HOMEWARD BOUNDWOODGREEN

Agenda Introduction and mandate: BRIANNE

Who and how they access the resources: LILLIAN

Services offered, and how it’s financially supported: SHARON

How support is tapered off and decided: NILJEN

Outreach/follow up: KAITLIN

Success percentage/stories: BRIANNE

Conclusion: SHARON AND KAITLIN

SHARON

IntroductionWOODGREEN 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

Homeward Bound Help single mothers move from poverty

and homelessness to successful careers and self-suffiency

Provides training—life skills, financial literacy, computer, English courses, math equivalence courses and attend college at fully accredited institution

ACCESSIBILITY

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 monthsLILLIAN

How to Access the Program

6-weeks Admission Process: Personal interview(s) Academic assessments in math, writing,

and reading Emotional intelligence assessment Criminal background/ Police check Credit check

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

SHARON

The Four Year ProgramFOUR 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 – con’td

How the agency is funded

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

Privately funded (40%) by: IBM

SERVICES OFFERED – con’td

How is support eventually tapered off?

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: workshops—money management

Leaving is upon the single mother’s decision

NILJEN

How is support eventually tapered off? CON’TD

Homeward Bound’s 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 won’t happen again

FOLLOW UP/OUTREACH 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

FOLLOW UP/OUTREACH CON’TD

Success/Percentage The participants that have successfully

completed all the phases and are now in self-sustaining careers is 70% .

And with the new addition to phase 4 they are hoping to increase this rate.

BRIANNE

CONCLUSION 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

CONCLUSION CON’TD

THANK YOU CARD

Bibliography 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

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