Laura Mae Lindo, MPP for Kitchener Centre, met with Child Witness Centre representatives and partners last week to celebrate $107,100 in funding received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation through two grants.
A tour was provided of the new improvements to the space made possible by the funding, the centre said in a news release.
"My sincerest congratulations to the Child Witness Centre for being the recipient of two Ontario Trillium Foundation grants,” MPP Lindo said.
“When children experience abuse and courageously come forward, they need tailored support grounded in trauma-informed, survivor-centred approaches. Child Witness has and continues to work diligently to be that safe space for young people whose trust in the adults around them has been shaken."
"As they guide children and their caregivers through the court system, Child Witness centres the child, recognizing the trauma that ensues from abuse, and provides their clients with much-needed stability, care, and compassion - from the moment of the child's disclosure trough to their engagements with the criminal justice system."
"This path can be daunting, and I know that these funds will be well-used to support the diverse communities of survivors who come forward through the development of strong diversity, equity, and inclusion policies as well as through the creation of a private testimony space for children."
"I remain a strong supporter of the work that the Child Witness Centre does with and for children in our community who experience violence, and I wish them all the best in continuing their important work."
An $81,600 Resilient Communities Fund grant, awarded in the spring of 2022, allowed the creation of a new remote testimony space for clients and soundproofing for privacy.
These improvements, as well as other projects funded by the grant, mean local child and youth victims of abuse and crime can meet with support workers and provide their court testimonial in a safe and welcoming environment.
An additional $25,500 Capital grant, awarded in December 2022, is also supporting essential updates needed to the Child Witness Centre office by funding much needed building repairs as well as the purchase and installation of a new water heater to continue to provide a safe, welcoming environment for victimized youth and their families.
These OTF grants come at a time when the charity is experiencing soaring demand for their services and stretched resources. The funding is helping them to build capacity, resilience, and sustainability to move forward with optimism.
Last year alone, their team of professionals helped over 1,700 child and youth victims, and their caregivers, while fostering hope, well-being, and resiliency. They are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and safe.
"The impact of these OTF grants is immense,” said Kim Rodrigues, executive director for Child Witness Centre.
“It has enabled critical updates to our office, EDI framework, and software solutions so we can carry on and better serve our young clients. When children and youth are supported at the time that it’s critically needed, the immediate and long-term impact is huge. We are grateful for the partnership of OTF towards a safer and healthier community for everyone.”
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 is why they walk with them, and their caregivers, from the time of investigation through to a court resolution. This non-profit organization began in this community over 40 years ago and has been passionately serving here since.
Learn more at childwitness.com.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grantmaking in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund.
Visit otf.ca to learn more.
