MOMENTUM COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY
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Mission Statement
We work with people living on low incomes and partners in our community to create a thriving local economy for all.
About This Cause
A sustainable livelihood is more than “just getting by”. A sustainable livelihood is when the means for living can cope with and recover from stresses and shocks, maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets both now and in the future. It is an approach that captures the effects of social and economic exclusion on people's lives and empowers individuals to move from poverty towards resilience and long-term wellbeing. Imagine... every person has a sustainable livelihood and contributes to their community. This is the vision that guides Momentum’s work. Momentum's programming is guided by our Theory of Change that seeks to reduce poverty by increasing the income and assets of people living on low incomes in Calgary. We work with participants in our Business Development, Financial Empowerment, Skills Training, and community partners to create a thriving local economy for all. Our program participants gain professional skills and expertise while also developing their personal empowerment and wellbeing. At Momentum, participants learn about assets, how to assess their assets, and how to use asset areas to set short and long-term goals. The five asset areas include: Finances An individual’s money from work, family and government supports, along with bank account, savings and access to credit. Basic Needs & Services The physical things that an individual needs (such as food, clothing, shelter and transportation) as well as access to services in the community (such as recreation, and childcare). Skills & Knowledge The skills, knowledge, and abilities that help an individual live, work, and participate in their community. Connections The relationships and networks in an individual’s personal and professional life. Sense of Self An individual’s values, beliefs and personal qualities (such as confidence, motivation, creativity, and hope for future). This fulsome approach to supporting our participants increase their ability to manage and save money, train for and maintain good jobs, or start a business as outlined in the below program streams. Financial Empowerment Momentum's award-winning financial empowerment programs are offered both in person and online. Topics include financial coaching, budgeting, credit, assets, banking, consumerism, and education savings. Participant outcomes include increasing their money management skills, are motivated to change how they manage money, increasing their confidence, financial wellness and hope for the future. Momentum also provides training to partner organizations and agencies to deliver this programming to the communities they serve, ensuring that the widest possible audience of those who are marginalized and vulnerable are reached. Local Economy Development Courses guide participants through business feasibility, creating a business plan, developing operational frameworks, and accessing funding, this economic development approach provides opportunities for marginalized individuals to participate in the economy. By also supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups and small business owners to further explore opportunities, access resources and education a sustainable livelihood for individuals can be established while also contributing to a healthy local economy. Skills Training Momentum’s skills training has been designed to support underemployed and unemployed individuals in Calgary to improve their employment and increase their income. Tech Plus is designed to increase access to technical training while reducing the financial commitments required by other technical training providers. Momentum plays a unique role in connecting people who would not otherwise attend a post-secondary institution, to valuable careers. Many new Canadians and those with financial barriers lack the confidence to pursue education in a large institution, finding the comfort and personalized attention of a community organization a better fit for them at this point in their life. The Trades (pre-apprenticeship) Training Program is designed to equip participants with the employability and technical skills required to jumpstart a career in the Trades. In the short term, Participants graduate prepared to launch an “earn as you learn” career through apprenticeship or full-time employment, and in the long run achieve sustainable, meaningful employment. Public Policy The purpose of the Public Policy program at Momentum is to improve the economic inclusion of people living on low incomes through policy change. We work to identify and rectify the root causes of poverty and systemic barriers to economic inclusion. We do this by advancing policy change through research and advocacy. We build relationships with civil servants, political staff, and elected officials to effect change for low-income earners, as well as for populations with higher incidences of poverty, such as single parents, Indigenous persons, immigrants, and persons with disabilities.