Cause We Care Foundation Launches New Single Mothers Support Fund
New fund provides essential financial support to mothers in education or re-training programs; a vital step towards achieving economic independence and breaking the cycle of poverty.
After many months of consultation and group planning sessions with key stakeholders from Vancouver’s front line organizations working with single mothers in our community, Cause We Care Foundation is excited to announce the Single Mothers Support Fund. This new pilot program has been conceived to meet a clearly identified need in supporting single mothers who have shown resilience, desire and determination to complete educational or job training programs and yet are restricted by financial barriers.
“Our goal as a foundation is to create change and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of single mothers and their children,” says Cause We Care founder Andrea Thomas Hill. “This new fund marks a significant milestone in our strong desire to empower single mothers with the resources they need to achieve economic independence. We hope that our contributions help remove barriers and allow single mothers to commit time and energy to their education and training, setting them on a stronger path to success.”
The Single Mothers Support Fund will initially be accessible to single mothers who are referred by select front line organizations, whose teams are committed to providing ongoing counsel throughout the application process and beyond with regular progress reports and updates. Applications are submitted through a secure online portal and will be assessed on a case by case basis. The level of support provided will be determined by the unique circumstances of each applicant. Eligibility requirements are provided and include a request to demonstrate how funding will increase capacity to become financially independent as well as a strong commitment and plan to achieve success.
Support can be provided for, but is not limited to:
• Tutoring including registration fees
• Educational courses / job training programs not covered by other agencies
• Equipment / supplies (books, calculator, pens, binders etc.)
• Computer (including internet & WIFI)
• Basic health + hygiene costs (dentist, haircuts, glasses etc.)
• Childcare services to assist in accessing training or education courses
• Transportation
• Food and essential supplies
• Clothing (including uniforms, appropriate footwear etc.)
Approved front line organizations participating in the pilot project are:
• BC Society of Transition Houses
• Dress for Success Vancouver
• Family Services of Greater Vancouver / North Vancouver
• HAVE Culinary Training Society
• Minerva BC
• Mom2Mom Child Poverty Initiative Society
• Multicultural Society of BC
• North Shore Multicultural Society
• North Shore Crisis Services Society
• Open Door Group
• Sources Community Resources Society
• YWCA
The pilot program launches with $150,000 to distribute in disbursements and with no minimum or maximum cap initially, although pay-outs will be managed over the one-year time line. Cause We Care anticipates that the program will evolve over the course of the first year as both one-time and ongoing needs are evaluated. The Foundation is grateful to the front line organizations and employment navigators for their guidance and their commitment to the program’s success. Cause We Care Foundation is proud to be opening the door for more single mothers to apply for needed funding that will lead to greater independence and a brighter future for single mothers and their families.
For more information about Cause We Care or to donate and learn more about the Single Mothers Support Fund visit www.causewecare.org.