The donation, presented on International Women’s Day, will go to support WoodGreen’s award-winning Homeward Bound program.
Toronto, Ont. – Today, International Women’s Day, WoodGreen Community Services received a $2 million donation from The Raymond Chang Foundation to support Homeward Bound — a unique-in-Canada program that helps single mothers experiencing homelessness to achieve financial independence. The announcement took place in front of an interactive twelve-by-eight-foot art installation at CIBC SQUARE, where this past week business professionals shared their career mentorship advice with Homeward Bound participants who are just starting their careers.
“WoodGreen Community Services sincerely thanks The Raymond Chang Foundation for this generous donation for Homeward Bound and for being long-term supporters of the program,” said Anne Babcock, president & CEO of WoodGreen Community Services. “With this gift, WoodGreen will be able to provide further support to single mothers experiencing homelessness, so they can earn college diplomas, start careers, and achieve self-sufficiency.”
“The Raymond Chang Foundation is honoured to support WoodGreen’s Homeward Bound program,” said Brigette Chang, president of The Raymond Chang Foundation. “Our father believed in helping others to be their best selves, and we are proud to be continuing his legacy. During these challenging times, we encourage others to join us in becoming changemakers and supporting those in need in our community to thrive.”
Developed by WoodGreen and launched in 2004, Homeward Bound is an award-winning, four-year education and employment program that provides intensive wrap-around supports that eliminate the barriers single mothers face in trying to move out of poverty, including access to affordable housing, mental health support, a fully funded two-year college diploma, child care, and an internship to help launch their careers.
Today’s gift from The Raymond Chang Foundation will go towards key supports within the Homeward Bound program, including family, financial, and nutritional counselling; youth tutoring; and college preparation skills training.
“The WoodGreen Foundation is grateful to Brigette Chang for her leadership on our board and to The Raymond Chang Foundation for their incredible generosity,” said Bill MacKinnon, chair of The WoodGreen Foundation. “Through their investment in education and empowerment, they are creating opportunities for brighter futures for hundreds of women in the Homeward Bound program.”
This support will help Homeward Bound continue its long-standing record of success. Over the years, the program has had a profound impact on its participants. Here are some examples:
- 92 per cent of participants who were living in a shelter when they began the program, now live in market rental, subsidized housing, or own a home
- 94 per cent of the program graduates reported being stably housed
- The employment rate amongst participants entering Homeward Bound was six per cent compared with 87 per cent up to five years after graduation
During this past week at CIBC SQUARE, more than 100 professionals shared their career mentorship advice with Homeward Bound graduates, transforming an image of a woman into a career woman. The activation highlighted the transformative power of collective action and mentorship to help women in Homeward Bound achieve financial success and independence. Members of the community also shared their advice on social media using the hashtag #HomewardBoundTO.
To learn more about Homeward Bound, please visit woodgreen.org/homeward-bound.
ABOUT WOODGREEN COMMUNITY SERVICES (woodgreen.org): WoodGreen is one of the largest social service agencies in Toronto, serving 37,000 people each year. We offer over 75 programs and services tackling the social determinants that affect the health and well-being of individuals in our community.
-30-
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Jen Mayville, Senior Communications Manager; [email protected]; (437) 226-8091 (cell).