Finding success in a safe space

For Gordonridge tenant Cacilda (Cassie to her friends), the idea of going back to school was a tough thing to consider. With young children to care for and an existing student loan from a previous degree, she needed help. “As a single mom, having kids and making sure they had appropriate care while juggling work was a challenge for me,” she said. When she came across a Homeward Bound flyer in her building, she saw an opportunity to make this dream possible.

Launched by WoodGreen in 2004, Homeward Bound is an innovative, four-year program that supports homeless or publicly housed single mothers (aged 19 and up) in earning college diplomas, starting careers, and achieving financial independence. In January, TCHC and WoodGreen Community Services collaborated to offer the Homeward Bound program to women-led families with children living in TCHC buildings in a three-year pilot program that will support up to 25 single mothers.

According to Yordanka Petrova, Senior Manager of Homeward Bound, the program addresses some unique challenges single mothers face when entering or re-entering the workplace. “Many women in our community, including those in TCHC, struggle with multiple barriers, such as affordability of housing, access to education, childcare, and securing well-paying jobs so they can be financially independent,” she said. “Homeward Bound was designed as a comprehensive solution to provide access to academic training, childcare, internship placement, and job support all in one.”

Program participant Arrianne agrees. “When I first heard about this program, the saying ‘it takes a village’ came to mind, because the supports they offer are very beneficial,” she said. “If I had gone to school on my own, my journey probably would have been different. I wouldn’t have guidance on doing certain things, like applying for financial support. With Homeward Bound, if I have questions, I always have someone to ask.” Arianne is in phase 1 of the program, which includes English and math skills. She hopes to become a Construction Engineering Technician with her own business. Meanwhile, she’s enjoying every step of the journey. “Just getting to this point and completing the requirements to get here has been rewarding in itself,” she said. “Thinking I can’t do something and doing it, that’s rewarding to me.”

Cassie is finding success as well, currently trying to decide between early childhood education and construction. “Coming into this program, I really wanted to go into early childhood education, because I have young kids, and I would like to open up my own daycare,” she said. “If I do this, I would also like to partner with TCHC because it’s a need that we as tenants require with TCHC being such a broad organization.” Cassie points out they have classmates who travel from Rexdale every week, and that’s difficult when you have children that need to be looked after.

Both Cassie and Arrianne agree that the program reinforces skills that are very important in today’s workplace, like time management, discipline, and self- confidence.

Cassie also appreciates the holistic approach the program takes, providing mental health services and access to counselling. For mothers like her who go through trauma, the program provides a safe space to recover, focus, and ultimately succeed.

Yordanka says that this is a valuable part of Homeward Bound. “While the core focus of the program remains employment and education, it has strengthened its supports when it comes to mental health. It has also developed an emphasis on financial literacy offering tutoring services for children, a mentoring program, and networking opportunities.” She adds that one of the most significant changes to the program has been the expansion of partnerships with both employers and post-secondary institutions, which allows them to connect participants who have a more diverse skillset. 

Kristi Odiakosa, Manager of Homeward Bound, speaks to the success of this approach. “It’s important to know that Homeward Bound consistently has strong completion rates across all groups of participants,” she said. “The success rate is very high, with many achieving their goals of a college diploma, securing stable employment, and ultimately achieving financial independence.” Kristi added that it's been incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact the program is making in the lives of TCHC tenants, and she's proud to be part of the program that creates lasting change.

For Cassie, that lasting change means newfound confidence and the will to succeed: “Bet on yourself, love yourself, and go for your dreams. If you have the will to achieve it, you can do it.”

Are you a single mother looking to go back to school? To find out more about Homeward Bound, you can contact Riva Abcede by email at riva.abcede@torontohousing.ca. To apply online, visit hbpclients.woodgreen.com.