Community Winners
Francis AttaWinner – Community (Individual)Growing up in the Jane and Finch community, Francis Atta was exposed to various acts of violence and oppression. He has been a victim of it, he has seen his friends and loved ones suffer because of it and through it all he has learned to rise above it and teach others how to do the same. Francis is not ashamed to let people know that he has made mistakes in his past and has gone down the wrong path several times. But what sets him apart from the rest is that he has truly learned from mistakes. Now 24 years old, the former star basketball player at James Cardinal McGuigan Secondary volunteered as a coach for the school’s junior team. Aspiring to be a motivational speaker, he is also a supervisor at the Jane and Finch Boys and Girls Club, helping with homework and activities. |
Women Moving ForwardWinner – Community (Group)Women Moving Forward is a program for young mothers, aged 20 to 29, who are living on welfare. The program takes a holistic approach to supporting women interested in moving from a place of poverty to one of self-sufficiency. The program helps women decide on a career path then helps map out the steps needed to obtain employment in that career. Some of those steps include post-secondary training or education. WMF gives these women the confidence and knowledge necessary to achieve their goals and provide a better life for their families. Run out of the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre, Women Moving Forward was created in 2005 after a need was recognized from within the community to offer assistance to the growing number of young mothers who, once they turn 20, have to leave support programs for teens. Earlier this month, 17 women graduated from the program, bringing the total of women who have received help to 110. |