KITCHENER-WATERLOO, Ontario – The federal government is pleased to provide support to K-W Counselling Services Inc., as it launches Money and Making It On Your Own, a project that addresses the issues of economic security, economic prosperity and gender-based violence, as they affect immigrant and refugee women in Kitchener-Waterloo. The Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), made the announcement today at the counselling centre on Charles Street East in Kitchener.
The project:
- will equip 125 immigrant and refugee women with the knowledge, skills and tools to reduce the incidence of abuse in their lives, and become leaders in their families and communities; and
- in consultation with a 30-woman advisory committee, will assist five immigrant/refugee women to develop financial literacy workshops.
"Research has shown that the main reason most women stay in abusive situations is because they feel they cannot manage financially," said Minister Guergis. "This is particularly true for newcomers to Canada. By helping immigrant and refugee women become financially literate, this project will empower these women to attain economic security, prosperity and safety, for themselves and their families. "
"We are grateful to the Government of Canada and to Minister Guergis for supporting our efforts to help immigrant and refugee women in overcoming isolation and breaking free of domestic violence," said Ms. Leslie Josling, Executive Director of K-W Counselling Services Inc. "Through this project, we will be able to offer improved services and outreach to a vulnerable sector of the population."
K-W Counselling Services Inc. will receive $119,000 over 18 months for Money and Making It On Your Own. The project's objectives are:
- to increase the economic security of immigrant and refugee women, enabling them to leave abusive situations; and
- to develop culturally relevant domestic violence services in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, to meet the needs of immigrant and refugee women living with abuse.
Funding for the Money and Making It On Your Own project comes from the Women's Community Fund of the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada.
Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.
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For more information, please contact:
Elyse Newbert
Special Assisant, Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women)
819-956-4000
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839
