A Shared Vision for the Future

Over a hundred stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and sectors joined the Lower-Income Families Colabs. We shared a calling — to enable and empower families to progress and leave no family behind. This purpose unified us and together, we formed a shared vision for our ecosystem. Achieving this vision is no simple task — but one we can reach when we intentionally connect and collaborate.

An Ecosystem Centred on Lower-Income Families

We envision a future built with trust, compassion, and collective ownership. The first steps we need to take get there are:

To highlight the strengths of Lower-Income Families.

To acknowledge the complexities these families face.

To focus on their potential to thrive in the way they choose, and identify opportunities for this to happen.

We envision a future where the ecosystem and its players — whether from public, private, social sectors, or members from the Lower-Income Families — are further integrated and connected. This will bring us closer towards achieving a system that provides and receives holistic assistance. This is not transactional one-off support, but person-centric and consolidated assistance based on the families’ unique needs. It is an integrated ecosystem where we share resources and knowledge; where government, workplaces, schools, and social service agencies seamlessly support families.

We envision an ecosystem that uses alternative pathways for both education and employment. Early intervention and resources in education can and should be more accessible to Lower-Income Families. Employers from all sectors and industries create job opportunities that empower families to achieve stability, security, and flexibility.

We envision neighbourhoods and communities that are empowered and resourced to take care of each other, no matter the differences in economic background. This is an organic development, borne out of mutual trust and care for one another. We acknowledge our differences and privileges but see the value each member holds in the community.

At the heart of our vision are the Lower-Income Families. They are equal partners in creating this ecosystem, where their voices are not only heard, but are the core of all conversations. As an ecosystem, we listen to the needs and aspirations of Lower-Income Families, and cultivate opportunities together with them to empower them to thrive in the way they choose.