JMCC Receives $201,300 From Ontario Government Through Two OTF grants to Enhance Accessibility and Support Youth Transitions

Local MPPs Lisa Gretzky and Andrew Dowie joined the team at The John McGivney Children’s Centre (JMCC) on December 17th to celebrate $201,300 in funding from two grants they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The funds helped JMCC to improve accessibility and safety within its facility as well as focus on empowering youth with disabilities as they transition to adulthood.

In March 2023, JMCC was awarded a $184,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant which is transforming the lives of youth with disabilities and their families by providing critical support as they transition from pediatric services to adulthood. Over a two-year period, JMCC aims to reach 400 youth, equipping them with essential life skills and resources by acquiring job skills and gaining hands-on work experience, applying for adult support services, preparing for post-secondary education or volunteer opportunities, and strengthening independence through financial literacy, self-advocacy, and self-care strategies.

This funding has allowed JMCC to expand and sustain several pilot programs—Transition to Employment, Transition to Adulthood Planning, and Life Skills—that prepare youth for active participation in their communities. These programs have been instrumental in helping youth secure their first jobs, attend post-secondary school, explore options for living away from home, manage personal finances, and strengthen their self-advocacy skills.
Since its inception, this program has grown significantly, from an initial 115 participants to reaching 340 youth, thanks to the support of the OTF Resilient Communities Fund.

In September 2023, JMCC received a $17,300 Capital grant which has enabled JMCC to make key facility upgrades that ensure greater accessibility and safety for all. Enhancements include the replacement of traditional press switches for opening doors and turning on lights with new hands-free, contactless switches, offering improved ease of use for individuals with limited or no hand and arm mobility. Additionally, manual soap dispensers have been replaced with automatic hands-free dispensers throughout the facility, improving both convenience and hygiene.

Quotes 
"Over many years the John McGivney Children’s Centre has established itself as an essential institution in Windsor and Essex County supporting children with special needs and their families. I am especially pleased to see the Centre recognized with these two OTF grants which I know will be put to exceptionally good use providing much-needed assistance to youth with disabilities." - Lisa Gretzky, MPP for Windsor West

"The John McGivney Children’s Centre is an incredible asset to our region, and I’m delighted to see this investment by the Ontario Trillium Foundation in support of expanding their services to vulnerable youth in our community. The JMCC’s work transitioning youth with disabilities into adulthood with resources for success towards a fulfilling quality of life is nothing short of profound.  - Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh

“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like The John McGivney Children’s Centre deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come."

"These grants represent a vital investment in our community," said Jennifer Jovanovski, CEO of JMCC. "Through these enhancements, we are not only making our facilities more accessible but also empowering youth with the tools and confidence they need to navigate their future with independence and success." - Jennifer Jovanovski, CEO of The John McGivney Children’s Centre