Financial Empowerment Program Has Positive Impact on Mother of Two
“SMD provided me with much needed guidance and encouragement to take control over my finances” - Ileah Sanderson
Ileah Sanderson is a single mother of two boys who has lived in Manitoba her whole life. She relocated from her hometown of Mafeking Manitoba (65 kilometers north of Swan River) to Winnipeg with the goal of further advancing her education and seeking career opportunities.
After completing the Saving Circle program through SEED Winnipeg in 2017, she was referred to SMD and encouraged to go through the Individual Development Account (IDA) program. Ileah also has her taxes done through the Free Tax Clinic at SMD.
When asked what her favourite memory of SMD is she answers, “Getting the needed knowledge, resources, and encouragement from Angel on how to save for my future. She truly has been an amazing support every step of the way.”
Angel Prefontaine-Gibson, Program Facilitator of our Financial Empowerment Programs could not be more proud of Ileah. “She is a go-getter who really wants to change her life around for the better,” she says. “Not only is she a great mom with lots of patience, but she is also a good problem solver who does not make excuses,” she adds. “She is great at finding information and follows through with what she says.”
When asked what SMD means to Ileah she says, “Even though I came from an extremely poverty stricken part of the province, SMD provided the tools I needed for financial support. It is far more than anyone who doesn’t know about their services could imagine,” She adds. “The staff and other clients who went through the program were very friendly and knowledgeable.”
When asked what message she would like to spread to others who might be in a similar situation she responds, “Anything is achievable with the right resources. Knowledge is power and it is never too late to make financial changes for the better.”