March 13, 2023

WHITBY, ON – On Monday, Whitby MPP Lorne Coe and Charles Tobias, an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) volunteer, were at Community Care Durham (CCD) to hear about the difference that a $143,700 OTF Resilient Communities Fund grant has made since receiving it in 2022. The funds have helped the group recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

“This investment allowed Community Care Durham to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and enabled the organization to implement an Efficiency and Modernization Initiative and centralized training for volunteers and staff, to help ensure the future sustainability for the delivery of valuable programs and support services across the Region of Durham,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby.

The EMI initiative (efficiency and modernization program made possible by the grant as well as the hiring of a Project Manager) began one year ago and is expected to be completed by May 2023. CCD’s CEO, James Meloche, said that implementing the EMI will ensure scalable growth and long-term sustainability and partnerships, standardizing common workflows that will facilitate client service excellence while maximizing operational efficiency for 2022-2023 and beyond. In addition, the Project Manager who was hired has helped CCD make changes in key areas with its organizational structure, staff resource management, performance management, as well as managing transportation and vendors (like Meals on Wheels).

“Almost two years ago, we adopted a bold Strategic Plan to guide the organization into the future. Our Modernization Initiative is helping us see that plan come to life, thanks to this grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said James Meloche, CEO. “Everything we’re doing is forward-thinking. We are investing in key areas of the organization to better position our staff to help our clients because they deserve to live with dignity and respect. The work is synonymous with our mission of Supporting People, Strengthening Community.”

Community Care Durham is a multi-service registered charitable organization providing a broad range of support services for individuals over the age of 16 and their caregivers so that people can maximize their independence and thrive where they choose to live. Since the pandemic’s start, CCD has adjusted its work processes to meet the needs of its clients, ensuring the safe delivery of its programs and services. It now must ensure it is well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grantmaking in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

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Media Contact:

Ian McMillan, Communications Specialist
Community Care Durham
Phone: 905-430-1863
Email: imcmillan@communitycaredurham.on.ca