Blog

Discover how Durham Region's innovative Financial Help Hub is empowering low-income residents through co-produced financial strategies and community collaboration.

In the heart of Bowmanville, Ontario, the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank stands as a beacon of hope for the community. The food bank helps community members in need, having served 3,200 clients in 2022 and continuing to support 120-150 families each month in 2023. Last year, 36 per cent of their clients were new and were graciously assisted by volunteers who dedicated over 5,000 hours to the cause. The influx of new clients and the hours served by volunteers stands as a testament to the changing times we live in, marked by food insecurity and housing crises that have taken a toll on low-income individuals, sometimes leaving them homeless. St. Vincent de Paul and similar organizations offer support and assistance for those who are struggling.

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 world where personal challenges can often feel insurmountable, Christina Cassar's story stands as a testament to resilience and determination. Christina's path reflects the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and extend a helping hand to others, even while navigating her own life-altering trials.

Dr. Meta Van Den Heuvel, a pediatrician at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), learned about financial empowerment, including tax filing and access to benefits services, when previously working on a study about food insecurity. Dr. Van Den Heuvel, and her colleague, Dr. Catherine Birken, received funding from SickKids Foundation to look at food insecurity amongst families with children requiring inpatient hospital care.