Blog

In the heart of Bowmanville, Ontario, the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank stands as a beacon of hope for the community. The food bank helps community members in need, having served 3,200 clients in 2022 and continuing to support 120-150 families each month in 2023. Last year, 36 per cent of their clients were new and were graciously assisted by volunteers who dedicated over 5,000 hours to the cause. The influx of new clients and the hours served by volunteers stands as a testament to the changing times we live in, marked by food insecurity and housing crises that have taken a toll on low-income individuals, sometimes leaving them homeless. St. Vincent de Paul and similar organizations offer support and assistance for those who are struggling.

In a world where personal challenges can often feel insurmountable, Christina Cassar's story stands as a testament to resilience and determination. Christina's path reflects the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and extend a helping hand to others, even while navigating her own life-altering trials.

In a recent interview with Danielle Thibaudeau from the Commissioner of Social Services’s Office at The Regional Municipality of Durham, Prosper Canada delved into the world of financial empowerment and the unique challenges faced by low-income Canadians. Danielle, Policy Advisor in the Strategic Partnerships and Priority Teams within the Social Services Department Commissioner's Office, shared her insights into the importance of financial resources, collaborations with non-profits like Prosper Canada, and the impact of the Making the Most of Your Money resource. The resource is a free online course designed to help individuals and families living with low income learn about money in an accessible way. It was developed by Prosper Canada with the generous financial support from Ontario Securities Commission and has been implemented by the Region of Durham to facilitate financial education within its community.

The Financial Empowerment and Problem Solving (FEPS) program provides free, confidential, one-on-one support to individuals living on low incomes to help them build their financial health.

Can a financial literacy program deliver knowledge and shift behaviours so that people living on low incomes can make informed decisions when it comes to their personal finances? Credit unions think so.