“Be bold.”
“Look at careers outside your comfort zone. Good skills are transferable.”
“Don’t underestimate your power.”
“Leverage your network.”
These are just some of the career advice business professionals shared with participants of WoodGreen's award-winning Homeward Bound program last week, which became part of an interactive twelve-by-eight-foot art installation at CIBC SQUARE.
WoodGreen's Homeward Bound program receives a special gift on International Women's Day
The art piece was a backdrop for a special announcement of a $2 million donation from The Raymond Chang Foundation for Homeward Bound. The announcement was made on International Women’s Day.
“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 at the media event at CIBC SQUARE. “Our father believed in helping others to be their best selves, and we are proud to continue 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.”
WoodGreen’s International Women’s Day event shows what happens when we #InvestInWomen
Leading up to International Women’s Day, more than 100 people shared the best career advice they’ve ever received, transforming an image of a woman into a career woman. The project highlighted the transformative power of collective action and mentorship to help women in Homeward Bound achieve financial success and independence. Community members also shared their advice on social media using the hashtag #HomewardBoundTO.
“Homeward Bound empowers women to fulfill their potential,” added Babcock. “We are delighted to celebrate the success of the empowered women of Homeward Bound – and we are grateful for the many encouraging mentorship messages so many of you have provided.”
Homeward Bound celebrates 20 years this year
Developed by WoodGreen and launched in 2004, Homeward Bound is an award-winning program that supports single mothers experiencing homelessness to earn college diplomas, start careers and achieve financial stability for their families.
Entering its 20th year, this four-year education and employment program provides intensive wrap-around services that eliminate barriers single mothers face while trying to escape poverty. Some services include access to affordable housing, mental health support, a fully funded two-year college diploma, child care, and an internship to help launch their careers.
Homeward Bound has many years of success empowering single mothers
The donation from The Raymond Chang Foundation will help Homeward Bound continue its long-standing record of achievement. Over the years, Homeward Bound has profoundly impacted its participants' lives. Here are some examples:
- 92 per cent of the participants 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 6 per cent compared with 87 per cent up to five years after graduation
It’s a proven track record that The Raymond Chang Foundation is proud to support and hopes that others will support it, too.
“We hope this gift will encourage others to come together to invest in this remarkable women’s empowerment program and will enable more women, particularly women of diverse backgrounds, to transform their destiny,” said Chang.
Help empower single mothers in Homeward Bound to reach their full potential. Give a gift today.
