Ozanam Education Fund - Impacts lives

The ONRC Ozanam Education Fund has been operating for more than 13 years. Over 410 awards have been made to help our neighbours in need pursue their education and reach their potential. When given this education opportunity, these individuals are meeting the challenge to benefit their communities. Recently, one of our team members followed up with 2 of the award recipients. The following is a summary of those interviews.

Mike – Hamilton

Mike made full use of his support from the Ozanam Fund, he is a registered social service worker and psychotherapist. He was then able to open a business which allows him to use his skills to offer a vital service to others. He allows his achievements and work to define him, not his limited vision. For him, the only limits of opportunity are the motivation and imagination of his mind.

Why did you seek out Ozanam funding specifically?
This was so I could pursue my post-grad. training and advance my career. It would allow me to then give back to my community by way of my occupation. The amount provided was helpful – a decisive factor in going to grad. school. Without the support, it would not have happened.

How did you find the application process?
There were three people involved in the process: Maria, Mike, and John. Together they were helpful in providing me with the information I needed, and Maria assisted me with the form. The involvement of the sponsor was key.

What was the impact of receiving the award?
I was still working long hours each week at a shelter for homeless youth, but it took the pressure off in one sense, because schooling was paid for. I was motivated and determined in my approach to my studies. As for my family, they were upset when they were unable to help me financially, so they were happy that I got to go, and now that I have advanced my career, I have better economic resources to be able to do things with them. It represented the difference between taking this course or not, of serving my community or not.

Now that you have completed your course online at the Kelowna College of Professional Counselling, you work as a registered social service worker, and have opened your own business, can you talk about the impact this has had.
When you have a disability as I do, there are only so many opportunities for employment, and this is one where I can make a real difference. And given that I have some natural talents in this area, it is a chance to help others to thrive, not just survive. As for my profession, I studied for eight years and felt I had the knowledge and skills, but I had to devote considerable time to learning as much as I could before opening my own business. At this point, I have been able to build my client base using online business sites and I have recently extended nationwide.
I now have time to volunteer with several community groups. These include Defence for Children International, and ACORN which supports social justice rights for low-income people, with a focus on fair banking practises and fair treatment for renters. I see this involvement as part of my work, and it is because of my training that I am able to make meaningful contributions. I am very happy that my career now provides me with a good work-life

Shane – Toronto

Shane credits her SSVP sponsor with providing guidance through the application process and was a 2-year recipient of Ozanam funding support. She graduated university with a Bachelor of Social Work which she is now putting to good use in her work in Toronto, as well as preparing for her Masters Program.

Why did you seek out Ozanam funding specifically?
I had OSAP for tuition, but it did not cover books and living expenses. There was no extra money, so it assisted me in completing my studies. Before receiving the award, I was working a lot of hours, but in 3rd and 4th year I received Ozanam funding which took away the stress of juggling school and work.

How did you find the application process?
Maria played a big role. I would not have known about the Ozanam fund – not a lot of people do – and she was a guide for me about what it covers and how to strengthen my application. The process was self-explanatory – I had no issues with it. Other on-line applications are impersonal. This wasn’t!

What was the impact of receiving the award?
It is one of the main reasons I graduated with honours because I could focus on school. Whereas without it, I would have been focusing on working. I would like to emphasise that when I received this award, it took away the stress from my mother, a single mom, of trying to provide the things which OSAP didn’t cover.
It also inspired me to give back to the community through my career; I worked at Wesley Ministries in their assistance of Ukrainian refugees and am now working at a multicultural centre in Toronto. In this role, I work with first generation Canadian youth, most of whom are applying for post-secondary education. I assist them in their school applications as well as how to navigate OSAP and other bursaries and scholarships. It is like a full-circle moment for me. I really understand what they are thinking.
In terms of surviving versus thriving, it has helped me in terms of being able to thrive.
In June, Shane told us that she will be starting her Masters in Social Work at the University of Toronto (PT in person). If I had lots of debt, this would not be an option. It has allowed me to have more of a balance in life because I am not so stressed – it allows me to have a good work-life balance.
Would you encourage others to apply for Ozanam funding?
Yes, of course. I would highly encourage others to apply and encourage funders to support the fund. It not only helps one person but helps in building community.
This education opportunity represents a helping hand to a better future and the catalyst for change in both families and communities.
We thank you for your generous support to the ONRC Ozanam Education Fund

The Ozanam Education Fund Committee
ozanamfund@ssvp.on.ca