DWA Launches Project Funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation
OTF Supporting Our Community with $89,500 Total Investment in Local Not-for-Profits
Local MPP Jennifer French joined staff from the Literacy Network of Durham Region (LiNDR) and the Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) for a joint launch of their respective Resilient Communities Fund grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
The DWA received funding in the amount of $65, 000 to facilitate the creation of a community economic development plan for Oshawa’s Lakeview neighbourhoods. These funds will allow for a robust community engagement process resulting in a data driven, community informed final plan rooted in the collective impact model. The final report and plan will serve as a roadmap for future improvements in service access and delivery in the Lakeview neighbourhood and is expected to be released in spring 2023.
The Literacy Network of Durham Region received funding in the amount of a $24,500 Resilient Communities Fund grant over 12 months, to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 by purchasing equipment and materials, obtaining new online platforms, and supporting staff salaries to deliver an online and hybrid bibliotherapy program.
“I am thrilled to hear that the Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) and the Literacy Network of Durham Region (LiNDR) have been awarded Resilient Communities Fund grants. This funding will be vital in assisting the DWA and LiNDR in engaging with and expanding services to this equity-deserving community. I am thankful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s recognition of the vital work the DWA and LiNDR do and look forward to seeing the positive impacts these programs will bring”
Jennifer French, Member of Provincial Parliament for Oshawa
“The impact this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will have on the future of service accessibility and delivery cannot be overstated. This grant will expand capacity to address challenges in this neighbourhood by convening important stakeholders in the area and developing a plan that incorporates their lived experiences. This will have an undoubtedly positive impact on the health of those in living in this community.”
Heather McMillan, Executive Director of the Durham Workforce Authority
“The Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided much needed support to our highly regarded community bibliotherapy program. Without these funds, it would be difficult for us to reach the many participants who have benefited from this model of sharing poetry and prose to increase personal well-being. The Literacy Network of Durham Region is deeply appreciative of this valuable funding opportunity that has enabled us to provide high quality hybrid and online programming to a variety of local audiences.”
Jennine Agnew-Kata, Executive Director of the Literacy Network of Durham Region
The DWA and LiNDR are grateful for the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The OTF’s mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Since 2020, OTF has supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.