Eleanor McMillan Champions Education for Young Parents in Winnipeg

Eleanor McMillan, an 83-year-old advocate for education, has dedicated her life to supporting young mothers in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As the founder of the Adolescent Parent Centre, McMillan has played a crucial role in providing educational resources for parenting and pregnant women. Her commitment stems from a belief that everyone deserves access to education, a value instilled in her from a young age.

McMillan’s journey began with her upbringing. Her father, a teacher and principal, emphasized the importance of education without explicitly preaching it. “It was never preached. It was just there,” she recalls. This foundation led her to a career in teaching, where she spent over a decade at the Adolescent Parent Centre before retiring in 2001.

Since her retirement, McMillan has continued to contribute as the chairperson of the Program for Adolescent Parents and Infant Development (PAPID), a non-profit organization supporting the centre located at 136 Cecil St.. The centre offers courses for young parents through junior and senior high school, allowing students to stay until they turn 21 or their child reaches two years old. In addition to standard curricula, students benefit from parenting and nutrition courses tailored to their unique circumstances.

McMillan’s dedication to the cause is evident in her long-standing involvement with the centre. She joined the non-profit shortly after her retirement and remains actively engaged. “I still have a strong interest,” she states, noting the impact the centre has had on many young women’s lives. Some graduates express gratitude, saying, “If it weren’t for the centre, I wouldn’t be where I am.”

The Adolescent Parent Centre has evolved since its inception. The Winnipeg School Division (WSD) established a school for pregnant girls in 1971, which expanded in the mid-1980s to accommodate a growing number of students. McMillan was part of a group at St. Stephen’s-Broadway United Church that envisioned a supportive environment for adolescent parents, leading to the launch of the PAPID in the church’s basement in 1986. In 1989, the Point Douglas program merged with PAPID, solidifying the Adolescent Parent Centre’s mission to create a nurturing space for mothers and their children.

Currently, the centre serves approximately 60 students, providing them with the necessary skills to succeed. McMillan emphasizes the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, stating, “I think if you don’t have an education, you don’t have much of a chance of getting ahead.” Her insight is supported by the ongoing challenges faced by young mothers who often struggle to continue their education after childbirth.

Not only does McMillan contribute to the educational landscape, but she also dedicates time to her community as the choir director at her church, Atlantic-Garden City United. Her husband, Cliff, a retired minister, shares in her commitment to service. Together, they have four children and nine grandchildren, balancing family life with community engagement.

The impact of McMillan’s work has not gone unnoticed. Ainslie Loria, vice-principal at the Winnipeg Adult Education Centre, praises her contributions, stating, “Eleanor is lovely. She is always very curious as to what’s happening, and she loves coming in and seeing the little ones running around.” Her passion for education and community service continues to inspire those around her.

As McMillan reflects on her journey, she remains dedicated to ensuring that young mothers receive the support they need to pursue their education and achieve their goals. With her unwavering commitment, she exemplifies the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.