WoodGreen's Homeward Bound is an innovative program designed to help women and their children
transition from shelter life to economic self-sufficiency. In 2002 alone, more than 2,700 single
mothers and their children were forced to live in Toronto's shelter system. Research clearly
shows that families experiencing homelessness need a number of essential supports in order to
maintain a stable home and achieve financial independence. The Homeward Bound program provides
these supports through employment training, transitional housing, on-site child care, one-on-one
counselling for the mothers and their children, and many other vital services. The program's
primary goal is to support 32 women and their children to move into independent housing and to
have employment with family sustaining incomes within 3 years.
Computer Training & Diploma Programs with Seneca College
All of the women at Homeward Bound will receive basic computer training through the International
Computer Driving Licence program so that they will become fully computer and Internet literate.
This training qualifies the women for employment in a variety of areas including office
administration and information technology. Upon completing this computer training, each woman will
then be given the opportunity to attend one of Seneca College's computer studies diploma programs.
Life Skills and Career Preparation Training
WoodGreen also provides participants of the Homeward Bound program with other essential skills that
they will need to become more self-sufficient. Through career preparation training, participants gain
skills in communication, workplace culture and alternate dispute resolution. Through our life skills
training the women learn more effective parenting skills, a better understanding of housing and
tenancy issues, and how to create and manage a family budget.
Transitional Housing and On-site Childcare
The women participating in the Homeward Bound program are being housed in a new six-storey building in the
east end of Toronto. Each woman and her children will live independently in a two- or three-bedroom
apartment, but will also have the opportunity to be part of a community of women working towards a common
goal. Supporting the women's childcare needs is a licensed, high-quality child care centre located right
in the building next door.
Support for the Children
The children's After-4 Program is designed to help school age children and adolescents who may require special
support as they transition into a new community, a new school and a new life. These programs, which include
recreational play, homework help, and art and computer classes, are designed to help the children from Homeward
Bound to build new skills, while helping them to develop relationships with children from the surrounding
community.
A Job for the Future
A critical part of Homeward Bound's success will be in matching the women in the program with the right jobs to
ensure long-term, stable employment. WoodGreen has developed an Industry Council that is made up of corporations
and key financial institutions who have agreed to provide employment opportunities to the women in the program.
If you would like to learn more about the Homeward Bound program, please contact Pauline Hockenstein, Director
of Homeward Bound. Tel: 416-466-9299, ext. 3006 or homewardbound@woodgreen.org
WoodGreen's Homeward Bound Program was highlighted in the Toronto Star on February 15, 2007. To view this article, please click here.
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