FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Abilities Centre Receives $94,988.76 in Provincial Funding to Expand Vital Services for Ontarians with Disabilities
August 22, 2024 – Whitby, ON – The Abilities Centre is pleased to announce it has been awarded
$94,988.76 as part of the Ontario Government’s recent funding initiative to support community agencies in Whitby and the Region of Durham. This funding will play a crucial role in helping the Centre continue to deliver its wide range of essential programs and services to individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.
The announcement was made today by Lorne Coe, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and MPP for Whitby, as part of a broader initiative that includes $208,498.98 distributed among several local agencies. The Abilities Centre is one of the key beneficiaries, receiving the largest portion of this funding.
“Our local agencies make our communities stronger, more resilient and inclusive. They work hard to provide people with access to the right resources and services they need to succeed and thrive.”
said MPP Lorne Coe.“By strengthening support to community agencies in Whitby, we are helping them delivery critical services to people in need.”
Michael Cvitkovic, President & CEO of Abilities Centre, expressed gratitude for the provincial support:
“This extra funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services demonstrates the Province's commitment to improving the quality of life of Ontarians with disabilities. These funds will allow us to reach more Ontarians with our life skills, sport and recreation, employment, and post-rehabilitation programs. The Centre is grateful for this increased investment from the Province.”
The funding will specifically support the Abilities Centre's delivery of its Accessible Consulting services for not-for-profit organizations, as well as its Therapeutic Recreation programs, Adult Day Program, Post-Rehabilitation programs, Physical Literacy initiatives, and Employment Services. These programs are vital in addressing the diverse needs of the disabled community, particularly in light of rising operational costs and increasing demand for services.
The Abilities Centre is a national leader in inclusive programming, dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and community engagement for individuals of all abilities. The Centre’s programs are essential, particularly in light of rising operational costs and the increasing demand for services. This funding will support the continued delivery and expansion of programs that directly contribute to the well-being of individuals with disabilities across Ontario.
According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, 27% of Canadians aged 15 years and older have one or more disabilities, highlighting the importance of inclusive services like those provided by the Abilities Centre. Employment rates for people with disabilities remain significantly lower than those without disabilities, underscoring the need for continued investment in employment support programs. With this funding, the Abilities Centre will be better equipped to address these needs, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.
The funding comes as part of the Ontario Government’s 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario, which commits $310 million over three years to support community organizations that serve vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities. This investment is essential to ensuring that organizations like the Abilities Centre can continue to provide high-quality, evidence-based services that address the diverse needs of the community.
About Abilities Centre:
Abilities Centre is a state-of-the-art facility in Whitby, Ontario, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Through innovative programs in health and fitness, arts and culture, and life skills development, the Centre fosters inclusivity and empowers individuals to achieve their full potential. Our mission is to reimagine accessibility and redefine the way Canadians live, work, and play.
For more information about the Abilities Centre and its programs, please visit
www.abilitiescentre.org or contact:
Dolly Shanthakumar
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Abilities Centre | 1 Jim Flaherty Street, Whitby, Ontario L1N 0J2
Email:
dshanthakumar@abilitiescentre.org
Phone: 905-665-8500 x220