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Five families get headstart with Homeward Bound by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff Health 43 | Thursday, October 22, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com "Connected to your Community" Another five struggling single mothers are getting the opportunity to change their lives. Home Suite Hope (HSH) announced recently at its office on Kerr Street that it's welcoming five new single-parent moms and their children into its Homeward Bound Halton (HBH) program after a screening process over the summer. Now in its second year, the program is a replica of a successful Toronto program, run by WoodGreen Community Services, to provide homeless or struggling single mothers and their children with a furnished apartment for up to four years and free daycare while each mom gets a fully-funded college education, job internship opportunities and career placements. Last year, five families were accepted into the program with another five expected to be added next year for a total of 15 families that will be on a path towards successful careers and self-sufficiency. Michelle Pommells, HSH president and CEO, said the Halton community has got behind the initiative to help single mothers achieve long-term economic stability. "What's unique about this program is, for the first time that I've seen, so many leaders in the community have come together to make this a possibility," she said. "It's not everyday you see this kind of community collaboration and vision," she said. "As the lead agency, we are incredibly excited to invite a second cohort of women into the HBH program. I thank the organizations that have joined together to provide education bursaries and housing support needed for this second group of women and children." Halton Region is one of the community partners that have been instrumental in providing not only funding, but also housing and childcare subsidies. "What we want to do is make this (process) as smooth and easy for them (single mothers)," said Carr, noting by removing barriers to higher education, the women can improve the quality of life for their families and help make Halton "a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire." The Oakville Community Foundation (OCF) is another group that has dedicated multi-year funding to the HSB program. As a founding community partner, Rusty Baillie, the foundation's former CEO who is helping Wendy Rinella transition into the lead role, said it's gratifying to see the program take root in the community. "For me personally, it's like teaching people to fish and feed themselves, provide for themselves, become independent and become great role models for their kids. I mean, what higher aspiration could there be?," said Baillie. Among other funding supporters Helping Families Every Step are Genworth Canada and TD Bank of the Way! Group. · Fertility (Male/Female) Debbie McPherson, senior vicepresident of sales and marketing at · Pediatrics Genworth Canada, said it's meaningful · Pre and Postnatal Care for Genworth to be part of the project. · Naturally Turning Breech Babies "Giving back to the communities · Headaches/Migraines in which we operate is an essential · Low Back/Neck Pain part of who we are at TD," added · Posture Sandy Cimoroni, senior vice president Wellness care for the entire family! and COO of TD Wealth. 250 Wyecroft Rd., Unit 15 Oakville, ON Families are referred to HSH Dr. Jenna Davis programs from Halton area agencies. Family Chiropractor/Acupuncture For information, visit www. 905.844.WELL (9355) homesuitehope.org. www.acornhealth.ca DIAMOND For more news, visit www. oakvillebeaver.com DIAMOND drdavis@acornhealth.ca On December 13, our community will celebrate the opening of our new, state-of-the-art Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. And while we're almost ready to open the new hospital, there is still a need for your continued support. Your monthly gift to the Oakville Hospital Foundation will help ensure our caregivers have the medical equipment they require to care for our patients. Since the Government funds virtually no clinical equipment, our hospital relies on the support of our entire community to help us acquire these vital items. Join the Oak Leaf Society, our family of monthly donors, and help put essential equipment into the hands of our caregivers. Please call 905.338.4642 or visit us online at www.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com to become a monthly donor.