ABOUT THE PROGRAM

COSTI’s Women of Courage training program for women who have experienced abuse,
or who are at-risk of abuse, provides an opportunity for participants to achieve their academic
and employment goals, and enables women to become more economically independent, reducing their likelihood of staying in, or returning to, a violent relationship.

Women of Courage - Connecting Women to Employment

Funded by the Government of Ontario, Ontario Women’s Directorate, this exciting new initiative helps build confidence and self-esteem, and enables women to gain marketable skills, as well as acquire financial sustainability.
The program provides women across the GTA with the opportunity to engage in a certificate training course made available through Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. The course provides participants with recognized administrative training and academic support to successfully complete a college certificate.
COSTI’s Women of Courage Program provides a safe and encouraging environment for participants to build strong peer support systems, sharing past and present experiences. Throughout the training program, women receive assistance with information, referral and advocacy.

The Women of Courage online resources provide women who have experienced abuse or who are at-risk of abuse, with immediate access to an extensive list of organizations and services available; including individual and family counselling services, employment services, and housing resources. The site also provides website links to organizations across Ontario offering a variety of services and information for women looking for assistance.

COSTI’s program partner, Yellow Brick House participates on the program advisory committee as the lead organization on issues of violence against women, providing experience, knowledge, and involvement. Through this partnership the program is linked to a province-wide network of organizations and violence against women service providers.

Graduating participants of the program receive support and assistance in finding suitable paid employment, volunteer, and/or internship placements.

Women of Courage Program Partners

• Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
• Yellow Brick House

Learn more about COSTI’s women’s services, and
other programs available at COSTI.