YWCA Muskoka is launching Circles Muskoka, a new program to support individuals near or experiencing poverty.
Hannah King, YWCA Circles Muskoka program coordinator, presented to council during the April 7 general committee meeting, highlighting the need for the program in the region.
“We know that 9.4 per cent of people in Muskoka are living in low-income households, and 10.7 per cent of those people are children under the age of five. We also know that many residents who are employed are not earning enough to get by,” she said.
According to King, more than half of those employed in Muskoka work part-time or seasonally; 60 per cent earn less than $40,000 annually, and the region’s median income is 19 per cent lower than the provincial average.
Hannah King said food insecurity is a growing concern in Muskoka, with one in four households experiencing some level of food insecurity. She said that 20 per cent of those accessing food banks and programs are employed.
“This tells us that this isn’t an issue that’s just about employment. It’s about people that are doing their best, and they’re still not able to consistently meet their basic needs,” she said.
King said Circles Muskoka will address these issues through community partners and trained volunteers, creating a supportive environment focused on encouragement, goal-setting, and long-term growth. She said the purpose of the program is to help individuals and families work toward greater stability, including housing, transportation, and food support.
According to King, the program is part of a broader approach that integrates the YWCA Getting Ahead program with Bridges Out of Poverty. She said that Circles is “where it all comes together,” creating a collaborative environment where individuals and allies work together to strengthen relationships and build sustainable futures.
King said the program has been running through the YWCA for 12 years, adding they are preparing to launch a site in Bracebridge to bring the program to Muskoka in October.
“We’ve started the groundwork with local partnerships already,” she said. “We’ve partnered with the Bracebridge United Church and their Out of the Cold Food Program to offer space and meals to our participants and volunteers, staff, etc.”
She said they also have funding through to 2028 from the United Way and Simcoe Muskoka Reaching Home Grant to support the initiative.
King said the program will include weekly meetings with peers and volunteers, goal-focused support, and a space for connection, encouragement, and growth, while aiming to reduce isolation and socioeconomic barriers and promote social capital.
“We’re going to need to populate our Bracebridge location with participants and with volunteers. So, I would ask that you keep our Circles program in mind when you’re out in the community and you consider us if you’re referring individuals or organizations that might benefit from the kind of support that we offer,” she said.
Council was pleased with the presentation and expressed appreciation for the organization’s new program, adding they look forward to seeing the impact it has on the community.
