$99,000 Ontario Government Grant Gives Community a Lift
Kitchener, ON – On Saturday July 20, 2024, local MPP Jess Dixon met with the team at Anishnabeg Outreach (AO) to hear more about the $99,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to build organizational resilience and sustainability as part of their transformative software system for mental health management and outcomes: AONest™.
July 20, 2024
"I am so pleased with the work Anishnabeg Outreach is doing with the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund grant. The development of the AONest software is an important step in providing accessible mental health resources to the Indigenous community,’ said Jess Dixon, MPP Kitchener South—Hespeler. “This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also builds long-term resilience and well-being. It’s essential work that empowers individuals to manage their mental health effectively."
The AONest software supplements the need for in-person mental health therapy with self-directed resources offered via learning management system technology. The project will provide greater access to affordable mental health resources, reduce barriers to mental health support, ensure that Indigenous community members have the tools they need to manage their mental health effectively, and enable AO to reach a broader audience and provide continuous support, which is crucial for long-term mental health resilience.
The grant funds were used to develop new mental health training materials, create comprehensive onboarding resources for partners who will use the system, and implement a pilot plan for testing the virtual self-directed training program with select social service agencies, community groups, and First Nations reserves throughout the summer.
“The OTF funding has enhanced our service delivery and capacity to meet the mental health needs of the Indigenous community in Waterloo Region and beyond,” said Stephen Jackson, CEO at Anishnabeg Outreach.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Anishnabeg Outreach deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come."
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 more than $110M into 1,044 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. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
Anishnabeg Outreach (AO) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous individuals and communities through various programs and services. AO provides employment and training services, cultural workshops, youth programs, and community support initiatives aimed at fostering economic self-sufficiency and cultural revitalization. Our mission is to empower Indigenous peoples by providing the tools and resources needed to achieve their personal and professional goals. For more information, visit www.aocan.org.