$54,700 OTF Grant Gives Adult Day Programs & Transportation a Lift
AURORA, ON – On Friday, local MPPs Michael Parsa, Dawn Gallagher Murphy and Daisy Wai met with the team at Community Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) to hear how the $54,700 Resilient Communities Fund grant it received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2022 has been used. This grant program was developed to help non-profit organizations to rebuild and recover from the impacts created by COVID-19.
“Taking care of our seniors is a responsibility we collectively share,” said Michael Parsa, MPP for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill. “The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund is helping CHATS make necessary upgrades to their facility. By building a safer environment, we are ensuring that our seniors can fully participate in their community for years to come.”
CHATS put forward a strong application outlining how the grant would help over a six-month period to buy purchase tables, chairs, storage cabinets, air purifiers, vehicle plexiglass barriers and virtual technology to help with its Adult Day programs. The grant also helped with the costs of safety barriers in volunteer vehicles, as well as increased client admission opportunities, among other benefits. The project is currently underway and will give seniors in the community improved health and safety precautions and the ease of more flexible space in the Adult Day Programs for years to come.
“I am overjoyed that CHATS has been able to use the Resilient Communities Fund to provide an opportunity for our older adults to bounce back from the isolation many experienced during the peak of COVID-19 and live actively,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora. “Programs such as CHATS’ Adult Day Program help seniors to be better connected to their community and each other. Thanks to Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund grant program, organizations like CHATS can ensure we are building age-friendly communities where seniors can thrive.”
The pandemic demonstrated the importance of ensuring good ventilation and air flow, along with mechanisms to enable physical distancing in its ADP locations and vehicles. Adult Day Programs in the communities served by CHATS support older adults to connect, socialize, and maintain good physical and mental health. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the physical locations can provide enhanced infection prevention and control measures through flu, cough, and cold seasons—not to mention the COVID pandemic.
“CHATS is a shining example of the incredible work that non-profit organizations do in our community, and I’m thrilled to join you all in celebrating their success in receiving the $54,700 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Daisy Wai, MPP for Richmond Hill. “This grant is crucial in continuing to provide critical services that our seniors depend on. It’s an honour to recognize the tireless efforts of CHATS in making a positive impact on our community. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement and thank you for your unwavering commitment to the well-being of our seniors.”
“We are extremely appreciative of the funds we’ve received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Christina Bisanz, CEO of CHATS. “This grant has allowed us to purchase furniture, equipment and devices that will provide prevention and protective measures for our clients, staff, and volunteers in our physical locations. The technology enables us to keep our clients connected and engaged when they have to stay home or cannot attend our programs due to illness. This keeps everyone safer,” she said adding “We congratulate the Ontario Trillium Foundation on 40 years of granting and building healthy and vibrant communities across the province.”
CHATS’ ADPs are full-day community-based programs, offering respite to caregivers and providing older adults with individualized plans of care. The programs include a variety of social and wellness activities, companionship, nutritious snacks, and lunch, in a safe, friendly, and caring environment while addressing social isolation for older
adults. Activities include exercise, mental stimulation, crafts, outings, relaxation programs, entertainment, health promotion, and disease prevention. Programs are also being offered virtually for clients who are unable to attend in person.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested nearly $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Kelly Broome, VP, Philanthropy & Communications
Community Home Assistance to Seniors
905-713-3373 ext. 6063
kbroome@chats.on.ca