For immediate release: Luke’s Place used $199,800 OTF Grant from the Province to strengthen its resilience
(Durham Region, ON) – On Thursday, May 22nd, the team at Luke’s Place met with MPP Lorne Coe to speak about the impact that their two-year, $199,800 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation has had since receiving it in 2023. Since then, Luke’s Place has been successful in strengthening its internal capacity, enhancing hybrid services, and improving volunteer engagement, that’s enabled it to continue moving forward to build long-term resilience and sustainability.
“The Ontario Trillium Foundation is designed to help organizations like Luke’s Place continue delivering vital services to those who need them most,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security. “It is encouraging to see how this support has helped strengthen their capacity to serve women and families across Durham Region. Investments like these ensure that community-based organizations can continue adapting and growing their services, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those they support.”
Through this project, Luke’s Place significantly strengthened its legal support services by expanding its dedicated team and enhancing both the sustainability and flexibility of its programs. Additionally, Luke’s Place successfully secured advanced volunteer management software, seamlessly integrating it into onboarding, scheduling, and communication processes, ensuring a more efficient and impactful volunteer experience. The Resilient Communities Fund program was designed to help non-profit groups move beyond the challenges created by the pandemic.
“This funding has allowed us to strengthen our hybrid service delivery model, renew our legal support volunteer program, and expand our legal support team to ensure our programs are responsive. The impact has been transformational, giving us the flexibility and tools to better meet the needs of women navigating the family law system,” said Carol Barkwell, Executive Director, Luke’s Place.
If you are interested in learning more about Luke’s Place services, please visit LukesPlace.ca. Luke’s Place works with women who have been subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV) and supports them and their children through the family law process, providing women, their children, and their communities with specialized services, resources, and information about family law and intimate partner violence. Luke’s Place envisions a family law system that promotes healthy, safe families living free from IPV and the threat of abuse.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Quick Facts
- Luke’s Place was founded because of the tragic death of Luke, a three-and-a-half-year-old Durham boy, killed by his father during his first unsupervised access visit.
- Luke’s Place provides direct services upwards of 1,000 women in each year.
- Luke’s Place shares its expertise with thousands of service providers across Ontario and Canada through training, resources, and mentoring.
Additional Resources
https://FamilyCourtAndBeyond.ca
Media Contact
Mhairi Rothery, Communications Coordinator, mhairir@lukesplace.ca