Sunshine HouseKali Shiva AIDS Services has been working with people living with HIV/AIDS in Winnipeg since 1987. Sunshine House began operations in 1999 after broad consultation between affected communities, and national and local agencies active in the poly drug using community .A core of roughly 50 'regular' clients has emerged from the programs in place over the history of Kali Shiva at Sunshine House. This core of individuals is distinguished from the 4000/year 'occasional' users of service by their long-term participation in programs and use of practical services offered. The core of individuals has consistently followed us through two re-locations, including to our permanent facility at 646 Logan Avenue.Sunshine House has successfully engaged the most marginalized individuals in the Winnipeg poly drug using community by being a place where everyone is welcome, without judgement. A 'Harm Reduction' approach to our work has built a strong connection with people who often reject community services.
When two chefs decided to open their own casual French bistro on Main Street in this little mill town, people were a bit surprised.Lee has, however, such a great diversity of people and culinary choices, we were sure it would work out. Years of training in French fine dining made us long to have a place of our own, 'chez nous,' to cook our favorite things in an atmosphere where people could really relax and enjoy.Franck Tessier and Rachel PortnoyWe first met in 1997 while Franck was working in his first post as Executive Chef at The Point, in Saranac Lake, NY. Franck had left behind his native France a few years before to work in London at the renowned two-Michelin starred restaurant, Le Gavroche. After three years working his way up through the ranks, he was sent to The Point, a Relais & Chateau property for whom Le Gavroche consulted. When I sent my resume to The Point to apply for the Pastry Chef position, unbeknownst to us, our partnership began.