Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre and Peterborough Child and Family Centres are the recipients of the United Way Peterborough & District’s inaugural Women United Fund.
The 2023-24 Women United Fund was made possible by a gift from Maryam Monsef, founding chair of Women United, that allowed the United Way to offer a special funding opportunity for one-time projects.
Monsef joined representatives from the United Way and the two recipient organizations at a funding announcement on Wednesday morning (September 27) at the main offices of Peterborough Child and Family Centres at 201 Antrim Street in Peterborough.
“The Women United Fund embodies what is possible when community comes together to address a shared goal,” said Betsy Farrar, the United Way’s manager of community impact. “This grant was not only made possible through Maryam’s generous donation, but also her drive and awareness of local issues as the founding chair of our local Women United group. In addition, we want to extend our gratitude to all of the applicants who brought forward creative and compassionate solutions to complex gender-based issues.”
In June, the United Way issued a request for proposals for initiatives that support women, girls, and gender-diverse people in the community. The request for proposals focused on equitable opportunities for personal growth, economic security, and leadership among members of these groups.
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, which was selected for their ‘Leading Ladies’ project, will receive $4,750 in funding to provide leadership training for women in the local non-profit sector.
“Women have traditionally made up a strong portion of employees within the non-profit sector, so providing leadership training that is tailored to the unique intricacies of the sector will support their personal and professional growth as they advance into senior roles,” states the United Way.
Through weekly seminars, women will engage in training that spans across topics related to leadership and advocacy. Guest speakers from a range of professional backgrounds will participate in the delivery of the training.
“With this funding we will be able to provide leadership training and expertise to women in the non-profit sector,” said Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre executive director Brittany McMillan. “Our Leading Ladies curriculum will create a safe community for women to support their growth as future leaders.”
Peterborough Child and Family Centres, which was selected for their ‘Empowering Two Generations’ project, will receive $11,050 funding to support young parenting women through life skills programming. This project will enhance the organization’s existing programming to ensure vulnerable clients are able to increase their skills and confidence in areas of parenting, health and well-being, educational support, financial literacy, and personal development.
Participants will also be supported through access to transportation, child care, and a meal to reduce barriers in accessing the programs and services at Peterborough Child and Family Centres.
“Peterborough Child and Family Centres has been providing support to vulnerable pregnant women, parents, and their young children for almost 30 years,” said Peterborough Child and Family Centres CEO Nicola Lyle. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our work with young parenting women, providing the tools they need to overcome barriers to employment and education, build resilience, and improve their families’ well-being.”
Monsef, CEO and founder of ONWARD and former Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Liberal cabinet minister who established Canada’s first full department for women and gender equality, concluded the announcement by expressing her gratitude for those working to improve the community for women and girls.
“Tough economic times are often toughest on women and women-led families,” Monsef said. “I applaud every agency working to support women and the most vulnerable in our community. Thanks to the team at United Way for working with me to establish the Women United Fund and for selecting two projects that offer professional and personal development opportunities for young moms and leaders in the non-profit sector. I look forward to building on this momentum with the Women United steering committee and our caring community.”
