Ontario Partners with Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres on Community-based Poverty Solutions
Toronto, On, September 14, 2015 – Ontario is supporting the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres to develop community-based solutions to combat poverty.
Through the Local Poverty Reduction Fund, Ontario is investing up to $270,000, over three years, in the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC). The OFIFC is a network of agencies that provide culturally-appropriate services for Aboriginal Peoples in over 28 urban communities, including programs related to children and youth, health and wellness, and education and training.
With this funding, the Friendship Centres will strengthen existing efforts to help urban Aboriginal clients rise out of poverty and move towards long-term prosperity by evaluating the Friendship Centres’ hub model of integrated service delivery in seven locations across Ontario.
Evidence gathered from this project and others will be used to support poverty reduction programs across the province that have been proven to work and that can expand over time.
Fighting poverty is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan.
QUOTES
“With this funding, the Friendship Centres will be able to evaluate their community hub model and help us learn more about what approaches are making a difference for people in urban Aboriginal communities across Ontario.”
–– Deb Matthews, Deputy Premier, President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy
“It is important to recognize the important role that Friendship Centres play in many of Ontario’s urban communities, including Toronto Centre. This funding will help these community hubs better deliver integrated programs and services that are tailored to the unique needs of urban-based Indigenous people living in poverty.”
––Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto Centre
“The OFIFC is an important partner in providing culturally appropriate services for urban-based Indigenous people. Their efforts in traditional culture and education, as well as leadership development in youth are an integral part of reconciliation.”
––David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
“Previous OFIFC’s research strongly suggests that the community hub model, as practised by Friendship Centres, is instrumental in reducing poverty. This study will examine mechanisms and impacts of urban Indigenous community hubs on reducing poverty and driving Indigenous prosperity. The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres is grateful to Deputy Premier Matthews, specifically in her role as Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy, for the opportunity to add to the poverty reduction efforts with the Province.”
––Sylvia Maracle, Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
QUICK FACTS
– The Local Poverty Reduction Fund is a $50-million, six-year initiative that supports community-drive projects which measurably improve the lives of those disproportionately affected by poverty, including: women, single parents, people with disabilities, youth, newcomers, visible minorities, seniors and Aboriginal Peoples.
– Organizations have two more opportunities to apply for funding in 2016 and 2017.
LEARN MORE
View a video of Minister Matthews talking about the fund
Realizing Our Potential: Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy
For more information contact:
Kelly Patrick, Communications Coordinator
Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
kpatrick@ofifc.org or 416-956-7575, Ext. 278
NT5
