News

$400,000 to Expand Community Programs and Services in Nipissing

NIPISSING — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $406,200 through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Grow program to support two non-profit organizations in Nipissing. This funding will help organizations expand their services and improve outcomes, while also delivering on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by strengthening local services and building stronger, more resilient communities.

“Our government is continuing to deliver for Nipissing with new investments through Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grow grants that will strengthen our communities and empower our local non-profit organizations,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “This support will enable today’s recipients to improve programs that are essential to the well-being of our community, making a positive difference for years to come.”

Local non-profit organizations receiving funding include:

• $240,000 in Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District to expand the Big Steps to Success mentorship program over three years in North Bay, improving educational outcomes and increasing high school graduation rates for youth in government care.
• $166,200 in Nipissing Serenity Hospice to expand grief and bereavement support services over two years to include specialized programs designed specifically for children and youth.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District is grateful to MPP Fedeli and the provincial government, for the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant which will expand our Big Steps to Success (BS2S) mentorship program beyond the initial pilot phase. BS2S improves educational outcomes and increases high school graduation rates for youth in government care. High school graduation is one of the most critical predictors of future success yet only 46% of youth living in government care graduate from high school. 63,000 young people across Canada are living in foster homes, group homes or with extended family.  Having endured the trauma of being removed from their family homes, struggling with instability and without the unconditional support of a forever family, the odds are stacked against them when it comes to education. BS2S is designed to overcome these odds through the efforts of a caring, reliable mentor and new learning opportunities.” – Darlene Jamieson, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“We are grateful that the Ontario Trillium Foundation has recognized the work we are doing and has directed support to our project.  This funding will allow Nipissing Serenity Hospice to expand our grief and bereavement support services to include specialized programs for children and youth. This initiative recognizes that young people experience loss differently from adults and requires developmentally appropriate care and guidance. This comprehensive support will ensure that bereaved children and their families feel understood, supported, and connected. Furthermore, the involvement of a trained counselor capable of diagnosing complex grief will enhance the quality of care provided, ensuring that no child or family member faces their loss alone and that Nipissing Serenity Hospice continues to deliver on its mission of compassionate, ongoing support.”- Gil Pharand, Executive Director Nipissing Serenity Hospice.

Every year, OTF Grow grants support community organizations across the province to expand and improve the delivery of community-based programs and services that Ontario families rely on, with investments of up to $600,000 to support programs and services.

Through OTF’s various granting programs, Ontario has invested more than $857 million in over 7,700 projects since 2018. These investments have created more than 10,700 full time jobs and generated over $1.3 billion in economic benefits for communities across the province. For more information and a list of recipients, visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s website.

QUICK FACTS

• The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Its mandate is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario by investing in community-based initiatives and strengthening the impact of the province’s non-profit sector. OTF programs support the arts, culture, heritage, sports and recreation, human and social services, and environment sectors across the province.
• Applicants can apply for funding of $100,000 to $600,000 over two or three years through OTF’s Grow grant to expand, improve, or adapt an existing program or service.