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May 5, 2007

Canada's New Government Supports Single Mothers' Programs in London

LONDON, ONTARIO May 5, 2007 -- On behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women, Ms. Patricia Davidson, Member of Parliament (Sarnia-Lambton), today announced funding of $85,000 to Single Women in Motherhood Training Program Inc., a non-profit organization aimed at providing a supportive environment and educational programs that single mothers can use to maintain family stability and security.  The funding will be used to undertake Phase II of the Women's Economic Independence Initiative.  These grants are among the first that Canada's New Government has provided under the renewed Women's Program at Status of Women Canada.

"Canada's New Government is proud to support the Single Women in Motherhood Training Program's initiative which is making a difference in the lives of single mothers by offering hope, support, and guidance to help them achieve a safe and secure future for themselves and their families," stated Minister Oda. "This initiative will reach out to over 250 single mothers, including immigrant, visible minority and Francophone women who face barriers in their lives."

"These grants support projects such as the Women's Economic Independence Initiative which takes concrete actions to directly help Canadians," Ms. Davidson said. "Through these programs, single mothers in London will have increased access to opportunities in education and employment to facilitate their full participation in the economic life of Canada."

Ann-Marie Ricketts, founder and Executive Director of the Single Women in Motherhood Training Program Inc., said, "Our results-oriented programs help single mothers develop new life skills and habits that will allow them to achieve the level of independence that they want."

Based in London, Single Women in Motherhood Training Program Inc. achieves its goals through various projects including life-coaching and mentorship with senior women as well as drop-in programs.   They offer workshops and seminars that teach financial management, coping, parenting, and stress management skills.  The organization has also developed alliances with other service organizations in order to be able to direct members to a full array of resources they can use to better their lives.

Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and cultural life of Canada.

For more information, visit the website at http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/.

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For more information, please contact:

Véronique Bruneau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Status of Women
(819) 997-7788

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director, Communications
Status of Women Canada
(613) 995-7839

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