On Thursday, local MPP Jennie Stevens met with the team at Family and Children’s Services (FACS) Niagara to celebrate a $31,500 Resilient Communities Fund grant they received from the Ontario Government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support its youth in care through the Navigating Adulthood: Transitional Youth Program.
“The transition for youth to independent, meaningful life in the community is a crucial milestone,” said Jennie Stevens, MPP for St. Catharines. “This is best achieved when youth are provided the life skills training they need for success, and the Resilient Communities Fund will help FACS Niagara to provide this essential support. Congratulations to the staff and volunteers, and thanks for the wonderful work you do.”
The Transitional Youth Program works with youth who are preparing to transition from foster care to independent living by providing life skills, training, support, and mentorship, helping them become successful, resilient adults.
The program supports youth between the ages of 18 and 23 and offers bi-weekly, in-person sessions from January to December to teach different life skills. It provides a space to learn about post-secondary education, job readiness, housing stability, and financial independence, as well as everyday life skills such as doing laundry, cooking, and personal safety.
“Transitioning to adulthood is an exciting time, but it also raises important questions. How will I set up a budget for my household, prepare taxes, or plan healthy meals?”” says Brett Sweeney, Director of Communications and Community Engagement. “This program supports more than 160 of our young people eager to learn essential life skills which will assist them to confidently begin their adult lives. We appreciate OTF’s assistance to provide this important learning opportunity.”
Michelle Bernard added: “This is a multifaceted program that helps our youth build confidence, improves their wellbeing, and is beneficial to their mental health and safety. Whether through life skills training, mentorship opportunities, or community resources, our goal is to equip our youth with the tools and resources necessary to navigate adulthood with resilience.”
Family and Children’s Services has been making a positive difference in the lives of children, youth, and families in Niagara for more than a century. As a multiservice agency providing child welfare services, fostering and adoption, counselling, and childcare, the team at FACS Niagara works to keep children safe and families strong.
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
For additional information please contact:
Brenna McCutcheon
Communications Specialist
Family and Children’s Services Niagara
905-937-7731 ext. 3370
brenna.mccutcheon@facsniagara.on.ca
