Are you going through a life change, looking for more stability, or hoping to build a brighter future?
Our free program (for women and those who identify as women) is here to help you:
- Build life skills
- Learn practical financial literacy tools to manage your money
- Get employment ready and explore career pathways
- Navigate community systems and services with support
- Focus on your wellness so you can move forward feeling balanced and strong
- Program includes a completion benefit for those who meet program requirements.
We’re here to break down barriers together — so you can move forward feeling empowered, informed, and ready to thrive.
Join us and take the next step toward financial independence and a stronger, more confident you! We’re here to help YOU turn transition into transformation!
Map to Independence: From Financial Violence to Financial Empowerment is a 12-week program held three days a week in St. Thomas, ON, designed to support individuals experiencing poverty in building the personal and community resources needed for long-term success. The program guides participants through a process of reflection, learning, and planning to help them understand the impact of poverty on their lives, families, and communities. It combines practical knowledge with personal growth strategies to foster financial stability and a stronger sense of self-direction.
This upcoming session offers those 16 and over who are women and those who identify as women the opportunity to examine their current situations, explore new information, and create personalized plans for a more secure future. The program will encompass essential financial literacy topics such as budgeting, understanding assets and liabilities, and building credit independently. Participants will also take part in empowerment activities that help them recognize their strengths and step confidently into their potential.
At the core of Map to Independence is a “kitchen table” approach, where participants act as investigators driving their own learning journey. Facilitators provide guidance and encouragement in a safe and supportive environment that values each person’s experiences and goals. Through this collaborative process, individuals gain not only tools for financial stability but also the confidence and connections to move toward lasting independence.
Next Session: January 5, 2025 to March 23, 2026
Monday – Wednesday from 10am – 12pm
Click here to complete the registration/referral form
For more information contact please contact Sarah Lounsbury or Barb Johnson (519) 631-9800
“The Map to Independence program has been an awesome experience! I highly recommend this program to others! It has helped me by providing financial advice, and the opportunity to network and develop friendships with other women and with the facilitators. I am now more knowledgeable of our community and all it’s services. And I’m feeling much happier. Thank you!”
“What a wonderful and transformative journey The Map to Independence program has allowed me to experience.
Having the good fortune to be in a room with a group of women whom all have their own unique stories, which they were willing to share has made a profound difference in my life. Going forward my hope is that we will all find an everlasting kinship.
One thing that really resonated with me was the guests that came in to speak with us. Hearing from someone who has experienced some of the same things that you have, and then having the strength to break the cycle gives us hope that we can also do the same.
I also enjoyed discussing factions of the book with everyone but not focusing solely on it. Learning other’s opinions and their stories helped me to open up and see things I may not have thought of.
In conclusion I would highly recommend this course to anyone, whether they are struggling or not.”