Vital Ideas:Women Moving Forward from Glen Richards on Vimeo.

From Poverty to Prosperity: Laying the Foundation for Young Canadian Families

In November 2009, Women Moving Forward invited a number of community and political representatives to come together for a day of inspiring moments and insightful discussion. The guest list for the event included big picture thinkers who work in government, policy, social innovation, research and business, as well as those interested in innovative partnerships that strengthen community investment and reduce poverty.

The day began with the unveiling of the new WMF video, logo and website, followed by a special scholarship and awards presentation to WMF graduates.  The presentation concluded with a special address from the Honourable Jean Augustine (Ontario's first-ever Fairness Commissioner), who spoke about the importance of educating women to ensure healthy, successful communities.  Attendees were then given information about the program structure and philosophy, as well as a summary of the successes and challenges discussed in the evaluation report.  Using this information, as well as their own experience and expertise, attendees were asked to take part in a sustainability strategy session.  Through round table discussions facilitated by WMF staff and supporters, attendees brainstormed ways to shift the poverty paradigm and suggested strategies for creating and sustaining innovative partnerships.  The goal was to lay the foundation for successfully working with young Canadian families facing poverty and to outline what is needed in order to ensure sustainability for programs such as WMF.

As a result of the event, a Funding Cabinet has been convened in order to advise and support WMF in the development and implementation of a long-term funding strategy.  The cabinet includes John Stapleton, Metcalf Foundation Innovation Fellow; Hon. Jean Augustine, Fairness Commissioner; Nadien Godkewitsch, Program Officer Toronto Community Foundation; Hon. Judy Sgro, MP for York West; Radha Nayar, Volunteer/Consultant; Sue Wilkinson, Executive Director, Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre (JFCFC); Wanda MacNevin, Director of Community Services, JFCFC; Pat McKay, long time friend of JFCFC; and Ann Phillips, Program Manager, WMF.

This event was sponsored by the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre, the Toronto Community Foundation's Vital Ideas grant program and TD Bank.  WMF also wishes to acknowledge its funders, the GH Wood Foundation and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.