$549,400 OTF grant helps individuals with autism spectrum disorder face their fears
14-August-2020 - WHITBY - This spring, Lake Ridge Community Support Services (LRCSS) received word that it received a three-year, $549,000 Grow grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to launch an evidence-based treatment program called, “Facing Your Fears” in Durham Region. This program is intended to support children with children and adolescents from ages eight to 12 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
“Family supports that put children at the centre of care are a key element of our new needs-based Ontario Autism Program. We are working extremely hard to implement a Program built by the community, for the community that supports the needs of families and their children. The treatment program funded by a Grow grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will make a significant difference for children and their families,”
Lorne Coe, MPP, Whitby commented on the OTF grant received by Lake Ridge Community Support Services in the spring of 2020.
Currently, within Durham Region, there are over 1400 families with children diagnosed with ASD waiting for behavioural and emotional regulation support. High rates of comorbid mental health issues in children with ASD are a growing concern for families. Thanks to the Grow grant from OTF, LRCSS will be able to provide clinical treatment to children struggling with significant anxiety, build the capacity of parents through knowledge transfer and skills development, and address the current need for mental health support within Durham Region.
“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will reach and benefit so many families in the Durham Region. This OTF grant is enabling LRCSS to launch free programming which will result in skill development and positive mental health changes for children and families over the long term.”
Lake Ridge Community Support Services is committed to helping children, youth and adults with ASD and/or intellectual disabilities maximize their potential in the community through applied behaviour analysis. If you wish to enquire about programs that Lake Ridge Community Support Services offers, or get more information about the upcoming Facing Your Fears program, please visit the website at: www.lrcss.com
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario and is one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.