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I want to thank all of you for taking the challenge, and coming up with this idea to create awareness on a subject that most people have no clue about.Those of us who know what it is like to be in such a valurnable situation, are grateful. I am very touched that you all have decided to do this. I am glad to be a part of your campaign to raise awareness of the conditions in which people live when in receipt of social assistance, by posting my e-mail. I have also told a few mothers like myself, about what you are doing. Although not all of them are not as outspoken as I, they are very appreciative of your sacrfice in order to raise awareness on a subject that has been over looked for far to long.

Can you believe this is the way in which people and their children in Canada live? Do you know what kind of horrible conditions people live in as far as affordable housing? Do you know single mothers are at risk for having their children taken away because of the horrible housing conditions people live in when trying to survive on Ontario Works? Do you know that single mothers on social assistance are often targeted by Family and Children's Services because low income single mothers are considered to be high risk? I know mothers who stay with abusive husbands and boyfriends because there is no way to survive on Welfare. The low payments made to people while on social assistance keep people from leaving abusive situations!

Shouldn't the Canadian Government take some kind of accountability for the conditions in which children and their parents when relying on Ontario Works as their source of income? Somebody should take accountability!

I am sorry but this subject is near and dear to my heart because of all I went through while on social assistance.

May I make a suggestion? Something I would like you to also consider, the humiliation of going to an appointment at the Region of Waterloo to apply for social assistance, after the initial phone application. Yet another humiliating situation to endure is going for an annual review to continue you eligibly of Ontario Works. Both appointments are very intense and intrusive, as well as very emotionally damaging. You have to sign papers allowing Social services to communicate with Revenue Canada in regards to your tax assessments. You have to show all your bank statements, rent receipts, all your bills, and any outstanding debts. I was called in for an annual review after I was working as a temp at a temp agency. Temporary agencies require you to show up for work each and every day or you will be replaced. I was told I had to come in for an annual review, I explained that if I missed work to come in for this appointment that I would loose my placement. I was only making $7.45 per hr so I was still eligible for a very small amount from Ontario Works; I believe it was $2.00 a month as well as a drug benefit card. I was told if I didn't come in I would no longer be eligible for Ontario Works. In the end I choose to go to work and keep what little dignity I still had left. It was tough making ends meet on $7.45 per hr working as a temp, but I just couldn't allow myself to be humiliated any longer.

There was a mother who killed herself and her unborn baby because of a ban from ever collecting welfare again due to fraud. Here is the link. Her name was Kimberly Rogers and may she rest in peace. http://dawn.thot.net/Kimberly_Rogers/kria127.html

I hope that none of you has to rely on Ontario Works as your source of income. It is a very tough thing to go through. You loose your self confidence, your pride, and your health both mentally and physically deteriorates. That is something I would not wish upon anybody. I have not been in receipt of social assistance since December of 2004. I hope I never have to endure that again in my life time.

You are trying to make a difference and that is remarkable. Please keep up your efforts! You have my support.