Four local organizations that have been helping some of Dufferin County’s most vulnerable residents through the pandemic received $13,000 in Dufferin Emergency Support Fund grants this summer.
The grants provide extra support during emergency periods like the COVID-19 pandemic and the focus this year was to help charities enhance their mental health and shelter/housing services.
“Although we’re seeing Dufferin begin to blossom again after two years of pandemic stresses, the charities in our community are still acutely aware that there are deeply rooted issues. At the top of the list, mental health and homelessness – often hidden from our view,” said MaryAnn Lowry, Chair of Dufferin Community Foundation’s Grants Committee.
This year’s DESF grants will support programs ranging from a mental health walk-in clinic to rent assistance for people with intellectual disabilities.
The grants were made possible by the generosity of Enbridge Gas and donations from the community.
The following are the programs that will be getting emergency support in 2022:
Choices Youth Shelter – $3,000 for Concurrent Disorders Training for Staff
“This funding will give our frontline staff access to vital education and training to support youth with concurrent disorders. We are deeply grateful for this grant, which will further develop our professional skills. We know it will have a positive impact on interventions and will support our community’s safety and well-being,” said Erin Goodyear, the new Executive Director at Choices.
Dufferin Child & Family Services (DCAFS) – $5,000 for Mental Health Walk-in Intern Program
“This DESF Grant will greatly assist us to expand our mental health walk-in clinic and provide some great anxiety reducing and grounding tools that youth can leave their sessions with,” said Jennifer Moore, Executive Director, DCAFS.
“We know the need for mental health supports has increased through the pandemic and we are truly grateful to have this opportunity to be even more responsive to the needs in our community.”
CMHA Peel Dufferin – $3,000 for Aging Well in Dufferin
“Our members will be setting up at various venues like farmers’ markets, fairs and community events to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage older adults to remain connected,” said Jennifer McCallum, AWICD member and Manager of TeleCheck.
“Research has shown that a healthy lifestyle can prevent the onset or worsening of physical and mental health conditions. With this in mind, we will be engaging with older adults and the community-at-large to promote resources and tools to help maintain an independent and healthy lifestyle.”
Community Living Dufferin – $2,000 for the “Light at the End of the Tunnel” (LET) Project
“We are very grateful to Dufferin Community Foundation for the emergency grant. These additional monies will be very instrumental in assisting people living in our community during these difficult times when their employment is being interrupted by COVID, and when costs for food, housing and bills are also skyrocketing,” said Robert Bingham, Executive Director, Community Living Dufferin.
