Newmarket, ON – Job Skills, a non-profit organization supporting job seekers, newcomers, and employers, has successfully leveraged a $186,300 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to implement a Registered Social Worker (RSW) project that has had a significant impact on its staff, volunteers, and clients. The two-year grant, awarded in 2022, enabled the organization to onboard an RSW specializing in mental health and stress management, offering crucial support in the aftermath of the pandemic.
On Wednesday, MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy visited Job Skills to learn more about the outcomes of the project. She expressed her appreciation for the initiative, noting how vital organizations like Job Skills are to the community and Ontario’s economy.
“Organizations like Job Skills enrich the lives of people in our community, while playing an important role in building a strong and prosperous economy in Ontario,” said Gallagher Murphy, the MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “With this investment of more than $186,000, I know that Job Skills has been able to better serve our residents and continue making a positive difference in people’s lives.”
Expanding Mental Health Support
The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund grant, designed to help non-profits recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, enabled Job Skills to expand its support services. In May 2022, Job Skills hired a Registered Social Worker with expertise in stress management and mental health. This role focused on providing mental, physical health, and wellbeing support to the organization’s clients, staff, and volunteers. The RSW has been instrumental in identifying the sources of stress among individuals and strengthening their coping skills.
The RSW’s services include a mix of virtual and in-person counselling, stress management workshops, and professional development opportunities. This holistic approach has allowed Job Skills to enhance its overall service offerings, addressing the mental health needs of individuals facing multiple barriers, including those impacted by the pandemic.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges
Bethany Obermeyer, Executive Director of Job Skills, emphasized the growing mental health challenges faced by the organization’s clients, especially in the wake of COVID-19.
“The majority of Job Skills’ clients are multi-barriered, diverse individuals,” said Obermeyer. “The pandemic has resulted in an increased number of people suffering from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. While our employment services staff are highly skilled in providing job placement support, many of these mental health issues are beyond the scope of their expertise. The addition of the RSW has expanded our ability to provide much-needed support for our clients and staff.”
In addition to assisting clients, the RSW has been a vital resource for Job Skills’ employees, ensuring that their mental health is prioritized and that they receive the support they need to maintain their wellbeing.
Supporting the Community
Job Skills has locations in Newmarket, Markham, Stouffville, Keswick, Brampton, and Mississauga, and works to strengthen communities by offering services to job seekers, newcomers, and entrepreneurs. The OTF grant has enabled the organization to offer a broader range of services to individuals who are experiencing mental health challenges, ultimately helping them achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Ontario government, aims to build vibrant and healthy communities across the province. In the past year, OTF has invested more than $110 million into over 1,000 community projects, helping to enhance economic well-being, foster active lifestyles, support child and youth development, and create more sustainable environments.
