$200,000 Provincial Grant through OTF is Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ Resilience in York Region

Newmarket, ON – On Friday, MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy had the opportunity meet with representatives at CAYR Community Connections to hear how things are progressing as a result of receiving a $200,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) earlier this year. The two-year long grant will help CAYR to build resilience and sustainability through 2SLGBTQ+ post-pandemic needs assessment and diverse programming.

“With an investment of $200,000, our government is supporting CAYR Community Connections in their quest to strengthen services provided to the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “By expanding their reach and offering tailored support programs, CAYR is helping build a stronger and more inclusive community for all our residents.”

Funds from the grant are assisting with the costs for two full-time staff, and with some workshop costs as well. Thanks to the grant, CAYR Community Connections, in consultation with service providers, community members and related stakeholders, is working together to better understand the post-pandemic needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in York Region. This assessment will inform the evaluation and development of intentional programming and key services in the Region.

“We are thrilled to be able to conduct meaningful 2SLGBTQ+ programming in York Region,” noted Isabella Garofalo, Program Manager of 2SLGBTQ+ Support Services at CAYR. “This grant will allow us to better understand the needs of those who access our services and further support the community in intentional and barrier reduced ways.”

“This funding gives CAYR an opportunity to continue the programs and services that the 2SLGBTQ+ community in York Region wants, and to understand their changing needs in the post-pandemic period,” added Marie Morton, Executive Director of CAYR.

CAYR’s mission and vision is to create safe, confidential, and inclusive spaces and services in York Region where people can access dignified support and meaningfully engage in self-determined pathways to well-being. We envision an informed, healthy, stigma-free and compassionate community. We work with people living with, affected by, or at risk of HIV/AIDS and Hep C; people who use drugs; people who identify as 2SLGBTQ+; and other vulnerable and marginalized community members. To learn more, please visit the website at: www.cayrcc.org

“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.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission 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.

For more information, please contact:

Marie Morton, Executive Director

Cell: 647-381-0295

mmorton@cayrcc.org