| NEWS | January 08, 2025 |
Newmarket, ON – On Wednesday, MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy met with representatives from Job Skills to hear directly about the results of a $186,300 Resilient Community Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The two-year grant, awarded in 2022, enabled Job Skills to develop a project thanks to bringing a Registered Social Worker (RSW) onboard to provide mental, physical health and wellbeing support to its staff, volunteers, and clients. This role has specialized in stress management and mental health, helping people identify the source of stress or problems and strengthen their coping mechanism skills.
“Organizations like Job Skills enrich the lives of people in our community, while playing an important role in building a strong and prosperous economy in Ontario,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “With this investment of more than $186,000, I know that Job Skills has been able to better serve our residents and continue making a positive difference in people’s lives.”
Thanks to this OTF grant, which also helped to host workshops and with some administrative costs, in May 2022, Job Skills was able to hire an RSW specializing in stress management and mental health, expanding assistance to all Job Skills’ clients, staff, and volunteers. Supports included an expanded menu of virtual and in- person counselling, stress management, and professional development opportunities. The RSW has played a vital role within Job Skills’ holistic services, offering these individuals the support and solutions needed to achieve their goals. OTF’s Resilient Communities Fund grant program was designed in late 2020 to help non-profit groups move beyond the impacts being created by the pandemic.
“The majority of Job Skills’ clients are multi-barriered, diverse individuals,” said Bethany Obermeyer, Executive Director, Job Skills. “COVID-19 resulted in an increased number of individuals suffering with mental health issues, including: depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Job Skills’ employment services staff are skilled in providing employment supports, however, many of these issues are beyond the scope of their expertise. The RSW specializes in stress management and mental health, expanding assistance to all Job Skills clients. Additionally, the RSW has provided support to Job Skills’ staff, ensuring that our employees’ mental health is at the forefront and that they receive the support they need,” said Obermeyer.
Job Skills is a not-for-profit organization that works to strengthen communities by providing services to job seekers, newcomers, new entrepreneurs and employers. Job Skills has locations in Newmarket, Markham, Stouffville, Keswick, Brampton and Mississauga. For more information, please visit: www.jobskills.org
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.