New program launches for Calgary single mothers
The Muslim Families Network Society has launched a new program for single mothers. The initative aims to support single mothers by teaching them life skills such as financial literacy and navigating the court system.
The single mother self sufficiency program runs virtually on Sunday mornings. Each session features a speaker on a different topic, ranging from parenting skills to budgeting workshops. The program is also translated into Arabic for the 85 per cent of clients who have emigrated from an Arabic-speaking country.
“When newcomers first come to Canada, they experience a lot of problems … accessing resources, poor social support systems, language barriers, unemployment. This [experience] becomes compounded with single mothers.” said Faraz Khan, the program facilitator. “It’s double marginalization,” he adds.
Muslim Families Network Society noticed in 2019 that the majority of the clients at their Halal food bank were single mothers. This prompted organizers of the program to conduct a series of interviews to discover what kind of support single mothers could benefit from. Dealing with anxiety and depression, as well as adjusting to life as a sole provider were common areas where the women reported needing support.
Muslim Single Mothers network
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Most of the women enrolled in the program have experienced domestic violence, making mental health resources a focus of the single mother program.
Organizers advocate for women to take care of themselves as individuals so that they can be successful parents.
“We all know that when we go to the airplane and something happens, the airplane people [tell us] to put the mask on yourself first then you help the child. This is the same strategy; you have to help the children by looking after your own well-being,” said Idrees Khan, Muslim Families Network Society board chair.
Today, the program is in its third week, with 24 women enrolled. At the end of 10 weeks, participants will receive financial support as well as a certificate for completing the program. Women currently in the program report feeling a greater sense of community and support that was lacking for them as a single parent.
“The goal of this program is that at the end they can move on with their lives, be self-sufficient, and get out of this dilemma that prevents them from being effective” parents and members of the community, said Dorothea Sautter, a Muslim Family Network Society board member.
“If they help themselves, they will be able to help their children,” Idrees Khan added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.