Women Gaining Ground Engagement Opportunities

Donate HereMake a Women Gaining Ground gift and help women in poverty gain economic self-sufficiency.

As a member of Women Gaining Ground you can take part in the following engagement opportunities. To participate, please contact United Way Toronto at womengainingground@uwgt.org or 416-777-1444 ext 312.

Corporate Workshops

In order to prepare for their new careers, the women of Homeward Bound and Women Moving Forward need exposure to the corporate environment, as well as to basic business skills training. WGG members have the opportunity to host a training session at their office. Topics include Power Dynamics in the Workplace, Time Management/Stress Management and Communication in the Workplace. The hosting WGG member will organize the session, facilitate training or ask others to train or assist (internal trainers or other WGG members). Sessions are designed to be one and a half hours in length and held during business hours, typically during college breaks, with five to 15 attendees per session.

Homeward Bound and Women Moving Forward Tours

See for yourself how your generosity can transform the lives of single mothers and their children on these engaging tours of Homeward Bound and/or Women Moving Forward.

Business Clothing Drive

Dress for Success is the organization that helps outfit the women at Homeward Bound and Women Moving Forward with professional attire. At our Fall 2011 WGG member event, you are invited to bring your gently worn business attire and we’ll ensure it’s given to Dress for Success.

Social Assistance Review

The Social Assistance Review Process offers WGG with a unique opportunity to have an impact on Ontario’s social and economic wellbeing by providing feedback on the current social assistance system. Through WGG’s relationship with Homeward Bound they will able to work together to provide a corporate and real-life perspective to the process.

Participating in a Special Event

Homeward Bound and WoodGreen offer a number of engaging events throughout the year including:

  • The Homeward Bound Graduation Ceremony: An emotionally powerful event that celebrates the accomplishments of the Homeward Bound graduates. The next graduation will be held in Fall 2011.
  • The official opening of the new Homeward Bound building scheduled for Fall 2011, where you can help celebrate and tour the new facility.

Subcommittees

WGG has developed three subcommittees members can become involved in:

  • Grants Advisory Committee: Meets in January and again in early March, and decides the funding project(s) for the year. All WGG members are invited to the annual selection meeting in March where they are able to vote for their preferred project.
  • Cultivation & Networking Committee: Co-led by Beth Wilson and Carole Malo with the support of volunteer members for organizing the specific cultivation/networking activities.
  • Engagement Committee: Led by Cathy Cronin with the support of the volunteer members for organizing the specific engagement opportunities.

Career Mentoring

The opportunity to have women from Homeward Bound connect with and be mentored by a professional woman is key to understanding the steps required for Homeward Bound women to succeed as they take their first steps into the professional world and their future careers. Having a mentor not only helps with personal growth and development, it also builds confidence and provides a trusted advisor who can be relied upon for their knowledge, perspective and independence.

The Industry Council / Corporate membership

The Homeward Bound Industry Council is the secret to Homeward Bound’s success. This group of dedicated private and public sector partners provides:

  • Internships: meaningful learning opportunities within their organizations that allow our participants to develop critical skills in their chosen professions.
  • Job placements: 18-month placements in career track positions at a competitive salary for our graduates.
  • Expertise: representation from each member’s senior executive team on the Industry Council, providing leadership advice at quarterly advisory meetings.

The Industry Council membership currently includes human resources representatives from:

BMO Financial Group
CIBC
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
IBM
McCarthy Tetrault
Microsoft
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
RBC Financial Group
Rogers Communications
Scotiabank
TD Bank Financial Group
Torys LLP

Homeward Bound is looking for engaged partners from a variety of sectors who can help the women secure challenging internships and rewarding full-time positions.

Add this: bookmark sharing tool