Employment Programs for Women at Kingston Road YWCA
By Mary McIntyre Rafter
Located at 3090 Kingston Road (at McGowan) are a range of transformative employment and training programs and services provided by YWCA Toronto. Referred to as a “one-stop” Centre of over 10 programs; it is a beginning for many women ready to seek employment or a career, while achieving economic independence through sustainability and personal development. At this unique hub, they are also co-located with YWCA JUMP, a newcomer settlement and employment program; the Family Support Centre and a Girls’ Centre. Valuing women, working for change, and building community is clearly a major focus for all of the dedicated staff who work here.
Across the GTA, there are over 40 programs for women and young women that are offered by YWCA Toronto to provide and prepare any woman seeking not only employment, but a successful career and a future for themselves. Eva Pakyam, Manager of the YWCA Toronto Skills Development Centre, has been with the organization since 1983, and it is through her many years of dedication committed to building sustainable futures for women, communities and organizations. Eva stated, “What we offer here is so much bigger than just helping women find jobs; we also help women find careers and employment while providing a pathway to a promising future that includes self-sufficiency.
In 2014, YWCA Toronto successfully launched a national initiative, Essential Skills for Employment (ESE) Project “designed to building a skilled and truly inclusive Canadian workforce”. The ESE Project includes building a foundation from five integrated components available to assist women, groups, organizations and communities to achieve their employment and livelihood goals.
“YWCA Toronto is a reflection of the strength of our women’s community and our success is the reflection in the power of our movement” and the statistics prove that with YWCA is doing just that. YWCA Toronto’s Annual Report accounts their success, sharing the staggering statistics they should be proud of:
- 6,630 women in employment and training programs gained stronger economic futures.