A program geared toward helping individuals and families out of generational poverty is celebrating its success and advancements in the Forest area.
An event was held Thursday night after the Forest Circles program received $93,900 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation's (OTF) Resilient Communities Fund.
Health Promotion Team Lead for the North Lambton Community Health Centre Bel Jamieson said they applied for grant funding in March to support the project's new hybrid model. The funding will run until April 15, 2023.
"It's so fitting that this grant is called the Resilient Communities Fund as this group is so resilient and dedicated. The hard work that they've been demonstrating over the past few years -- and continue to demonstrate... I have so much respect for them," said Jamieson.
The Circles program is a transformative initiative to support those who are working their way out of poverty through education and employment.
Jamieson said the grant funding will specifically help with staffing and equipment costs.
A circle leader (a program participant) spoke about their experience in the Forest program during Thursday's event.
"Currently we have nine leaders," said Jamieson. "To date, we've graduated three individuals, which is amazing!"
A group of volunteers and allies also help leaders in achieving their goals.
There are other Circle programs throughout the County of Lambton. The county's Circles Canada Coordinator Martine Creasor said the program started over a decade ago.
"It's had a significant impact," said Creasor. "We really encourage education -- we know it's the key to ending poverty in any community. When education levels rise, so will the socioeconomic status within that community."
Creasor said supports are also provided to ensure that individuals don't fall into the working-poverty class but break the cycle of generational poverty.
"We tell them to dream big. Because of the funding, Forest is going to have the support and resources to continue working with the families who are within Circles and new leaders who are going to be starting the program."
Creasor said there is "quite a list" of individuals waiting to take part in the program.
"What we want for these families who have been raised in generational poverty, is a safe and stable future."
The OTF supported over 2,000 community projects and partnerships last year with a total investment of $209 million.