Miia Suokonautio – Executive Director Nicole Boutilier – Program Coordinator

YWCA Programs Poverty to Possibility >LAUNCH >Bridge Program >FLNP >A Step Ahead Violence to Resilience > December 6 th Fund >GirlSpace >SafetyNET Helping Families Thrive >Child Care Centres >Licensed Family Home Day Care Empowering Women >Conversation Club >Youth Advisory Council Homelessness to Hope >Supportive Housing for Young Mothers (SHYM) >Women in Supported Housing (WISH)

Case Studies & Discussion 1.What are the barriers to this woman’s economic security? 2.What should her first step be? 3.What is the approximate time she would need to achieve her goals? 4.Who would you go to for help? 5.What resources would you use to help her achieve her goals?

Spryfield at a Glance Families % are lone female parent families, 5.5% lone male parent families, 34.5% two parent families, and 27.5% families with no children. --pregnancy rate is higher for Spryfield (110), compared to the remainder of HRM (42) per 1000 women aged Education --5.6% of Spryfield population has a university bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 22.9% for HRM % of Spryfield population has less than a Grade 9 education, compared to 5.3% for HRM. Statistics and quotes have been taken from We are Spryfield Community Profile, 2006.

Spryfield at a Glance Employment & Income --50% of Spryfield adults are employed (63% HRM), 6% unemployed but looking for work (6% HRM) and 44% not in the labour force (31% HRM). --Average household incomes are noticeably smaller for families in Spryfield ($30,000) compared to the rest of HRM ($57,000). Stigma --“A common theme among residents is the negative opinion many outsiders have of Spryfield. Residents are offended by Spryfield’s image as a violent and crime-ridden place, and the majority feel that Spryfield is safe, and are proud to call it home.” Statistics and quotes have been taken from We are Spryfield Community Profile, 2006.

Spryfield at a Glance Housing --65% of housing in Spryfield is rented, compared to the remainder of HRM at 38%. Transportation --25% of Spryfield residents rely on public transit, compared to 8% of the remainder of HRM. Community space --“Spryfield’s image, ethnicity, socio-economic levels and arts are all expressions of community culture… Spryfield is rich in people with artistic ability and creativity. Cultural community events help nurture connections and friendships, which has large community events in 6 months of the year.” Statistics and quotes have been taken from We are Spryfield Community Profile, 2006.

Bridge Program The YWCA examined a few different models for this program and found that the Crittenton Women’s Union (Boston) had the model that best met the needs of the women in our community. The model takes into account all aspects of a woman’s life: Family Stability, Health & Well-Being, Education & Training, Financial Management, and Employment & Career.

Bridge Program Through one on one support, women in the Bridge program are able to examine their barriers, discuss solutions, and create a plan to overcome these barriers. Each woman sets goals, which helps address these barriers and helps move them up the path of success. A program coordinator helps support women by keeping the focus on the goal, giving help during crises and providing additional support and referral.

Intake Intake usually lasts about 2 hours. Participants complete an application form. Discussion around each pillar and if there are any identified barriers within those pillars. Discuss steps in which to overcome those barriers & meet goals. Write out a plan, or step by step guide on what participants want to do next. Discuss what types of education and employment they were considering. Referrals to other agencies to assist women in discovering their skills and possible careers that would be complementary.

Hot jobs YWCA Halifax identified strategic career paths, or Hot Jobs, to best support participants. This list is provided to participants in order for them to make informed decisions about a career path and earning potential. They are not limited to these options. Hot Jobs require approximately 2 years of education at a community college level, have low unemployment rates, and provide a family sustaining wage (average of $16+/hour). Examples are: Health technicians, Lab technicians, Dental Assistants, Computer Support Technicians, Graphic Design, Communications and Marketing, Service Industry Managers, Social Worker, Early Childhood Education.

Set Goals Participants set goals as a way to identify their priorities and steps needed in order to become self-sufficient. For example, if they are wanting to write their GED or attend ALP programs, they would fill out Level 1 goal chart and then can move to Level 2 goal chart when they continue on to NSCC. These goals can be under any pillar, and most are aimed at their education and employment goals. Second most common barrier are in relation to family responsibilities. Ex: Childcare (interviewing and putting name on waitlist), subsidy applications, or behavioural/health issues.

Goal Chart (Level 2) & Incentives

As participants achieve their goals, they receive the incentive attached to that goal. For Level 1 (GED & ALP), the totals range from $25 to $125. For Level 2 (NS Community College), the totals range from $25 (intake) to $500 for final goal completion.

Participant Group Meetings Once a month Sharing of Resources Building Network and Supports Professional Development Share and Celebrate Success

Advisory Council Comprised of predominantly women in educational fields, or hold positions that are linked with ‘Hot Job’ professions in the Halifax area. Executive Director of Spryfield District Business Commission has connections to over 180 businesses in the Spryfield area. AC members have agreed to provide information and guidance, information interviews and possible job shadowing opportunities to participants.

Challenges 1.Participants want help with paying tuition. 2.Cost of childcare. 3.Funding sustainability. 4.Knowledge of program in community.

Accomplishments to Date Outreach, referral and casework support to a total of 88 women. Casework support includes referrals related to: Career Development: 30 Childcare: 18 Childcare subsidy: 15 (25 children) Financial Management: 14 Advocacy: 15++ Medical and Mental Health: 6 Children’s Programs: 3 Physical Violence: 1 Basic Needs (food and clothing banks, family resource centres): 2

Accomplishments to Date Of the 88 women who have come into contact with the Bridge Program, 20 have completed the intake process and are fully participating in the program model. Of these 20 women: 2 (10%) completed university degrees. 16 (80%) began attending Nova Scotia Community College courses and Adult Learning Program classes in order to get their GED equivalent. 5 (20%) have secured employment in their chosen career path, are self-sufficient and have safe/secure housing.

Success Stories Tara Laura

Questions? Miia Suokonautio, Executive Director ext 2230 Nicole Boutilier, Program Coordinator ext