HCSS Grey-Bruce programs surge with OTF Grant support!

April 12, 2023

OWEN SOUND – On Wednesday, MPP Rick Byers met with the team at Home and Community Support Services Grey Bruce (HCSS), who have been working hard over the past year implementing a $109,600 Resilient Communities Fund grant that was awarded in 2022 by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant’s focus has been to support a community awareness campaign of HCSS program and services and new strategic plan.

“It was great to meet with the team at HCSS regarding their receipt of the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. HCSS Grey-Bruce provides such important services to our community, I am grateful for all the hard work of the staff and the many volunteers” said Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers.

Through this grant, HCSS has been able to recover and rebuild, increasing volunteerism to almost 600 volunteers, and drastically increasing service levels – doubling its adult day program in less than a year, increasing transportation rides by over 10,000, re-implementing its in-person, friendly visiting program, delivering 60,000 Meals on Wheels meals, and servicing an extra 100 clients in overnight respite compared to the year before.

“As with everyone else, HCSS Grey-Bruce was Impacted enormously by the Covid-19 pandemic, with our programs being shut down, reduced and Health Care Staff and Volunteers facing enormous stress,” said Stephen Musehl, Executive Director of HCSS.

“The grant HCSS received from OTF was an enormous support for HCSS to be able to engage in a new strategic plan to help the people of Grey Bruce and re-open our services after the devastating effects the Covid-19 pandemic has had on our programs and clients. The awareness campaign OTF supported especially has been a huge success in making people aware of our services – leading to record intake numbers,” added Musehl.

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 over $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.

HCSS Grey Bruce is a local not for profit, charitable organization that provides services to keep people in their homes and communities throughout Grey and Bruce Counties. With over 100 staff and 600 volunteers, it’s a community led organization that support over 60,000 hot and frozen meals on wheels, 30000 transportation rides, 100,000 hours of day program support, 15,000 hours of housekeeping, 2000 friendly visits (and adopt a grandparent letters) and 450 nights of overnight respite support for caregivers.