FROM POVERTY TO PROSPERITY THROUGH EDUCATION

Women Moving Forward (WMF) is an award-winning poverty reduction program for sole-support mothers, aged 20-29, who are recipients of government assistance.  Based in the Jane-Finch community of Toronto, the program supports women as they discover who they are, what skills they possess and what career they are passionate about.  The women's strength and commitment, paired with our staff team's knowledge and belief in their ability to succeed, make WMF one of the "most inventive poverty reduction program(s) in the country." ('Boot Camp Moms', CBC Radio, Ideas)

The young mothers in WMF are ambitious women who, despite the adversities they’ve faced, are determined to move forward in their lives for the sake of their children’s future. Designed to give young families the foundation they need to successfully move from social assistance and low wages to financial security and independence, the program works to ensure women gain the skills and confidence necessary to become successful on their terms:

"A successful woman is a woman who has the strength and confidence to accomplish her goals.  She is determined to live out her dreams and break cycles by never giving up.  When faced with obstacles, she remembers where she came from and where she's going.  She is self-motivated and can identify what is healthy and unhealthy in her life. She is a passionate leader and can transform into an empowered, glowing DIVA!  She is educated and fianancially independent. She is a role model to all of those who are around her.  She is a woman moving forward!"

- The Azure Queens (2009)