WOODGREEN

Introduction and mandate: BRIANNE

Who and how they access the resources: LILLIAN

Services offered, and how its financially supported: SHARON

How support is tapered off and decided: NILJEN

Outreach/follow up: KAITLIN

Success percentage/stories: BRIANNE

Conclusion: SHARON AND KAITLIN
SHARON

WOODGREEN A Multi-service agency that responded to the study conducted by United Way that they found out there are many single mothers that live in shelters with their children that leads to the launching of Homeward Bound (2004) Primary objective is to help homeless women and their children break free from the cycle of poverty (www.cmhc.ca)
BRIANNE

Help single mothers move from poverty and homelessness to successful careers and selfsuffiency Provides traininglife skills, financial literacy, computer, English courses, math equivalence courses and attend college at fully accredited institution

Who is eligible for admission?

19 yrs/older Risk and/or history of homelessness One referral (from shelter, clergy, social program etc.) Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, or convention refugee At least one child under 17 living with her High school diploma preferred Capable or reaching college-level academics within 6-8 months
LILLIAN

6-weeks Admission Process: Personal interview(s) Academic assessments in math, writing, and reading Emotional intelligence assessment Criminal background/ Police check Credit check

Through out the four -year program: Affordable housing Free child care After school programs for children and youth Free post-secondary education (2 years)

SHARON

SERVICES OFFERED contd

FOUR PHASES Phase 1: program start

Life skills Computer skills Financial literacy training Academic upgrading program for college entrance

Phase 2: community college

Women attend college for free The two year diplomas that are available are:

Early Childhood Education/Assistant Computer Systems Technician General Business Law Clerk Office Administration

Phase 3: internship

14 week professional internship to gain work experience

Phase 4: completion

Connects women to opportunities for full-time employment with other industry partners. Supports women to transition into their new lives. Stipend: receives $1500 upon completion of the program

SERVICES OFFERED contd

Public funded (60%) by: Ontario Women, City of Toronto, United Way Privately funded (40%) by: IBM

Once finished the four phases the program, and finally started to work, they can still stay in Homeward Bound However, rent goes up according to income Support is still provided: workshopsmoney management Leaving is upon the single mothers decision

NILJEN

Homeward Bounds four year commitment is a one time opportunity If a member decides to leave because she feels she is well off but meets another unfortunate circumstance e.g. abusive relationship She cannot go back to the program This program is offered so unfortunate circumstances wont happen again

If the participants should complete the formal phases early before the end of the four years and begin their careers they can remain in the affordable housing but there rent increases according to their income Follow up with the families 3, 6, 12 and 24 months upon completion of the program At anytime following the completion of the program the participants can contact the agengy.
KAITLIN

Outreach program alumni association (meet and greet) Opportunity for women who have successfully completed the program to provide current participants with tips and strategies to help them succeed upon completion of the program

The participants that have successfully completed all the phases and are now in selfsustaining careers is 70% . And with the new addition to phase 4 they are hoping to increase this rate.

BRIANNE

Homeward Bound is designed for homeless single mothers who wants to move on from shelter life to better lives Looks for a strong motivated woman who really knows what her goals are If qualified, she can enter the four year commitment, she will be able to learn skills and be provided with support to attend college, and look for a job
SHARON

When completed, the member can still stay within Homeward bound but rent goes up according to what they earn Still provide workshops to help women become smarter, more savvy, left with many learnt skills, so that they know what to do as they step into reaching their goals The program helps women become self sufficient and provides opportunities to make not only the women's lives better but a better future for their children as well
KAITLIN

HB Information Sheet Eligibility (2012). Retrieved from http://www.woodgreen.org/ServiceDetail.aspx?id=195&search=homeward %20bound

Homeward Bound Success (2012). Retrieved from http://www.woodgreen.org/OurSuccess/HomewardBoundSuccess.aspx

Service Detail (2012). Retrieved from http://www.woodgreen.org/ServiceDetail.aspx?id=195&search=homeward %20bound Shimoni, R. & Baxter, J. (2012) Working with Families (5th ed.). Toronto, ON: Pearson Canada Inc Photo credits: