CFN very much believes the social-profit sector of Calgary is a family of caregivers, helping those who need it most, however and wherever we can. With nearly 25,000 organizations of all sizes across the province, the social-profit sector is an important contributor to the economic health and vitality of Alberta.
Continuing our YYC Community Builders Series, we take a look at Long-time CFN partner and an invaluable community builder Momentum. Momentum is a change-making organization that acts as a bridge by taking an economic approach to poverty reduction and adding a social perspective to economic development initiatives. Their programs are holistic, covering everything from financial literacy, entrepreneurship and employment training, to developing communication skills, building self-confidence and establishing positive social networks.
Their work is focused in the following 3 areas.
Programs and services for people that are living on low incomes to increase their ability to manage and save money, train for and maintain good jobs, or start a business. Built on the sustainable livelihoods model, Momentum’s programs work to build livelihood assets—connections, sense of self, basics needs and services, skills and knowledge, and finances—that lead to increased income and assets, and ultimately an exit from poverty.
Support to communities and businesses to build and sustain the local economy from the ground up through Community Economic Development education and resources.
Community leadership working with community partners, academics, civil servants and elected officials to support innovative systems-change approaches to poverty reduction, promote best-practices through evaluation and research, and influence public policies to remove barriers and allow people to be more financially stable.
Under Walter Hossli, Founder and Director Emeritus, Momentum began operations in 1991 as an employment program of the Mennonite Central Committee of Alberta. Then known as MCC Employment Development, the initial focus was on providing trades training to new Canadians.
In 2002, the organization became independent from MCC Alberta. And then in 2006, Momentum adopted its current name to better represent the full scope of its work as a community-based, charitable organization.
Today, Momentum still provides trades training to new Canadians, and our program portfolio has expanded to include small business training, micro business loans, personal money management courses and financial coaching.
For more information on their programs and services visit www.momentum.org
source:www.momentum.org