CAYR Community Connections has been building post-pandemic resilience and sustainability in the 2SLGBTQ+ community with a two-year grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation earlier this year.
Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy met with the agency's representatives Friday to hear about the impact of the $200,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant, according to a news release.
The grant is assisting with the cost of two full-time staff providing needs assessment and diverse programming, and some workshops. CAYR, working with service providers, community members and stakeholders, is working to better understand the post-pandemic needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to develop programs and services in York Region, the release stated.
“With an investment of $200,000, our government is supporting CAYR Community Connections in their quest to strengthen services provided to the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” said Gallagher Murphy. “By expanding their reach and offering tailored support programs, CAYR is helping build a stronger and more inclusive community for all our residents.”
“We are thrilled to be able to conduct meaningful 2SLGBTQ+ programming in York Region,” said Isabella Garofalo, program manager of 2SLGBTQ+ support services at CAYR. “This grant will allow us to better understand the needs of those who access our services and further support the community in intentional and barrier reduced ways.”
“This funding gives CAYR an opportunity to continue the programs and services that the 2SLGBTQ+ community in York Region wants, and to understand their changing needs in the post-pandemic period,” added Marie Morton, executive director of CAYR.
CAYR’s mission and vision is to create safe, confidential, and inclusive spaces and services in York Region where people can access dignified support and meaningfully engage in self-determined pathways to well-being.
The agency works with people living with, affected by, or at risk of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C; people who use drugs; people who identify as 2SLGBTQ+; and other vulnerable and marginalized community members. To learn more, visit www.cayrcc.org
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, minister of tourism, culture and sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
The OTF is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110 million into 1,044 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.
