Overview of the Victoria
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is an innovative three-year asset
building and financial literacy skill development program for families
with low
incomes residing in subsidized housing. The
Program supports families as they work towards increasing their
financial literacy skills, build financial assets and manage long-term
goals. The Program targets three
areas: finances, employment and
education, with an emphasis on financial skill-building.
Throughout the Program, Participants complete
a financial literacy curriculum and are partnered with a Family Advisor
as they
set goals, budget monthly and work toward sustainable change. As well, the Program provides an opportunity
for Participants’ children to become involved in an asset development
program
for youth (Youth IDA Program).
History
| 2002 - 2005 |
FSS Pilot Project (40
Participants) |
| 2005 - 2008 |
FSS Program, Phase II (100
Participants) |
| 2008 - 2011 |
FSS Program, Phase III (75
Participants) |
The FSS Program supports
families as they:
- Increase employability
- Increase financial
capacity
- Build financial knowledge
- Increase self reliance
- Develop links to their
communities
This
program offers:
- Opportunities to build savings
- Family Advisor to work one on one with each Participant family
- Goals and action plans co-developed by Participants and Family
Advisor
- Educational and community building meetings
- Financial Workshops and
budgeting sessions to assist in increasing economic independence
- Networking and community connections
... quote from former FSS participant
Please see the attached video links for
personal testimonials of former FSS Participants:
Watch Zoe's Story
Watch
Nadeen's Story
These videos require Quicktime.
Family
Self-Sufficiency Staff | t:
250-388-5251
Colleen
Wolfe, M.Ed, C.C.C. | ext. 236
FSS Program Coordinator
Linda
Marcinkiewicz | ext. 235
FSS Family Advisor
Heather Johnson |
ext. 234
FSS Family Advisor
Major Funders and Collaborators of the Program
The Victoria FSS Program is a member of the BC Asset Building Collaborative working together to promote ideas and strategies that invest in people. Please see www.bcassetbuilding.ca for more information.
Additional support from community partners, including Family Services of Greater Vancouver, Bridges for Women Society and Women in Need.
471
Cecelia Road Victoria BC V8T 4T4 |
t: 250-388-5251 | f: 250-388-5269