Julie Martin is a single mother and the sole provider for her 4-year-old daughter Karasna.  She spends her days trying to provide the best life she can for her small family. Martin does this by working at a bank and staying involved with Empowering Families, a program that aims to help low-income families overcome the obstacles of poverty.

“There were times when I was short on money and I needed gas to get to work,” Martin said, describing her own brushes with poverty, adding that sometimes she even found herself short on money for food.

Empowering Families facilitator, Gill Newman said the main goal of the program is to increase financial investments, knowledge, skills, and material things that low-income families may require.

Empowering Families Facilitator Gill Newman shares a smile and hug with 4-year-old Karasna Martin at a regular monthly meeting with Karasna's mother, Julie Martin.
Below: Julie and Karasna share a laugh.

Photos: Samantha Thiessen/Calgary Journal

“What we see is someone who has astounding barriers that are preventing them from transitioning out of poverty.”

Martin expressed her gratitude for the role that Gill Newman and Empowering Families played in helping her break financial and emotional barriers.

“[Gill] really boosted my self-esteem and my self-confidence. It was just a matter of bringing it out and knowing that I am worthwhile.”

A year into her involvement, Martin wrote a letter of appreciation to the facilitators of Empowering Families. In the letter, Martin wrote: “I feel really proud and good about myself. Those are two things I couldn’t say about myself when I first entered the program.”

Empowering Families receives thousands of dollars in support from businesswomen of Calgary through Elevate, which, like Empowering Families assists low income families in their journey to long-term self-sufficiency.

On Nov. 12, Elevate will hold its third annual Worldwide WOW Photo Exhibition and Gala to continue supporting Empowering Families at Willow Park Wines and Spirits in Calgary’s southeast.

Elevate’s Suzane Ebelher said that for the past two years the gala has raised $40,000 with all proceeds going to support Empowering Families so that eight low-income families like Julie Martin and her daughter can move toward financial stability.

Ebelher said that organizers expect to raise the same amount with this year’s gala.

Martin said, “I could only imagine what Empowering Families is still able and willing to do for me later on in the future if I need their help. They’ve moved mountains for me.”

Martin also shares words of wisdom and encouragement for other families facing the struggles of poverty: “I noticed in this program that once they see that you’re really, truly and diligently trying to help yourself, then they’ll help you as well.”

With about 400 guests expected to attend the gala, the evening will include food, spirits, entertainment representing countries from all over the world, as well as live and silent auctions. Photographs from the WOW photo contest will also be on display for guests to view.
For more information about Elevate, visit elevatecpc.ca.