about us
How did we get here?
OUR STORY
In 2021, Michael and Melanie Reimer felt called to foster—but were told their home would be “too strained” with a fifth baby on the way.
Burdened by Winnipeg’s foster care crisis, they began to pray and realized a deeper need: supportive housing for single mothers at risk of losing their children.
Melanie’s research showed that young, unsupported moms often face unemployment, mental health challenges, and separation from their children—continuing a painful cycle. The answer wasn’t just foster care—it was Christian community in Winnipeg that could walk with women before the crisis.
With support from Providence URC and a founding board, Selah Place was born—not to foster children, but to foster mothers. Through transitional housing for moms and children, mentorship, and life-skills support, God opened the door for a new kind of restoration.
Today, Selah walks with mothers in crisis, offering practical help, gospel hope, and a path to keep families together.
meet the team
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Melanie Reimer
Executive Director
melanie@selahplace.ca -
Adele Thompson
Program & Case Manager
adele.t@selahplace.ca -
Hannah Olson
House Manager
hannah.o@selahplace.ca -
Chinenye Akaluka
Admin Assistant
chinenye.a@selahplace.ca -
Sue Wittebolle
Selah Sister Coordinator
sue.w@selahplace.ca
board of directors
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James Teitsma
CHAIR
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Chris Buffington
VICE CHAIR
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Debbie Schriemer
SECRETARY
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Dan Wittebolle
TREASURER
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Luke Vandenberg
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Josh Devries
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Shannon Vanderlinde
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Kelsey Barendregt
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Harleigh Hoogerdijk
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Jessica Jonker
core values
Guiding us in faith & love
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Rooted in faith and biblical truth.
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
– Colossians 3:17 -
Loving and serving with grace.
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
– Ephesians 4:32 -
Honouring the worth of every mother and child.
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him;
male and female He created them.”
– Genesis 1:27 -
Using resources wisely for God’s glory.
“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”
– 1 Corinthians 4:2
contact
“The process of shaping the child shapes also the mother herself. It is an ongoing process of learning, mutual growing, and trusting God.”
-Elisabeth Elliot
