In Crisis? 
Klinic Community Health is proud to have been serving our community for 50 years. For half a century, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to providing accessible, person-centered care that supports individuals and communities to thrive.
Wilson House at 545 Broadway. Klinic moved into Wilson House in 1977.
My introduction to Klinic began during my teenage years in Winnipeg in the early 1980s. The old Wilson House on Broadway that Klinic called home for many years served as a haven for my friends and me, offering essential services and information free of cost, shame, and stigma. Klinic’s impact on our lives was immeasurable – for some – it was lifesaving. I have had the privilege of speaking to many of you about your experiences with Klinic, whether it is as a current or former client, volunteer, or employee (and for some, it was all three at different times!). Many of those stories are deeply personal and inspiring, demonstrating the strength, wisdom, courage, and heart that exists within our community. It is this collection of stories and the people behind them that we celebrate and honour today and throughout the coming year.
Klinic staff in Minneapolis. August 1985.
We look forward to sharing some of those stories with you over the coming months. For today, I’d like to share a few highlights from those early years. Although Klinic was officially incorporated on April 24, 1973, its roots trace back to the late 1960s with the establishment of the ‘Committee Representing Youth Problems Today’ (CRYPT). Volunteer medical students and community members formed CRYPT in the basement of All Saints’ Church, offering medical, legal, counseling, and shelter support to transient and local youth. By 1971, the “Switchboard” (later known as “the Klinic line”) emerged as a crisis hotline for individuals of all ages struggling with emotional distress, drug use concerns, and service navigation and information. That same year saw the introduction of walk-in medical assistance, peer counseling, and the Crisis Bus, equipped with staff ready to counsel those in emotional distress or mild medical need, mostly intending to treat those having negative experiences with drug use.
In 1973, Klinic launched Pregnancy Information Services, empowering individuals who were or could become pregnant by providing access to birth control, abortion, and information about medical options and expectations. For years, Klinic’s compassionate volunteers offered non-judgmental birth control and abortion counseling, challenging traditional approaches to reproductive healthcare in Manitoba. In 1981, in response to a growing need for a wider range of health services for women, the Board developed a model for a new community health clinic and from there the Women’s Health Clinic was established. This new clinic was uniquely positioned to provide woman-centred medical and counselling services, education, and advocacy specific to women’s health issues and needs.
These are but a few highlights of stories that form the foundation of who Klinic is today. They reflect the continued passion and commitment of our volunteers and staff collaborating with community to design and deliver essential services, and to advocate for more just and equitable systems and policies. As we embrace the next 50 years, we are committing to upholding that core value of social justice for all, recognizing that we cannot hope to achieve our Vision of Engaged and Healthy Communities until we collectively address the significant inequities that exist because of the ongoing colonialism and racism in our systems and practices. We will work with intention and humility so that all individuals and communities can thrive.
We are grateful for the contributions of so many who have supported us over the years. From those med students, community volunteers and activists in the 60s and 70s through to the many staff, volunteers, and activists of today – thank you so much! We wouldn’t be here without your dedication and passion.
To the funders and donors who have provided financial support over the years – a huge big thank you to you as well. We could not have accomplished so much without your trust and support.
And to the clients, participants, and community members for the past 50+ years – thank you for putting your trust in us and allowing us to be a part of this community. It is an honour and a privilege to walk with you.
We hope you will join us on April 28 between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm for our Open House to celebrate! Come meet our friendly staff and volunteers, take a tour of the facility, and learn about the wide range of services and programs we offer.
With much gratitude,
Ayn