Help at hand for moms on financial assistance

Twenty mothers on financial assistance are participating a programme designed to help them to be self sufficient.

The women are participating in Community Driven Development (CDD) programme, launched by the Department of Human Affairs and learned a thing or two about financial freedom and independence.

The initiative began in March and the ultimate goal was to strengthen skills, competencies and abilities of those enrolled.

The programme kicked off in July and all the women who participated are currently on financial assistance and have at least one child.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Community and Culture Minister Wayne Scott said the initiative was a combined effort between the Department of Human Affairs and the Bermuda Women’s Council.

Mr Scott said the participants were benefiting from workshops, seminars, field trips, formal education and more. He thanked the ACE Women’s Forum Bermuda for their support and endorsement of the programme.

Help from ACE

“They have graciously provided the use of space and facilities at ACE’s Learning Center and members of the ACE Women’s Forum will conduct a series of workshops focusing on strategic planning, business plan writing, marketing, branding, communications and IT skills in the coming months.”

 As far as components of the programme, the minister said: “Fifteen hours of workshops, field trips, GED/PACE school hours, as well as volunteer and work shadowing opportunities are provided every week.”

The community service is mandatory for those persons on financial assistance

Mr Scott said ten of the participants had registered for GED courses and two for PACE courses.

Participant Oneika Darrell said: “My sister, Karisha and I are two sisters caught in two systems, child and family services and financial assistance.

Cycle of poverty

“We are breaking the cycle of generational poverty by attending this CDD programme which aims to provide us with the necessary tools towards financial and emotional freedom.

“This freedom will make us better individuals and lead to financial independence. We can then empower our children to do better and be productive citizens of our island.”

Judy Gonsalves, executive vice president of excess liability at ACE, said: “We have been humbled and inspired by the courage, commitment and true grit of these women who have made the choice to change their circumstances — we know they will be successful and in turn they will pay that success forward.” n