June 30, 2009
TORONTO – The federal government is proud to provide support to a project that will help women of African and Caribbean backgrounds living in high-risk neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area. The Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), made the announcement today.
The Black Youth Helpline, a Toronto-based non-profit organization, will receive $197,306 over 36 months for its project entitled Empowering Women: Leadership Development for Parents of Complex-Needs Youth, which will help 120 disadvantaged women to:
- gain enhanced awareness to identify issues affecting them, develop action plans to address their needs, gain access to services and further opportunities to develop leadership skills; and
- develop enhanced skills in parenting, life management, family leadership and citizenship skills, and increased ability to integrate into Canadian society.
"This project focuses on our Government's priority issues of women's safety and leadership, reaching out, in particular, to young African-Canadian women in the Toronto region," Minister Guergis said. "Through information, training, mentorship and networking, this project will empower these women to participate more actively in society and contribute more fully to their communities."
"By empowering these young women, the Black Youth Helpline will also reach out to their families, friends and other community members, as participants share their knowledge and experiences gained from the project," said Ms. Olga Semple, Chairperson of the Black Youth Helpline.
Funding for the Empowering Women: Leadership Development for Parents of Complex-Needs Youthproject 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 equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.
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For more information, please contact:
Sherine Mansour
Director of 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
