With only a grade seven education, Catherine held a series of low-paying jobs during her teens and early twenties and soon found herself relying on social assistance. Two abusive relationships left her at the age of 23 with two children and no money.

She moved in with her mom and soon found out that she could take her GED exams through a community organization in Toronto.

“The preparation for the exams took about three weeks,” she explains “and the counsellors stayed late at night to tutor me one-on-one.”

She found she could always return to the organization and took advantage of several courses including a Canadian Women’s Foundation-funded program in office administration and computer courses.

Her goals have completely changed as a result of her involvement with these programs. Now a full-time group facilitator at the organization, Catherine believes she has learned how to treat people. “The staff here is different. They listen to your goals,” she says. “At other places, you’re just a number.”

On a personal level, Catherine’s self-esteem has “gone through the roof.”

“My kids say I am a completely different person. My son tells everyone how proud he is of me,” she says. “The confidence and self-esteem I have gained has changed my life. The most beautiful part is that I am now able to connect with other women and help them on their path out of poverty.”