Huron Women's Shelter Receives Two Ontario Trillium Foundation Grants Totalling $138,000

by Bob Montgomery

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson recently congratulated representatives from the Huron Women's Shelter on what they're doing with two Resilient Communities Fund grants they received.

The grants were from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and totalled $138,000, one for just over $73,000 awarded last year, and the second for almost $65,000 awarded earlier this year. The funding is being used to help the Women's Shelter deliver vital services and rebound from the impact of the pandemic. Thompson says she applauds the Women’s Shelter for investing in training and development for the team, as well as embracing new technologies. The grant is supporting the enhancement of the Huron Women's Shelter communication systems, including the implementation of a new virtual phone system, as well as delivering training and development initiatives for staff that will help to increase capacity and build on organizational retention.

Women's Shelter Executive Director Corey Allison says Covid revealed critical vulnerabilities in their technology and communication infrastructure and following Covid their greatest challenge has been attracting and retaining qualified staff. “This funding will enable us to build a stronger foundation through technology upgrades and staff training and development, ultimately positioning the organization to be robust and responsive to the dynamic needs of women and children impacted by Gender Based Violence in rural Huron County. We look forward to the positive impact these improvements will have and are thankful for the opportunity to partner with Ontario Trillium Foundation in this important work.”

More information about the Women's Shelter's services and upcoming events can be found on their website at www.huronwomensshelter.ca.

Photo courtesy of Huron Women's Shelter