Blog

WoodGreen Community Services, a pillar of support in Toronto, positively impacts the lives of 37,000 individuals annually. Their diverse initiatives range from enhancing seniors' well-being to aiding newcomers in their Canadian journey, addressing housing challenges, and preparing youth for the workforce. As a significant United Way of Toronto member, WoodGreen actively contributes innovative solutions for pressing social needs, earning recognition across the Greater Toronto Area.  WoodGreen also has considerable experience in helping low-income adults to improve their financial well-being. Their Financial Empowerment (FE) Program endeavours to alleviate and help individuals transition out of poverty through offering a full suite of specialized empowerment interventions, including financial literacy workshops, one-on-one financial counselling, benefits assessments, and free year-round income tax preparation. Prosper Canada is honored to collaborate with such impactful community organizations like WoodGreen. In this spotlight, we explore recent successes, encountered challenges, valuable lessons learned, and an inspiring client story that underscores the transformative impact of their efforts.

In a recent interview with Danielle Thibaudeau from the Commissioner of Social Services’s Office at The Regional Municipality of Durham, Prosper Canada delved into the world of financial empowerment and the unique challenges faced by low-income Canadians. Danielle, Policy Advisor in the Strategic Partnerships and Priority Teams within the Social Services Department Commissioner's Office, shared her insights into the importance of financial resources, collaborations with non-profits like Prosper Canada, and the impact of the Making the Most of Your Money resource. The resource is a free online course designed to help individuals and families living with low income learn about money in an accessible way. It was developed by Prosper Canada with the generous financial support from Ontario Securities Commission and has been implemented by the Region of Durham to facilitate financial education within its community.

Douglas recently became the primary caregiver for his two boys, aged 11 and 14-years-old. Very quickly, Douglas knew that caring for two busy kids would mean looking at his finances in a different way. He wanted support with his taxes, and he had questions about saving for his sons. With all of this on his mind, Douglas googled ‘tax help’ and when he saw West Neighbourhood House pop-up in his search, he was quick to reach out.

The Financial Empowerment and Problem Solving (FEPS) program provides one-on-one financial problem-solving, tax filing assistance and financial education workshops to Ontarians with low and modest incomes and urgent financial problems.

According to the 2015 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, Canada is home to approximately 6.8 million immigrants and a diverse population comprising over 200 ethno-cultural groups.