Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant, met with the team at Why Not City Missions to hear more about the $68,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to complete safety and accessibility upgrades at the Why Not Youth Centre on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
“Why Not City Missions helps the most vulnerable teens by providing a support community that offers a hot meal, activities, access to mental health services, health services, supportive housing programs, life skills training programs and a staffed housing program for young mothers and their babies,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant. “Renovations for the indoor and outdoor spaces are truly important for accessibility, functionality and safety and I am pleased to be a part of a government that helps support the Brantford-Brant youth community.”
The project funds are being used to expand and resurface the usable outdoor space, making it safe to play sports in without disrupting the neighbours, increase accessibility into the youth centre with the addition of a ramp and increase food service safety through the addition of kitchen equipment to certify the kitchen to safe food handling standards. Worn out flooring was also replaced throughout the centre.
“The impact of this grant has already been felt within the youth centre as much needed safety upgrades are currently underway” said Mike Bosveld, Chairman of the Board. “We are looking forward to the completion of the last phase of this project which will allow our youth centre to be accessible to all youth, regardless of physical limitations.”
Why Not City Missions’ mandate is to empower youth through relationship and our vision is that Brantford’s youth would have the support they need to thrive in their potential and purpose. For those looking to join us in our mission, please visit our website at www.whynotcitymissions.com for volunteer opportunities, upcoming events and ways to donate.
Since 2002, Why Not City Missions has served the community of Brantford, meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our community. In safe and inclusive environments, we seek to eliminate barriers, and foster the development, personal growth and empowerment of homeless and at-risk youth in our community.
“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.
