$149,600 OTF Grant from the Government of Ontario Gives Community a Sturdy Uplift for Future Growth

(l-r): CEO David Willis, MPP Rick Byers, Operations Coordinator Rich Doig,
OTF Rep Harold Kloeze, Programs & Services Director Stephen Hendriks

July 11, 2024

OWEN SOUND — On Thursday, MPP Rick Byers met with the team at Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services to hear from them about the difference that a $149,600 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has made.  Awarded in late 2022, the grant enabled the group to replace one section of its roof in 2023 and make other needed renovations to the building so that it can continue to give people in the community improved access to programs and services at the agency for years to come. 

“Congratulations to the Keystone team on your success in receiving this grant and for the many important services you offer to youth in our community. And many thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation team for your ongoing work in recognizing deserving organizations in Grey Bruce” said MPP Rick Byers, Bruce Grey Owen Sound.

The new section of the southern flat roof of the Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services building will add 30 years to the life of the roof. It’s approximately 11,000 square feet of accessible space is now sound for future development and use. Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services serve approximately 2,500 children, youth and families annually at no cost to the clients. The roof replacement is a substantial benefit to the future growth of agency and its mission of “Building Futures Together”.

Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization and the designated Children’s Mental Health Lead Agency for Grey and Bruce Counties. It offers a range of mental health support through counselling, prevention and well-being programs, short term live-in treatment program, crisis stabilization, youth justice program, special needs programming and coordinated access planning for our community. With a focus on youth and family engagement, Keystone provides compassionate, responsive services for children, youth, and families through customized, multi-disciplinary programming for children and youth ages 0-17.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.