KITCHENER – Local MPP Aislinn Clancy met with Child Witness Centre (CWC) representatives and partners to celebrate a $161,400 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in the spring of 2023, stated a Nov. 15 media release from CWC.
“Congratulations to the Child Witness Centre on receiving this generous grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to help them develop their volunteer capacity,” said Clancy. “Volunteer engagement is not only essential to the sustainability of organizations like CWC, but it also provides an opportunity for fulfillment and growth for the volunteers who offer their time to this wonderful cause.”
The $161,400 grant allowed the agency to bring in a special projects manager to focus on redeveloping their framework to bring in volunteers to combat the overwhelming need for background support, thereby allowing staff to focus on what matters most – supporting young victims of abuse and crime, and their families.
By connecting with various community partners, they’re reaching a larger audience and attracting more volunteers.
“The impact of this OTF grant is an incredible gift for our organization,” said Robin Heald, executive director for CWC. “We have been able to enhance our capacity and service delivery with increased volunteer engagement.”
The OTF grant came at a time when the charity was experiencing high demand for their services and stretched resources, resulting in a waitlist since late 2022, which they are driven to overcome.
Grant – From left: Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre, Kendra Abraham board chair of CWC and Robin Heald executive director at CWW. Submitted photo
The funding is helping them to build capacity and sustainability to move forward with more optimism.
Last year alone, their team of professionals helped over 1,000 child and youth victims and their caregivers, in Waterloo Region, Guelph and Wellington Country – fostering hope, wellbeing, and resiliency.
But over 300 young survivors had to spend time on their waitlist.
“When children and youth are supported at the time it’s critically needed, trauma is reduced. We are grateful for the partnership of OTF towards a safer and healthier community for everyone”, said Heald.
The OTF is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province.
