
$87,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant helps foster partnerships with the Addiction Services Central Ontario in York Region-South Simcoe
March 28, 2024
Aurora, ON — (March 28, 2024) — On Friday, MPP Michael Parsa took part in a virtual meeting with representatives from Addiction Services Central Ontario (ASCO), one of Ontario’s leading providers of addictions treatment services, to formally congratulate them on the work done as a result of receiving an
$87,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Awarded in 2022, the grant has enabled ASCO to strengthen its partnerships with the Krasman Centre, Your Support Services Network (YSSN) and the Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region- South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS).
“I am pleased to announce that a grant of $87,000 was awarded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to support ASCO, Krasman Centre, CMHA-YRSS and YSSN to strengthen their work together,” said Michael Parsa, MPP for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill. “This work will mean stronger and more effective programs and services for the residents of York Region.”
The grant provided these organizations with the necessary resources, ie a Collaboration Coach, to further explore areas for potential collaboration and future initiatives, to more effectively respond to the growing needs of people in York Region by addiction and/or mental health challenges. Funds from the 2022 grant were also used to help with some key administrative costs as well.
“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’s (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
“ASCO, Krasman Centre, YSSN and CMHA YR-SS share a common goal of supporting and empowering people affected by addiction and/or mental health challenges through safe spaces to access services, supports and referrals,” said Penny Marrett, Executive Director of Addiction Services Central Ontario. “I believe we are stronger together, and I am pleased to move forward with this strengthened partnership with the of improving and expanding the supports and services available to Ontarians experiencing addictions and/or mental health challenges, as well as their loved ones.”
Addiction Services Central Ontario (ASCO) has been providing community treatment services, support and assistance to individuals experiencing substance use and/or problem gambling and their loved ones since 1983. ASCO embraces a holistic, biological, psychological, social and spiritual approach to addiction. Our vision is to create a world where all people affected by addictions have the opportunity to heal.
“This is a milestone moment for our organizations,” said Susan Dobson, Executive Director of the Krasman Centre. “The Krasman Centre bridges gaps in the system by building and maintaining strong partnerships with a range of agencies. We are glad to have this opportunity to partner with like-minded organizations to offer comprehensive addictions and mental health support services to those in need.”
The Krasman Centre is a consumer/survivor initiative that offers peer support-based programs, physical hubs and resources for people with lived experience of mental health, substance use and housing challenges, and their family and friends. We serve York Region, areas of Simcoe County and North Toronto, with drop-in centres in Richmond Hill, Newmarket and Alliston.
“CMHA York Region-South Simcoe is pleased to be a part of these discussions with ASCO, Krasman Centre and YSSN”, said Rebecca Shields, CEO of CMHA York Region-South Simcoe. “We are committed to working together for the benefit of the residents of York Region and this grant offers our organizations the opportunity to explore how we can strengthen our partnership.”
CMHA York Region-South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS) is part of a national movement to support mental health for all. CMHA-YRSS drives innovation and integration of services for the best outcomes and experience for clients, families, staff and community partners.
“As we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, collaboration and cooperation with those we support, with our service colleagues and our funders, is absolutely essential to build capacity and enhance service delivery,” said Kimberly Thorn, Executive Director of Your Support Services Network. “This strengthened partnership with ASCO, the Krasman Centre and CMHA YR-SS serves as a means to explore new and innovative areas for collaboration. I look forward to sharing the details of our future combined initiatives soon.”
Your Support Services Network (YSSN) is a hub for developmental, mental health and children’s services that helps people to navigate services to live their best life. YSSN connects people and/or families in crisis to the right community resources, supports and services to meet their immediate needs.
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Media Contact
Micaela Ferrari
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micaela.ferrari@santishealth.ca
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