“Through this new Investing in Women’s Futures program location in Mississauga, more survivors of gender-based violence will have access to the employment readiness and wraparound supports they need to increase their well-being and enter or re-enter the workforce,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “Our government is helping women gain financial independence, because when women succeed, Ontario succeeds.”

The Investing in Women’s Futures program provides a range of services and employment supports to help women overcome any barriers, increase well-being, build skills and gain employment. The addition of 10 new sites brings the total number of service delivery locations to 33, providing greater access for more women across Ontario.

In Mississauga, the Investing in Women’s Futures program will be delivered by Achēv through an investment of $324,932 over three years. The organization will provide employment readiness programming, including digital literacy and workplace intercultural training, financial workshops, networking, mentorship, and one-on-one coaching, to survivors of gender-based violence. Achēv will also offer wraparound supports including counselling, safety planning, and legal rights workshops.

“This investment in the expansion of the Investing in Women’s Futures program is monumental for our community here in Mississauga Centre, and I want to thank Minister Williams for her advocacy and support of vital community partners such as Achēv, who play such an important role through the services they deliver,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, MPP for Mississauga Centre. “Achēv promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, which are values inherent to our province, and I am truly grateful for all of their hard work and dedication to the women of our community.”

“Achēv is grateful for this investment which allows us to better serve women facing barriers in a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment,” said Tonie Chaltas, Chief Executive Officer, Achēv. “Our new RISE (Resilience, Independence, Support, Empower) program is more than just a program; it is a commitment to making a real and lasting difference in the lives of women who are confronted by the unfortunate realities of gender-based violence.”

This $6.9 million investment builds on the $18 million funding from 2022-2025 to support the Investing in Women’s Futures and Women’s Economic Security programs.

Quick facts

• Ontario Helping More Women Build Skills and Get Jobs
• Ontario’s Task Force on Women and the Economy
• Investing in Women’s Futures program