KINGSTON – The Ontario government is expanding the Investing in Women’s Futures program to 10 additional locations across the province, including Resolve Counselling Services Canada in Kingston. This will help more women experiencing social and economic barriers connect to supports and develop the skills they need to gain financial security and independence. This expansion is part of a $6.9 million investment over three years to enhance the program and create more economic opportunities for women.
“Through this new Investing in Women’s Futures program location in Kingston, more survivors of gender-based violence will have access to the employment readiness and wraparound supports they need to transition to employment and gain financial independence,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “Our government is empowering women to achieve the success they deserve because when women succeed, Ontario succeeds.”
The Investing in Women’s Futures program provides a range of services and employment supports to help women overcome any barriers, increase well-being, build skills and gain employment. The addition of 10 new sites brings the total number of service delivery locations to 33, providing greater access for more women across Ontario.
In Kingston, the Investing in Women’s Futures program will be delivered by Resolve Counselling Services Canada through an investment of $325,000 over three years. The organization will provide emotional and therapeutic counselling services for women who are survivors of gender-based violence. Services will also include workshops on financial wellness and employment readiness, as well as employment programs and opportunities in rural and remote areas, in a support group model to reduce social isolation and build connections.
“Resolve Counselling Services Canada is delighted to be part of the expansion of Ontario’s Investing in Women’s Futures program,” said Tara Everitt, Director of Community Programs of Resolve Counselling Services Canada. “This program will allow us, alongside our community partners, to support more women in the Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington region to access the resources and develop the skills and confidence needed to empower them and guide them on their healing journey.”
This $6.9 million investment builds on the $18 million funding from 2022-2025 to support the Investing in Women’s Futures and Women’s Economic Security programs.
Quick Facts
- As a result of COVID-19, women and gender-diverse Ontarians have faced additional challenges, such as increased economic insecurity, greater burden of caregiving responsibilities and a rise in the incidence of domestic violence. Young women, mothers of young children, racialized women, single mothers, Indigenous women, immigrant women, women with disabilities and women without university degrees have been most affected.
- In June 2021, the government launched Ontario’s Task Force on Women and the Economy to provide advice on addressing the unique and disproportionate economic barriers women face. Building on the work of the task force, the government is taking action to address the challenges women face in the workforce.
- In 2022-23, the Investing in Women’s Futures program helped nearly 1,300 women across Ontario secure employment, start their own businesses or pursue further training and/or education.
Quotes
“The Investing in Women’s Futures program puts another piece of the puzzle in place for the successful growth and prosperity of our communities. These are the essential tools that strengthen our foundations, enabling pathways to well-being and financial security for women facing what might otherwise be insurmountable barriers.”
– John Jordan
MPP for Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston
“All of us benefit from the continued growth and engagement of women in our economy. This funding, and the resulting services, will help women who have suffered domestic violence and other challenges preventing them from full participation in our economy. We also know the COVID-19 pandemic had a heavy burden on these potential employees and entrepreneurs. The expansion of this program means even more participants will be given support, a hand up to thrive in Ontario.”
– Ric Bresee
MPP for Hastings—Lennox and Addington
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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