Cecilia informed us that Highbanks provides a safe, stable, affordable place to live for young mothers. In addition to serving as the landlord for eight units at two facilities, Highbanks provides a nurturing environment where the young mother can receive peer and community support. Young mothers may be residents for up to two years.
With the help of Highbanks staff, each young mom creates a plan that outlines specific educational, career and personal goals, and each mother is responsible for taking the necessary steps towards reaching them. The plan includes timelines for attaining these goals and methods for tracking progress towards their achievement. Highbanks staff provide support, encouragement and access to community resources to assist the young mothers in their efforts. Ultimately, however, each mother must navigate her own journey to success.
JLC members learned that Highbanks offers the young mothers many in-house opportunities for learning and growth. Some opportunities, like the JLC MUM program, require attendance by the residents; attending other opportunities are discretionary. In addition to learning and growth, the programs also include fun activities that are intended to rejuvenate these moms.
Cecilia brings to Highbanks Society her personal experience of teenage motherhood along with more than 17 years of professional work experience. A Civil Engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, Cecilia started volunteering with Highbanks in the spring of 2008, working with the residents on money-management and personal budgeting. This opportunity led to her position as the Highbanks’ Program Director in September 2008. In June 2010, Cecilia was appointed its Executive Director.
Highbanks Society Webpage
No comments:
Post a Comment