Momentum (formerly MCC Employment Development)
Listening with our hearts is perhaps the key starting point for
our work. At Momentum we partner with the underemployed to develop
their productive future. In order for us to truly partner with those
that are economically at the margins in Calgary we start with what
people bring with them. We do this by listening to and focusing
on the assets people bring into their process of change.
The past year has been one of great forward movement at Momentum.
We are grateful for supporters with deep committment, for board
members with strong skills, for staff with energy and creativity,
and for participants who inspire us all.
Listening with our hearts also means that we pay close attention
to the changing world around us. These changes have meant that we
need to be prepared to constantly adapt and change. The most notable
change has been the expansion of capacity allowing us to work with
more participants. Our strategy of working in low-income communities
with existing groups has been highly successful. In total, Momentum
has worked with well over 2000 people a year, which is a significant
increase from a few years ago. This increase in activity would not
be possible without the strong support of funders and donors.
Through listening with our hearts we know that poverty does not
happen in isolation or in random fashion. Poverty is a result of
structures and systems that put up barriers for people to succeed
economically. With the new census data and from public surveys we
also know that poverty in Calgary has become a critical social issue.
Momentum has started to play a key role in this city in bringing
people together to address the need for action at the structural
level. We have taken on the role of co-convenor with the United
Way.
As an organization we believe in planned and strategic growth.
We have succeeded in creating an environment where real lives of
real people are changed as a result of well-managed and well-run
programs.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of the volunteers,
supporters, funders, and donors who make our work possible. I want
to assure you that we appreciate your trust and support; in fact,
we rely on it. Thank you.
Walter Hossli, Executive Director
www.momentum.org
|
