Impact Report

At a money management workshop in Pinaymootang, a senior participant recognized familiar faces — the Financial Empowerment Champions (FEC) from SEED Winnipeg who had previously helped her access her CPP, OAS, and GIS benefits. Grateful for the support that improved her financial stability, she wanted her family to benefit too and brought her two granddaughters along to the session.

The workshop offered practical guidance on managing income and expenses and sparked meaningful conversations about budgeting within her household. By the end of the session, the grandmother proudly supported her granddaughters as they completed their birth certificate applications; a vital step toward building their own financial identity and independence.

This story captures the ripple effect of financial empowerment and how accessible, culturally grounded education strengthens not just individuals, but families and communities. Through trusted relationships and hands-on learning, SEED’s work continues to help community members build confidence, connection, and lasting financial wellness.

Ella and John, a retired couple living on a modest pension, had relied on a commercial tax preparer to file their returns each year—paying up to $100 annually for the service. In April, Ella received a notice from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) stating that five of their last ten tax returns had never been filed. Shocked and concerned, she turned to a Financial Empowerment Champion (FEC) for help.

The FEC reviewed their situation and discovered that, despite providing all the necessary paperwork, their previous preparer had failed to submit the returns. The FEC team quickly filed the missing returns, applied eligible transfers for the Disability Tax Credit, and submitted adjustments for missed claims.

As a result, Ella and John received over $1,500 in refunds from prior years and qualified for retroactive Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments—income they had missed out on for years. Once all payments are processed, their total retroactive amount is expected to be significant.

This experience reminded the couple that free, trustworthy financial help can make all the difference. Thanks to the FEC’s guidance, they are now receiving the benefits they deserve and enjoying greater financial security in retirement.

Adam, a 20-year-old on extended care with Child and Family Services, had worked hard to get his life on track. He held steady employment for over a year and filed his taxes correctly and on time, earning a refund of nearly $3,000: a boost that included refundable credits such as the Canada Workers Benefit and Employment Insurance premium refunds.

Months later, Adam received a Notice of Reassessment from the CRA stating that all his refunds must be repaid. Panicked and fearful that this might lead to legal trouble, he turned to a Financial Empowerment Champion (FEC) partner for help.

After reviewing his documents, the FEC identified the issue — an incorrect Social Insurance Number (SIN) on the employer’s T-slip. Because the CRA couldn’t match the information, it assumed the claims were invalid. The FEC explained the situation, provided a letter for Adam to give his employer requesting a corrected T-slip, and guided him through the amendment process.

Although Adam decided to repay the balance temporarily to ease his stress, he now understands the process and knows the funds will be returned once CRA completes its review. With continued FEC support, Adam is learning to navigate complex financial systems with confidence — a reminder of how critical trusted guidance can be in helping people maintain both financial and emotional stability.

“Madame X,” a woman in her early sixties, has lived in Quebec for over a decade. Though she speaks French comfortably, written communication remains challenging. When she attended a Benefits Wayfinder clinic hosted by L’Association coopérative d’économie familiale (ACEF) du Sud-Ouest de Montréal) at her local women’s centre, she discovered she was eligible for the Quebec Shelter Allowance — a benefit that requires a separate application beyond annual tax filing.

She had even received the application form from Revenu Québec but had set it aside, feeling uncertain about completing it correctly and hesitant to ask for help. With gentle encouragement from the Financial Empowerment Champion (FEC) and staff, she immediately booked an appointment and received guidance on what documents to prepare.

This small but meaningful step gave Madame X the confidence to apply and access the support she deserved. Her story illustrates how even modest, personalized assistance can help people overcome fear and bureaucracy — reminding us that empowerment often begins with encouragement, trust, and human connection.

“Eric,” a single senior living on a modest pension, was referred to Community Financial Counselling Services (CFCS), a Financial Empowerment Champion (FEC) partner, for help managing growing financial pressures. With limited income and rising costs, Eric was struggling to keep up with basic expenses and needed practical support to regain stability.

Working together, the FEC counsellor helped Eric create a realistic budget and reviewed his tax outcomes. Using the Benefits Wayfinder tool, they identified two housing-related benefits he qualified for—including one that offered two years of retroactive payments. The counsellor assisted Eric in completing the applications and, through their CRA Rep ID access, retrieved the required proof of income and tax documentation.

As a result, Eric received $350 in retroactive benefits and secured an additional $445 per month in income through the Rent Assist program. With continued coaching and guidance, he now feels more confident managing his finances and maintaining long-term stability.

This experience highlights how tailored, one-on-one financial help can uncover missed opportunities, increase income, and restore peace of mind for seniors living on limited means.

When life tested her resilience, Christina Cassar found strength in helping others find theirs. After a fulfilling career in education, Christina’s world changed when she faced cancer and later a stroke that left her with partial paralysis. Despite these challenges, her passion for teaching, and for people, never faded.

Now a Program Coordinator at the YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, Christina delivers literacy and life-skills programs to adults facing multiple barriers including financial hardship, housing instability, and limited access to education. Recognizing how deeply financial insecurity affects mental well-being, she sought new ways to help her clients build confidence and control over their finances.

Christina enrolled in Prosper Canada’s Financial Literacy for Facilitators course, developed with support from the Ontario Securities Commission. The training equipped her and her team with practical tools and adaptable materials to teach financial literacy in a way that’s accessible, relevant, and empowering even for those starting from difficult circumstances.

Through her workshops, participants learn budgeting, saving, and goal-setting skills while rebuilding self-esteem. Christina describes the resources as “straightforward, user-friendly, and transformative,” noting that the inclusion of Indigenous-specific and culturally responsive content deepens engagement and understanding.

Christina’s story illustrates how financial empowerment begins with people and practitioners who use their lived experience, compassion, and training to help others find stability, inclusion, and hope for the future.

In the Region of Durham, collaboration is at the heart of financial empowerment. Danielle Thibaudeau, Policy Advisor in the Social Services Department, has championed the integration of Prosper Canada’s Making the Most of Your Money course into the Region’s community supports — helping low-income residents build financial confidence and stability.

With over 45,000 residents living on low incomes, Durham’s Social Services team recognized the importance of accessible, relevant financial education. Prosper Canada’s free, online course — developed with support from the Ontario Securities Commission — offered the perfect fit. The resource provides plain-language financial information that users can access online or download, making it easy to learn at their own pace or with the help of a case worker.

The Region has also incorporated Prosper Canada’s materials into training for social assistance case workers, ensuring they can guide clients through complex financial decisions and connect them to benefits. These efforts complement other collaborations, such as supported group tax-filing clinics, which have helped more residents file returns and access critical income supports.

Danielle’s experience demonstrates the power of cross-sector collaboration. By working together, government and non-profits can create scalable solutions that meet people where they are — improving financial literacy, deepening inclusion, and helping individuals take control of their financial futures.