A two-year Ontario Trillium Foundation grant has allowed Girls Incorporated of York Region to add new programs and deliver services to meet the changing needs of the community following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $173,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant, awarded in mid-2022, has funded new programs and services, including mental health and food support programs, from 2023 to 2024, according to a news release.
The grant also funded research and development, new health and safety processes, technology support, staffing and volunteer recruitment, and community consultation to understand emerging needs related to COVID recovery.
“Our government is proud to support Girls Inc. of York Region’s transformative mission to address the evolving needs of our children,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora. “This two-year grant enables them to expand essential programs, which ensure young girls in our community have the resources they need to thrive. By investing in our youth, we are building a future where women have equal opportunities to succeed.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on children and adolescents and since being declared an endemic they have needed additional supports in recovery and resiliency,” said Barb Wallace, executive director of Girls Inc. of York Region. “This OTF grant has allowed us to expand our critical mental health and food support program, among other much-needed organizational resources, for participants facing mental health and socio-economic challenges.”
Girls Inc. of York Region is dedicated to empowering girls ages six to 18 to seek the highest quality of life possible. Programs give female-identifying youth the opportunity to explore topics and activities that interest them in a safe, inclusive environment. For information, visit www.girlsincyork.org.
The OTF is an agency of the Ontario government that aims 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.
