GUELPH – On Feb. 17, Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner met with the team at Hopewell Children’s Homes to hear more about the $58,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant that was used to build its fund development capacity through community engagement.
The project is nearing completion with benefits already being realized through enhanced relationships and increased donations to the agency, officials say.
“I want to congratulate Hopewell Children’s Home upon receiving the Resilient Communities Fund Grant,” said MPP Mike Schreiner.
“I have had the privilege of working alongside Hopewell on many occasions and am always impressed with the extent to which they go above and beyond to support people in need in our community.
“Hopewell creates a healthy, safe space where everyone feels at home. This grant will allow them to continue serving the people of Guelph through their many initiatives. Thank you for your great work.”
The OTF grant supported development of a three-year fund development strategy, on-site coaching and assistance to build capacity within the fund development team and a case for support that outlines Hopewell’s impact in the community.
Hopewell’s team worked closely with KEA Canada Inc. and Write Words Ink and Company on these key pieces.
This work will allow Hopewell to strategically position itself to sustain and grow its support services by building relationships with those who understand and care about Hopewell’s relevance in the Guelph-Wellington community.
The strategy focuses on relationship building that will focus on creating a shared vision, clear articulation of mission, creative strategies, and a solid communication plan.
“The impact of this OTF grant cannot be overstated,” said executive director Maria Zegarac.
“The OTF grant allowed us to prioritize this initiative. To realize our vision of a community where all people can reach their full potential in supportive and caring environments, we must continue our outreach to the community in order to bring more support to Hopewell.
“On Hopewell’s 40th anniversary, we are very proud of the impact we have had so far and look forward to continuing to support our community and grow the agency to have a greater impact.”
Hopewell Children’s Homes provides care and support for children and adults with developmental challenges.
It has residential accommodation with wrap-around care as well as providing respite care so caregivers can get a break.
It also provides recreational supports.
Hopewell envisions a community where all people can reach their full potential in supportive and caring environments.
“We live out our mission each day by enriching the lives of individuals we support with a developmental disability with the goal of helping them to live their best life, whatever that looks like,” officials stated.
“Our supports are structured around the person and based on their needs, plans and goals.”
Hopewell supports individuals of all ages in the Guelph-Wellington region.
“The pandemic had a huge impact on families,” Zegarac said at the event.
“We’re thankful to open all our services again.”
“The work Hospice does is vital,” Schreiner added.
“So many people and families come in to my office in desperate need of support. Knowing Hopewell is here makes a huge difference.”
