What is WMF?

WMF is a program of the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre, designed to help young, single mothers between the ages of 20-29 move from welfare to financial independence by obtaining post-secondary training or education.

How long does WMF run?

Phases I and II of the program run for 10 months. Once women complete the program, WMF staff are available to offer support for an additional two to four years, until women have completed their training or education.

How many women does WMF accept?

Currently WMF accepts 24-30 women per year to the program.

How does WMF choose which women to accept to the program?

Women must be:

• A single mother, ages 20-29 years old
• On social assistance (welfare or ODSP)
• Available to attend our program four days per week for 10 months
  
• Are legally allowed to live and work in Canada
• Live within the broader Jane and Finch community in Toronto
• Motivated to make positive changes in her life
  

What is the WMF intake process?

WMF has a 4-step intake process:

1. Sign up to attend an information session
2. Complete the WMF questionnaire
3. Meet with WMF staff
4. Submit two references

Does WMF accept women who have not finished high school?

Yes, although women must have a minimum of a grade nine reading and writing level to attend the program. If you are unsure of what your reading and writing level is, one of the WMF team would be happy to work with you to figure it out.

Does WMF accept women who have attended college/university but had to drop out?

Yes, however, participants must be prepared to share with the WMF team their reasons for not completing and any debt they have as a result (i.e. OSAP).

What does WMF do for women who are not accepted to the program?

All applicants have the option of being referred to another program, with the support of Program Staff.  Women are welcome to re-apply to WMF at a later date.

Does WMF provide childcare?

Using our model of partnership, WMF relies on the City of Toronto’s Employment and Social Services to provide childcare for participants. To receive the full benefits of childcare, participants are required to commit to the program full-time for the entire year.

What locations does WMF use to run its program?

WMF uses a number of spaces to run its program, including local community centres, computer resource centres and our own space, the Chrysalis.  All of our programming spaces are located within walking distance of the Jane and Finch intersection.

Does WMF pay for women’s tuition?

No, however, during Phase II of the program, WMF organizes a number of workshops and provides opportunities for participants to apply for scholarships/bursaries as well as learning about how to pay for school.  In 2005, WMF created a WMF Scholarship fund  to assist women with the cost of school, including books, registration fees, etc.  WMF will pay the application fee for post-secondary education (college/university) and is able to subsidize selected training activities.

Since 2005, how many WMF graduates have gone to college/university or training?

While a small group of women have decided to focus on  other life priorities, we are proud to say that there are 46 participants who are currently attending college/university, training or working full-time, and the number grows by 10-13 women every year. 

What are some of the career paths women have chosen?

WMF graduates are pursuing a wide variety of career paths.  Currently, we have women pursuing careers in law, astronomy, the medical field, social services, fashion design, interior design, photography, motivational speaking, immigration, child care, urban studies, criminology and the food industry.