$173,000 Provincial OTF Grant has Helped Support Girls in York Region

NEWMARKET, ON—On Friday morning, MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy delivered remarks to Girls Incorporated of York Region and had the opportunity to hear more about the impact that a $173,000 Resilient Communities Fund from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has had. The two-year grant, awarded in mid-2022, has been used to add new programs and service delivery to meet the changing needs of the community following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Resilient Communities Fund has funded new programs and services for Girls Inc. from 2023 to 2024.

“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.”

Thanks to the Resilient Communities Fund grant, Girls Inc. of York Region was able to add new program and service delivery to mental health and food support programs. In addition, it 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.

“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.”

“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.”

Girls Inc. of York Region is dedicated to empowering girls ages 6-18 to seek the highest quality of life possible. A variety of programs are offered that give female-identifying youth the opportunity to explore topics and activities that interest them in a safe, inclusive environment. For more information visit www.girlsincyork.org

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (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 $110M 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.

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Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:

Emily Agnoluzzi, Communications and Operations Manager

Girls Incorporated of York Region

905-830-0776

emilya@girlsincyork.org