Blog

After 18 years as the leader of Community Financial Counselling Services (CFCS) in Winnipeg, Executive Director John Silver, is retiring from a career of outstanding service to the community.

An unwavering force for good, John has led the CFCS team with courage, empathy, determination, and integrity. Under John’s visionary leadership, CFCS enhanced and expanded a range of financial empowerment programs designed to reduce poverty and increase the financial capacity of all Manitobans, all longstanding issues of equity that were only exacerbated during the pandemic.
 

The Working Centre helps Nimaa, a single mother and newcomer to Canada, shed light on the unique financial challenges she experienced as an Arab woman and helps her secure benefits and financial support. Also, and importantly, they help her find the confidence to manage her own money and budget ensuring her future is brighter and full of possibility. 

As we celebrate the retirement of financial empowerment champions, Katie Walker and Hélène Ménard, we take the time to reflect on their legacy of work, the impact they’ve had in their organizations and community and the ingredients that make them true champions of financial empowerment.
 
As they embark on their next chapter, it is clear they’ll be leaving big shoes to fill.

Despite successfully accessing much needed benefits, systemic issues persist

An important aspect of financial empowerment work is ensuring people living on low income can access the benefits they are eligible for with ease. This can often be the “make or break” moment for many Canadians when they receive the much needed income. Small or large, the financial influx is often a relief for those who struggle financially. The value of accessing benefits cannot be understated and in the case of one EBO Financial Education Centre client, that experience has had an incredibly profound impact on her and her family’s life! 

There is no doubt that the ability to leverage innovative and useful tools such as Zoom, smart phones and other video platforms has ensured that during the pandemic, important meetings, relationships and support networks could be maintained. However, in our zeal to embrace technology and its ability to keep us connected we are reminded that, in some cases, this simply cannot replace, nor should it, the experience of being able to connect face-to-face.