The Algoma Community Foundation distributed emergency COVID-19 funding to several organizations through its partnership with the federal government and Community Foundations of Canada.
According to the release, the foundation delivered $210,000 in Emergency Community Support Funding over the last few months.
The money was used to assist those hardest hit by the pandemic with 12 of 28 applications being approved.
Some of the recipients include St. Joseph’s General Hospital, Easter Seals and the John Howard Society.
Recipients of the emergency funding include:
● Mississauga First Nation – Dibaakinegawin Gathering Place project ($24,375)
Funding will go towards development of an outdoor space and service location for community members and youth offenders to take part in ceremony, healing, restorative justice, conflict resolution and other supports they can no longer access outside the community due to COVID-19.
- North Shore Community Support Services – Brave New World project ($15,701)
Funding will support the purchase of technology and software that will enable the retooling of services for people living with mental health issues, disability and low income, to safely access and engage in a multitude of critical supports while social distancing is required. This includes re-imagining art-therapy, skills building, food preparation, community building, self-confidence and self-esteem programs etc. so they are accessible virtually to clients.
- the Blind River Emergency Food Bank – Commercial Freezer Project ($4,000)
Funding will help increase storage capacity for the food bank, and the amount of food they can receive while providing more options to address food-insecurity issues in the community.
- the John Howard Society – Emergency Remand Triage and Reintegration Project ($45,375)
Funding will enable new staff and program infrastructure at JHS focused on systems navigation and reintegration services for the increase in inmates who have been released during COVID-19. This new program will help them return back into the community with the support they need.
- Ken Brown Recovery Home – Virtual Counselling and Recovery Project ($5,000)
Funding will provide technology to residents giving them the opportunity for one-on-one and group therapy sessions virtually as well as the ability to continue to participate in recovery meetings.
- Women In Crisis – Newcomer Women’s Cafe Project ($22,375)
Funding will help create a safe, warm and welcoming space for newcomer women to gather in small groups during the pandemic, to care for their mental health, develop their interests and abilities, and work on personal or group-based goals within a framework of culturally-appropriate and fully-integrated wraparound supports.
- Soup Kitchen Community Center – Food Bank Farm Project ($5,250)
Funding will help the Soup Kitchen to upgrade their equipment to ensure that food processing and handling equipment can be efficiently cleaned in accordance with new COVID-19 food handling guidelines. The farm project is a primary source of fresh produce for many low income people in the community.
- Spinal Cord Injury Ontario – Safe@Home Project ($5,875)
Funding will assist people in Algoma with spinal cord injuries to connect virtually with peer mentors and recovery navigators to support access to services and knowledge related to spinal cord injuries. This funding will also help purchase new accessibility equipment for those who need it.
- Métis Nation of Ontario Region 4 – Our Culture is Our Strength Project ($30, 375)
Funding will support the Algoma Regional Metis Community to safely hold community events focused on ongoing health, cultural support, and wellness and rebuilding of community throughout the pandemic and into the recovery period. This project will center the needs of seniors, elders, children and youth.
- St. Joseph’s General Hospital – The OAKS Centre Pre-treatment Program ($45,375)
Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and the loss of 50% of beds (due to self-isolation) a number of programs were cut including the pre-treatment program. Funding would allow for the reinstatement of the pre-treatment program to assist individuals completing acute withdrawal from substance abuse, to stabilize prior to being admitted into a residential drug and alcohol program.
- The Welcome Friend Association – Rainbow Online Connection Program ($5,000)
Funding will support programming, administration and participant costs for the Rainbow Online Connection (ROC), an online summer camp for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and give them a chance to build community, nourish their self of self, share and learn with peers and mentors.
- Easter Seals Ontario – Camp Easter Seals ($1,300)
Funding will support programming, administration and participant costs for an online camp experience for 15 children and youth with physical disabilities in Algoma. This project will provide youth with a virtual option to traditional summer camps, and help them rebound from recent difficulties.
Information about the foundation, as well as future funding opportunities, can be found on their website at algomacommunityfoundation.ca and their Facebook page.
