WINNIPEG, MB - The Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre and the Rady JCC are proud to announce the approval of the Faye Vickar Lazer Early Learning Centre, a new licensed early learning and child care centre to be built on the grounds of the Simkin Centre.
This new early learning centre, to be operated by the Rady JCC, will be part of the Simkin Centre’s larger development of the new Gray Family Centre, which will also include a Multi-Purpose gathering space for community programs, worship and events, a Grand Gallery, and a Wellness Centre.
The Faye Vickar Lazer Early Learning Centre will become the third centre of its kind run by the Rady, creating 152 new childcare spaces for Winnipeg families. The centre will operate under the oversight of the Province of Manitoba’s Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care branch.
“We have always believed that strong communities are built when people have places to learn from one another and feel that they belong. This project gives us the chance to turn that belief into something tangible for hundreds of children and families.”
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to bring two organizations with deep roots in Winnipeg together around something that will have an impact for generations,” said Rob Berkowits, Chief Executive Officer of the Rady JCC.
In total, the centre will provide care for 24 infants, 68 preschool-aged children, 30 nursery-aged children and 30 school-aged children, helping address the significant need for accessible, high-quality, and affordable childcare in Winnipeg.
The Rady JCC currently operates two early learning centres, the Kaufman Child Care Centre and David & Ruth Asper Early Learning Centre, and has a waitlist of more than 600 families. The Faye Vickar Lazer Early Learning Centre will help meet that demand while providing a government-funded, $10-a-day childcare option that welcomes families of all backgrounds.
This project has been approved for up to $4.5 million in funding through the Canada ‒ Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
The partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between the Rady JCC and the Simkin Centre. The organizations have previously collaborated on initiatives such as Rady on the Road, which brought concerts, speakers, and interactive programming directly to Simkin residents.
“This is more than a new early learning centre,” continued Berkowits. “It is an investment in families, in growth, and, most importantly, in the future of Winnipeg.”
The new space will create an especially meaningful opportunity for children and seniors to share a campus. It will provide countless experiences for generations to learn from one another and build relationships that extend beyond the traditional boundaries of early learning and senior care.
“Some of the most magical things happen when generations have the chance to share everyday moments,” said Laurie Cerqueti, Chief Executive Officer of the Simkin Centre.
“This expansion allows us to create a campus that is active, where children and seniors can be part of something bigger than themselves. We are incredibly proud to be building this future alongside the Rady.”
The Faye Vickar Lazer Early Learning Centre will incorporate the Rady JCC’s established play-based curriculum, encouraging children to explore, discover, experiment, and develop essential life skills through meaningful interaction with their environment and peers. The program will also emphasize values including community, welcoming all, respect, spirit, and responsibility.
These principles will complement the intergenerational vision of the larger Gray Family Centre and help create an environment where people of all ages feel connected.
“Bringing together the Rady’s expertise in early learning with the Simkin Centre’s longstanding commitment to care creates something truly special,” concluded Cerqueti.
“Together, we are creating a place where our children and seniors can thrive, together.”
Groundbreaking is anticipated for mid-October 2026, with the centre expected to open in early May 2028.
ABOUT THE SAUL & CLARIBEL SIMKIN CENTRE
The Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre is a 200-bed, not-for-profit personal care home in south Winnipeg operated by The Sharon Home Inc. Founded on Jewish values of respect, dignity, and care, the Simkin Centre welcomes residents of all backgrounds and provides long term care, support services, activities and opportunities for spirituality and community. The centre is committed to creating a caring and vibrant environment where residents can live with dignity and purpose.
ABOUT THE RADY JCC
The Rady JCC is a not-for-profit, inclusive community organization located on the Asper Jewish Community Campus in Winnipeg. The Rady enriches lives and strengthens community through programs and services spanning fitness, aquatics, early learning, youth, arts, culture, seniors, wellness, and family programming. Open to people of all backgrounds, the Rady JCC is committed to creating opportunities for connection and belonging.
CONTACTS
Laurie Cerqueti
Chief Executive Officer | Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre
204.589.9015 | laurie.cerqueti@simkincentre.ca
Rob Berkowits
Chief Executive Officer | Rady JCC
204.477.7532 | rberkowits@radyjcc.com