Temiskaming Shores among 10 new Investing in Women’s Futures program locations
KIRKLAND LAKE – The Ontario government is expanding the Investing in Women’s Futures program to 10 additional locations across the province, including Keepers of the Circle in Temiskaming Shores and Kirkland Lake. This will help more women experiencing social and economic barriers connect to supports and develop the skills they need to gain financial security and independence. This expansion is part of a $6.9 million investment over three years to enhance the program and create more economic opportunities for women.
“Through this new Investing in Women’s Futures program location in Temiskaming Shores and Kirkland Lake, more survivors of gender-based violence will have access to the employment readiness and wraparound supports they need to increase their participation in the workforce and provide for themselves and their children,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “Our government is empowering women to achieve the success they deserve because when women succeed, Ontario succeeds.”
The Investing in Women’s Futures program provides a range of services and employment supports to help women overcome any barriers, increase well-being, build skills and gain employment. The addition of 10 new sites brings the total number of service delivery locations to 33, providing greater access for more women across Ontario.
In Temiskaming Shores and Kirkland Lake, the Investing in Women’s Futures program will be delivered by Keepers of the Circle through an investment of $325,000 over three years. The organization offers services for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals experiencing gender-based violence, using a holistic approach to economic development and empowerment. Services and programs include entrepreneurship skills development and sector-specific training, as well as culturally appropriate and regionally based wraparound supports.
“This funding will allow Temiskaming Native Women’s Support Group (Keepers of the Circle) to support our Indigenous women in many ways!” said Bertha Cormier, Executive Director of Keepers of the Circle. “We are building on our Culture, Confidence and Competence program, a culturally rooted pre-employment training program; providing wrap around supports to reduce barriers; supporting Indigenous women entrepreneurs through skills development; as well as enhancing our existing gender-based violence support services to better respond to and prevent GBV among our Indigenous women and girls, and gender-diverse members.”
This $6.9 million investment builds on the $18 million funding from 2022-2025 to support the Investing in Women’s Futures and Women’s Economic Security programs.