In photo (L to R): Robin Heald (Executive Director at CWC), Aislinn Clancy (MPP for Kitchener Centre), and Rebecca Heibein-Kursikowski (Partnership Coordinator at CWC)
On Wednesday, November 13, 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.
"Congratulations to Child Witness Centre on receiving this generous grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to help them develop their volunteer capacity,” said Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre. “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. I am thrilled this funding will allow CWC to expand its capacity, reduce the waitlist and provide more young people with the timely, trauma-informed support they need."
The 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. These changes will bring us closer to finding balance with our grassroots beginnings when we were volunteer based. The return of this treasured part of our past will help us better serve our clients with trauma-informed specialists.”
The OTF grant came at a time when the charity is experiencing high demand for their services and stretched resources – resulting in a waitlist since late 2022, which they are driven to overcome. 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. CWC is committed to pursuing their goal of providing immediate supports to everyone who comes their way for help. They're also dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome, safe, and accepted.
“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 Robin.
Child Witness Centre believes every child and youth who has been hurt and harmed should be supported through the criminal justice system – and not have to journey alone. That's why they walk closely with them, and their caregivers, from the time of investigation through to a court resolution. This non-profit organization began in the community in 1981 and has been passionately serving local young survivors and families since.
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.