Brampton: The Ontario government is expanding the Investing in Women’s Futures program to 10 additional locations across the province, including Roots Community Services in Brampton.
This will help more women who are experiencing social and economic barriers connect to supports and develop the skills they need to gain financial security and independence. This expansion is part of a $6.9 million investment over three years to enhance the program and create more economic opportunities for women.
“The new Investing in Women’s Futures program location in Brampton will provide women in the community with the wraparound supports and resources they need to rebuild their lives, increase their participation in the workforce, and gain financial independence,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “Our government is empowering women to achieve the success they deserve.”
The Investing in Women’s Futures program provides a range of flexible services and employment readiness supports for women facing social and economic barriers, including those experiencing gender-based violence and social isolation.
These services and supports help women to overcome any barriers, increase well-being, build skills and gain employment. The addition of 10 new sites brings the total number of service delivery locations to 33,
“As a father of two young girls, I am incredibly pleased that the government is expanding the Investing in Women’s Futures program to 10 additional locations, including to Roots Community Services in Brampton,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, President of the Treasury Board and MPP for Brampton South. “Today’s investment is ensuring that women and girls get the skills they need, and the jobs they deserve. The Investing in Women’s Futures program is helping us build a stronger Ontario for the future, for all Ontarians.”
In Brampton, the Investing in Women’s Futures program will be delivered by Roots Community Services through an investment of $318,590 over three years. The organization will deliver 12-week programs to help women heal from past trauma, build confidence, and work towards financial independence. The programs will include workshops on business, financial resources, and networking as well as peer support, self-care, and mental well-being seminars to prepare them for entering or re-entering the workforce.
“We deeply appreciate this opportunity to provide pathways for women who are experiencing social and economic barriers to gain skills and knowledge that will help them develop a solid foundation for a brighter future,” said Angela Carter, Executive Director of Roots Community Services. “Through our Social Enterprising & Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) program we plan to equip 75 women each year with tools to build on their individual strengths and collective support systems.”
“By expanding the Investing in Women’s Futures program, our government is providing women in Brampton with further resources to overcome social and economic barriers”, said Graham McGregor, MPP for Brampton North. “We’re working hard to ensure women have the necessary skills and supports to succeed in rebuilding their lives”.
This $6.9 million investment builds on the $18 million funding from 2022-2025 to support the Investing in Women’s Futures and Women’s Economic Security programs.
• As a result of COVID-19, women and gender-diverse Ontarians have faced additional challenges, such as increased economic insecurity, greater burden of caregiving responsibilities and a rise in the incidence of domestic violence. Young women, mothers of young children, racialized women, single mothers, Indigenous women, immigrant women, women with disabilities and women without university degrees have been most affected.
• In June 2021, the government launched Ontario’s Task Force on Women and the Economy to provide advice on addressing the unique and disproportionate economic barriers women face. Building on the work of the task force, the government is taking action to address the challenges women face in the workforce.
• In 2021-22, the Investing in Women’s Futures program helped over 1,300 women secure employment, start their own businesses or pursue further training and/or education.
