THUNDER BAY – Today, two community criminal justice organizations, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario and the John Howard Society of Thunder Bay and District celebrated new grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Local MPP Bill Mauro and OTF representative Keith Nymark were on hand to congratulate both groups on their success and present them with a plaque from the Foundation. Each organization will use the funds differently, with the end result being increased services for individuals at risk or involved in the criminal justice system.
“People come into conflict with the law for a variety of reasons. I congratulate both the Elizabeth Fry Society and the John Howard Society for their work in helping individuals re-integrate into our communities,” said Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro.
The Elizabeth Fry Society received a $27,100 OTF grant to hire and support a Capacity Development Coordinator who will develop partnerships with other community organizations serving Elizabeth Fry Society’s clients and work on fund development.
“This funding allows us to take an important first step in breaking the cycle of conflict with the law for women who’ve been the most marginalized by poverty,” reports Sally Palmer-Woods, president of the local Elizabeth Fry Society. “We will identify gaps in services for women and begin the process of collaboratively developing needed services.”
Funding of $99,000 has been provided to the John Howard Society of Thundery Bay and District to help provide much needed crime prevention services through programs for homeless individuals.
“Homelessness is a risk factor for conflict with the law that is totally preventable,” said Liisa Leskowski, Executive Director of the John Howard Society. “Everyone deserves to have a safe, secure and affordable place to live, upon which to build a stable life.”
A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities. www.trilliumfoundation.org