Supplied by Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano…
The Ontario government is investing in community-driven and youth-led projects to improve the wellbeing of children, youth, and families facing economic and social barriers within Sault Ste. Marie.
More than $13 million in funding will flow through the 2020 Youth Opportunity Fund, a province-wide
initiative that creates opportunities for young people and empowers and supports parents, guardians
and caregivers.
The 2020 Youth Opportunities Fund will provide financial support to 43 community organizations
across Ontario that will benefit youth aged 12 to 25, and their families. In Sault Ste. Marie, the African
Caribbean Canadian Association of Northern Ontario has received $170,000 to lead a social
integration project for new families in the community.
“I am incredibly proud of our government’s continued commitment to Ontario’s families and youth,”
said Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. “By investing $170,000 in the African Caribbean
Canadian Association of Northern Ontario, our government is ensuring that new Canadian parents,
guardians and caregivers continue to strengthen the social fabric of our northern and rural
communities. I applaud ACCANO for their work in helping Canadian families navigate their new home,
and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow.”
“I believe that this project will propel the socioeconomic integration of ACCANO parents as we engage
in peer-to-peer learning and healing through exploring various topics specific to our needs such as
financial literacy and mental health in order to dismantle barriers to our successful resettlement in the
community.” said Jane Omollo, Project Director.
“By believing in our youth and supporting them today, we can help develop the knowledge and skills
they need to reach their full potential. I truly believe this initiative will go a long way towards developing
our next generation of leaders. The projects selected for this year’s grants are wonderful examples of
how community-led initiatives can make a positive difference in young people’s lives.” Said Jill Dunlop,
Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues
“The Youth Opportunities Fund is a way for our government to form partnerships with grassroots
projects and community leaders who are creating change. This year’s grantees will create
opportunities for children, young people and families to grow their skills, access new opportunities
and build stronger relationships with their communities. Together, we can build an Ontario that gives
everybody an equal chance to succeed.” Said Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and
Social Services
QUICK FACTS
• Youth Opportunities Fund grants are divided into three streams. The Youth Innovations
Stream invests in projects led by youth and informed by young people’s identities and lived
experience.
• The Family Innovations Stream invests in projects that empower and support parents,
guardians and caregivers
• The System Innovations Stream invests in collaborative groups that address larger systemic
issues impacting youth.
• Youth Opportunities Fund grants are administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
• Applications for the 2021 Youth Opportunities Fund grants will open in Fall 2020.