Empowerment Through Support: A Community of Resilience for Single Mothers
For some mothers parenting alone, the journey to employment can often feel like an uphill battle, complicated by the lack of affordable housing, difficulties finding daycare and sometimes outdated skills. The reality is that no two employment paths look the same, especially when you're navigating systemic barriers that make balancing motherhood and career goals feel unachievable.
Recognizing these challenges, YWCA Metro Vancouver launched the YWCA Employment Navigator Program four years ago, with the focus on offering employment support to participants. In 2022, in recognition of the varying levels of employment readiness and challenges experienced by some single mothers, pre-employment support and services were added. This initiative offers holistic, pre-employment support, acting as a bridge to help single moms move toward employment readiness in a practical, hands-on way.
The program’s unique approach involves working closely with each participant to address not only their employment goals, but how to access essential services such as housing, daycare, food security and legal resources. Employment Navigators assist participants with filling out forms, making calls and advocating for services. This support can range from helping secure transitional housing, to reducing monthly living costs through referrals to low-cost internet and food.
The program also offers one-to-one coaching and emotional support. For many mothers who parent alone, this means having someone to guide them through accessing counselling services or participating in personal development workshops, creating a trusted support system.
Sister Circle Café
In 2022, the YWCA Employment Navigator Program launched the Sister Circle Café, an inclusive, supportive community space, both virtual and in-person, where participants gather for personal development workshops on self-esteem and self-care. These sessions help mothers rebuild confidence, reclaim their sense of self and reignite long-forgotten dreams.
The Sister Circle Café is a space for shared wisdom, meaningful discussion and mutual understanding, where lived experience is respected and attendees are warmly encouraged to contribute. By sharing their insights, they enrich the learning experience for all participants, fostering a community rooted in support and empowerment.
A Personal Story: Finding Strength Through Support
Sarah was referred to the Employment Navigator Program by her case manager at WorkBC. She and her two-year-old daughter had recently fled an abusive home, leaving Sarah looking for tools to rebuild their lives.
Through the support of her navigator, Sarah began to regain her confidence.
"They helped me reach inside myself to regain my confidence, learn to advocate for myself, and practice healthy boundaries," she recalls. "She was there for me during calls, appointments, and forms, always by my side when I needed someone to help advocate for services."
Sarah also found solace in the Sister Circle Café, a safe and supportive space where single mothers can connect with others facing similar challenges.
"It gave me a sense of community knowing I wasn’t alone," she says. "These lessons in self-care and self-esteem will stay with me forever."
The Financial Literacy and Study Readiness Workshops helped Sarah understand the financial aid and resources available to those pursuing further education.
"The program helped me see that I am worthy and capable of greatness," Sarah shares. "With her guidance, I learned about the training application process and financial support to help ease the burden of going back to school."
For mothers like Sarah, this journey isn't just about finding a job—it's about rebuilding their lives. Through connection, advocacy and empowerment, the Employment Navigator Program is helping mothers take their first steps toward a brighter, more secure future.
To learn more about the support offered, visit the YWCA Employment Navigator program page.
The name of the participant was changed to protect privacy; testimonial was edited for clarity.
