Toronto/, ON – On Wednesday, April 29, Eglinton–Lawrence MPP Michelle Cooper met with the team at North York Community House (NYCH) to learn more about a $100,000 seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant was used to hire a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Lead to train, mentor, and support settlement workers in integrating GBV services into their regular activities.
I’m proud to support North York Community House and the important work they’re doing right here in our community,” said Michelle Cooper, MPP for Eglinton-Lawrence. “Through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, this investment is helping ensure newcomer women experiencing gender-based violence can access the support they need, while strengthening the capacity of frontline staff to respond with care and expertise.
In addition to staffing, funds from the grant also helped with other program delivery and administrative costs, as well as helping to buy technical equipment and an online communications subscription.
– Michelle Cooper, MPP Yonge and Eglington
Newcomer women face so many challenges such as language barriers, low income and unemployment, and helping their children get settled which, combined with the trauma of gender-based violence, makes them even more vulnerable. This grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation has enabled us to continue building our organizational capacity by strengthening staff skills and integrating gender-based violence with settlement supports. OTF’s investment allows us to respond more effectively to the specific needs of newcomer women, and provide more coordinated, responsive services.
– Bonnie Hunter, Executive Director, North York Community House
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.