Blog

Dr. Meta Van Den Heuvel, a pediatrician at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), learned about financial empowerment, including tax filing and access to benefits services, when previously working on a study about food insecurity. Dr. Van Den Heuvel, and her colleague, Dr. Catherine Birken, received funding from SickKids Foundation to look at food insecurity amongst families with children requiring inpatient hospital care. 

Carla Macias, an Ecuadorian who came to Canada in 2007, shares her journey of integrating into a new country, outlining the ups and downs of facing a world where not only learning a new language is key to success but financial literacy proves equally important. Carla articulates just how instrumental the Jane/Finch Centre was to helping her embark on a path to ensure financial success for herself and her family.

The Working Centre helps Nimaa, a single mother and newcomer to Canada, shed light on the unique financial challenges she experienced as an Arab woman and helps her secure benefits and financial support. Also, and importantly, they help her find the confidence to manage her own money and budget ensuring her future is brighter and full of possibility. 

Despite successfully accessing much needed benefits, systemic issues persist

An important aspect of financial empowerment work is ensuring people living on low income can access the benefits they are eligible for with ease. This can often be the “make or break” moment for many Canadians when they receive the much needed income. Small or large, the financial influx is often a relief for those who struggle financially. The value of accessing benefits cannot be understated and in the case of one EBO Financial Education Centre client, that experience has had an incredibly profound impact on her and her family’s life! 

Douglas recently became the primary caregiver for his two boys, aged 11 and 14-years-old. Very quickly, Douglas knew that caring for two busy kids would mean looking at his finances in a different way. He wanted support with his taxes, and he had questions about saving for his sons. With all of this on his mind, Douglas googled ‘tax help’ and when he saw West Neighbourhood House pop-up in his search, he was quick to reach out.