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.
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
Empowering newcomer women to begin life anew.
A world of justice, tenderness and communion.
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.
Newcomer women from the following 44 countries have lived at the House of Peace:
They are from all faith traditions, religions and practices – we welcome all!
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
Thao Pham – Operations & Building Coordinator
Staff
Bernadette Palomar - Kitchen Coordinator
Linda Walmsley - House Keeping Coordinator
Hanna Woldesenbet - Receptionist
Daneeka Abon – President
Kate Hodgert-Fennell – Vice President
Josh Villanueva– Treasurer
Monica Geisbrecht, Noelle Bowles, Celeste Krochak, Mary-Anne Lovallo, Katie Leung, Connie Yunyk, Bronya Rae-Pemberton, Rachel Hall