they may have. This directory is for all parents and guardians within the UM community, whether students, staff or faculty, and will require approval to access.

Sign up for access to the Babysitter Directory

If you are a student interested in becoming a casual sitter, contact FamilyResource@umanitoba.ca

For other family care matters, visit the Family Resources website (Fort Garry campus) or the Rady FHS Family Centre (Bannatyne campus)