Ongwanada is excited to announce that it will receive a $170,300 Resilient Communities Fund grant over 24 months, allowing the organization to hire a Community Connections Coordinator.
During the pandemic, the need to be able to stay connected in different ways was amplified. Individuals with developmental disabilities often have compromised immune systems, underlying health issues, or heightened anxiety, which makes it difficult to get out in the community, so many people turn to technology. The Community Connections Coordinator will help strengthen the understanding of how to use various technological devices to the full extent in a safe and fulfilling manner—hosting workshops throughout the year that will be accessible to supported individuals in the community and their families.
“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will be far-reaching,” said Alastair Lamb, CEO of Ongwanada. “This grant will allow us to recruit someone to provide the individuals we support, and their families as appropriate, with the skills they need to use the technology they have to its fullest, allowing them to participate in virtual activities, contact friends and family through virtual platforms like Zoom, use applications that can help them with their communication, or even for personal entertainment and interest. It also allows us to provide training on safety when accessing the internet, among other technology-based content.”
Ongwanada is committed to enhancing the quality of life for those we support in the community and ensuring other members of the region with intellectual and developmental disabilities are given the tools to maintain connections within the community.
Watch the website and social media for details on upcoming workshops and opportunities.
———————————————————————————————————————
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
