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YMCA OF GREATER TORONTO | EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

The Financial Empowerment and Wellbeing Program (FEWP)

The Financial Empowerment and Wellbeing Program (FEWP), delivered by the YMCA of Greater Toronto, provides financial literacy services to low-income, racialized, and equity-deserving communities. The program features modern and practical assistance to help increase the financial well-being of participants through:

  • Workshops/webinars in financial skills and literacy awareness
  • One-to-one client counselling to create a service plan
  • Tax clinics during tax seasons
  • An online, self-learning platform for people who want to enhance their financial knowledge
Sign Up

Our FREE Tax Clinic is back!

Book your appointment to participate.

From March 1 to April 30, 2024, we're offering support to low-income, equity-deserving, and racialized individuals in our community. Book your appointment through FEWP@ymcagta.org. Visit one of our tax clinics at five key locations, operating on weekdays (except Wednesdays) and Saturdays from 10 am–12 pm and 1 pm–3 pm:

Etobicoke

Mississauga

Pickering

Richmond Hill

Scarborough Milner

Why this program?

FEWP participants will learn to:

  • Explore and apply for government support/benefits (social assistance, ODSP, and more)
  • Manage credit crisis and debt
  • Improve their credit score
  • Learn the art of saving and investing
  • Open, manage and retain a bank account
  • Balance income and expenses through planning
  • Maximize tax returns and other government benefits
  • Build assets and handle mortgages (revaluation or reassessment)
  • Manage personal and financial well-being

Please “sign up” for training or one-on-one support on:

  • Income, expenses and budget
  • Banking, insurance and financial tools
  • Saving and investing
  • Credit and debt management
  • Mortgage management
  • Income tax and benefits
  • Retirement planning
  • Financial planning
  • Scams, identity theft and fraud protection
  • Digital platforms for financial well-being
  • Cash money/payday loans
  • Alternate forms of investment like cryptocurrency (Bitcoin)

Sign Up

The Financial Empowerment and Wellbeing Program FAQ

How can I start this program?

Please “sign up” to meet with one of our local case managers, or call to book an appointment.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for this program, you should be:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or conventional refugee
  • Low-income, racialized, and equity-deserving
What is the duration of this Program?

With 3, 6, and 12-month plans, the program duration depends on your individual needs, including workshops, webinars, and counselling sessions as options. This program covers short, medium, and long-term services. Regular follow-ups and meetings with a Case Manager will help participants achieve their short and long-term financial objectives.

What makes the FEWP unique?

Just some of the things that set this program apart include:

  • A combination of in-person and virtual workshops, one-to-one counselling, self-learning tools and modules, and a learning platform.
  • Associations with many other specialized organizations including, but not limited to, financial, government, social services, and revenue agencies.
How much does it cost?

This program is absolutely free to eligible participants, and funded by the Government of Canada.

Can I learn myself?

Yes, you can! We have a self-learning platform to help you learn financial empowerment and well-being at your own pace. Please connect with one of our local case managers for more information.

What if I relocate across the GTA?

We have case managers working from: Peel, Toronto, Etobicoke, North York, Richmond Hill, Scarborough and Pickering. we will connect you to a local support worker according to your needs.

Can I walk in to explore services?

Yes, you are welcome to come to one of our locations. Currently, our Case Managers work in a hybrid model, so we suggest you call first to ensure they’re available to meet you.
Our Locations
If you prefer to speak to someone right away, please call or visit our locations:


Peel
905-276-9322
100-55 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, ON L5B 1M3


Etobicoke
416-741-8714
83-1530 Albion Road
Etobicoke, ON M9V 1B4


North York
416-635-9622
4580 Dufferin Street, Suite 200
North York, ON M3H 5Y2


Richmond Hill
905-780-9622
10610 Bayview Avenue, Unit 12
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3N8


Scarborough Milner
416-609-9622
600-10 Milner Business Court
Scarborough, ON M1B 3C6


Pickering
905-427-7670
1550 Kingston Road, Unit 16
Pickering, ON L1V 1C3