OTF Grow Grant from the Ontario Government Brings Grieving Community Members Together
December 16, 2025
Newmarket, ON – On Monday, local MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy had the opportunity to hear how a $345,000 Grow grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has been making a difference in the lives of those impacted by grief as a result of a suicide. The three-year long grant, awarded to Victim Services of York Region earlier this year, is helping to expand the local organization’s suicide bereavement support programs. The project will provide immediate extended mental health support to people considering suicide, as well as for anyone who’s grieving as a result of a suicide by someone close to them.
“Our government is proud to invest $345,000 through the Ontario Trillium Foundation to support Victim Services of York Region and the critical work they do for individuals and families experiencing unimaginable loss,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket–Aurora. “This Grow grant will expand suicide bereavement and mental health supports, ensuring people in crisis are met with compassion, connection, and care when they need it most. By strengthening community-based supports, we are helping ensure no one has to grieve alone.”
These much-needed funds are helping to address the effects of isolation, anxiety, depression, and trauma as well as increased wait times for community mental health therapy which have increased stress for vulnerable and marginalized populations. With suicide rates increasing, these funds will allow us to support individuals grieving as a result of suicide and those considering suicide.
“VSY extends our sincere gratitude to Ontario Trillium Foundation for the Grow grant, which strengthens our ability to walk beside those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. This support enables us to provide vital intervention for individuals in crisis while offering compassionate care to families navigating unimaginable tragedy.,” said Gillian Freeman, Executive Director. “Creating spaces for community members to come together after traumatic loss is vital, providing those who are grieving with the support, understanding, and healing they deserve. Suicide is not solely an individual issue; it affects entire communities. It is our responsibility to challenge stigma and ensure no one is forced to grieve in silence or shame.”
Victim Services is a charitable, not-for-profit organization that works in partnership with York Regional Police, the OPP and York Fire Services to provide 24-hour crisis intervention support to persons victimized by crime and tragic circumstances. 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 nearly $105M into 732 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.