Sakeenah Canada is a non-profit organization that provides transitional homes, women’s shelters, and casework for Muslim women. They are the first licensed Muslim foster care agency in North America and have nine transitional homes across Canada, offering refuge, nutritious meals and essential items for women and children.
Residents tend to live in these homes for three to four months as they look to get on their feet after facing challenges such as abusive relationships or financial difficulties. They receive holistic support to help them recover and develop strength while learning skills that move them towards independence and success.
“Our role is to create a safe, welcoming environment where women can regain stability,” says Yasmin Mardilli, the house manager at the London, Ontario location.
Each month, residents receive a calendar of workshops, tailored to equip them with practical and emotional tools for independence. Participants are required to attend at least two workshops, which may include yoga, meditation, art, resume-building, and financial literacy.
For the financial literacy workshop, Sakeenah Canada runs the Money Matters financial literacy program from ABC Life Literacy Canada. Money Matters is a free introductory financial literacy program that has been delivered to Canadians since 2011 and has reached more than 100,000 adults. It was developed by ABC Life Literacy Canada in partnership with the Government of Canada and TD Bank Group and was designed by literacy practitioners.
Organizations who sign up to run a free Money Matters workshop can choose from one of six topics—Spending Plans, Banking Basics, Borrowing Money, Ways to Save, Smart Shopping, and Building Credit and Home Buying—and can deliver the program on their own or with the support of a TD Bank Volunteer.
“One of our TD Bank volunteers has been incredibly dedicated, leading multiple sessions and making a real difference,” says Mardilli. “The women gain confidence and practical skills that help them get back on their feet.”
With two Money Matters workshops offered a month, Sakeenah Canada is offering 24 financial literacy workshops a year to residents across all nine homes. The workshops offer a space where participants can ask questions and gain clarity on topics like child tax benefits and saving strategies. By learning these skills, women are better equipped to take control of their financial futures.
“Many women have questions about online banking, child tax benefits, saving and avoiding scams,” says Mardilli. “With many of our newcomer residents who are unfamiliar with the Canadian banking system, educating them is crucial, as these are everyday skills they need to navigate life here.”
Attendance ranges from a handful of participants to over a dozen, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
“The last workshop, on Smart Shopping, was attended by about 15 women and they found it both enjoyable and educational,” she says.
For women at Sakeenah Canada, financial literacy workshops are more than just an opportunity to learn—they are a lifeline. By equipping participants with essential knowledge, Sakeenah Canada helps women build confidence, navigate life’s challenges, and take the first steps toward a brighter, more independent future.
To learn more about Money Matters, to access free resources, and to book a workshop, visit abcmoneymatters.ca.
