Minister Ambrose visits Salvation Army Community & Family Services

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister for Status for Women, visited The Salvation Army Vancouver Community & Family Services ministry unit to touch base regarding the progress of the on-going Single Mothers Breakthrough Program as supported through the Community Fund of the Women’s Program, Status for Women Canada.

The Single Mothers Breakthrough Program is a much needed initiative that takes concrete steps throughout the course of a year wherein, single mothers are able to attend workshops and receive support through mentors in enhancing their parenting skills while working towards achieving personal goals.  

“I am pleased that our government has provided necessary support for this important initiative,” said Minister Ambrose. “Many women face a variety of obstacles as lone parents, and through our government’s support, the Salvation Army has offered them the optimism, support and guidance that they need to help secure a brighter future for themselves and their families.”  Minister Ambrose learned of the many programs that are integral to this project while being delighted to meet with a recent graduate of the program.  

“The support we’ve received from the Government of Canada has been instrumental in executing this project,” said Major Ken Ritson, Director of the Salvation Army Community and Family Services.   

Initiated in March 2009, The Salvation Army received supported in the way of $235,845 for the three year multi-tiered project which assists in addressing priority issues of focused around parenting, budgeting and financing, home management, educational / vocational opportunities, connection to community resources and finally, recreation and socialization.

Mr. Joseph Fong, Senior Clinical Social Work Supervisor for The Salvation Army Vancouver Community and Family Services shared, “this project will help build a mentoring network where women and their families can obtain self-improvement and emotional support, practical skills coaching, family life enrichment and connections to social, educational and economic opportunities.”