Breaking Cycles of Poverty

My desire to serve at TCM started long before my recent appointment to the Board of Directors. That desire started back in 2008 when I saw a job posting for the role of Director of Development and I had such a strong stirring to apply. I just knew that God had my name on that role! A few months later I was hired as TCM’s Director of Development and I served in that role until 2013 when my family relocated to Prince Edward County.

Even though I moved away I remained passionate about the work of TCM because I strongly believe that cycles of poverty can and are broken through the relationships and programming that are provided by TCM’s called workers. I had the absolute privilege and honour of being a part of the team that created the Vision Statement “Families Impacted by Poverty will Lead Transformed Lives”. This statement is what makes TCM staff get out of bed each day to serve families in the city of Toronto impacted by poverty. This statement is what drives me to continue to serve on the board of TCM.

Growing up I attended Shoreham Public School in the Jane-Finch Community until the end of grade 4 and then moved to Gateway Public School in Flemingdon Park for grades 6 and 7. Little did I know that I would one day serve with an organization that worked in these very communities. You see I was one of the families that TCM seeks to serve each and everyday, we were a family trying to break free from the cycles of poverty.

One of the programs that I remain passionate about is Role Model Moms. Moms earning their high school diplomas enables them to pursue a degree or enter into full time employment. It allows them to assist their children with homework and it also gives children the right to dream and aspire to get their high school diploma and maybe even pursue post-secondary education. In turn, these children will have the same expectations of their children and before you know it cycles of poverty are broken and whole communities are transformed.

The city of Toronto is a better place because of TCM and I encourage you to hold up this ministry in prayer and financial support as they work to build transformative relationships that bring home to children and families impacted by poverty.

~ Maureen Pryce