Dollar Detectives: The Sohila Sohi Experience
A case study

Powering possibility through financial literacy

Before Dollar Detectives’ Reality Cheque Mentorship Program, Sohila, a newcomer to Canada, faced multiple, compounding barriers. She also admits she didn't budget or save. 

"I didn't care a lot about, like, budget, especially about saving," she shares. "I would just buy everything that I want, even if I didn't need it." Her grocery trips were driven by impulse.

Sohila was referred to The Dollar Detectives (TDD) Society’s Reality Cheque Program, an enhanced financial and life skills education program tailored for young people facing barriers. The program's immersive, scenario-based learning provided the practical skills she needed. The transformation was evident in her financial habits.

"This program taught me how to manage and choose a priority for what is most important and what I needed," Sohila says. She now makes a list before grocery shopping and feels very organized.

Sohila also gained critical knowledge about the Canadian financial system. She received information about government topics like taxes and credit. This included learning a lot about the management of her credit for the future, which was vital for major life steps like attending college.

Most significantly, Sohila's new financial literacy translated into real-world resilience. She built emergency savings, which proved critical when she was temporarily short on funds.

"I had a difficult week where I didn’t have any money to cover my expenses, but that support was extremely helpful for me in an emergency,” she says. “It helped me cover my basic needs during that week."

Beyond financial skills, Sohila’s time in the program  expanded her knowledge of financial terms. She also gained exposure to volunteering opportunities where she could explain the financial system to newcomers in Canada, demonstrating her leadership, confidence and networking skills.

The program provided a certificate for Sohila, which is a crucial asset for her job search. Before, she struggled to land an interview. Now, she uses the certificate on her resume, especially for jobs related to accounting or cash handling. She has since had interview opportunities.

Sohila’s story demonstrates how ATB is powering possibility. By investing in the Reality Cheque Mentorship Program and other programs strengthening financial empowerment, ATB leverages its core competencies to directly help youth gain the financial literacy and skills they need to thrive. Last year, over 1,670 people achieved financial empowerment outcomes through ATB’s investments. ATB not only supports Dollar Detectives with a financial donation—team members also share their expertise by volunteering to host financial literacy sessions.

"I would advise others to join this program,” says Sohila. “It provides skills for preparing and being successful for the future".

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