News and Events
Check back regularly to see what important information has been published about the YWCA of Peterborough, Victoria and Haliburton.
Province
restores YWCA funding
Posted By NICOLE RIVA EXAMINER CITY EDITOR
September 6, 2008
A funding boost from the province will allow the local branch of the
YWCA to improve its ability to serve women in the community.
The provincial government announced yesterday that the YWCA of
Peterborough, Victoria and Haliburton will receive $279,019.
"I'm really excited about this news," said Lynn Zimmer, executive
director of the Peterborough YWCA. "What it goes back to is the cuts we
experienced back in the '90s. We lost $300,000 in annualized funding.
This is the province's promise to restore that."
Zimmer said the funding will allow the YWCA to continue current programs
and become more engaged in prevention of domestic abuse.
"It really means it recognizes the cost of these life-saving services
for women and children," she said.
Some of the money will help cover higher operational costs and some will
go to prevention, education and other community services.
As she absorbed the announcement, Zimmer also said this isn't a one-time
offer of cash.
"The way they've talked, it is annualized, and a base increase. It
really is restoring our funding to where it should be."
Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal said the government intends on supporting
shelters and services for victims of domestic violence long term.
"We're hoping to build these into base budges across the province
because we recognize the need that are some gaps during this fiscal year
of 2008, 2009 we wanted to make sure we could provide the resources
necessary," Leal said.
The funding is from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, which
put a total of $18.8 million to similar services across Ontario.
Leal said there is no limitation to how an organization can spend the
money but there is an emphasis on prevention of domestic violence.
"When individuals find themselves in desperate situations we have the
services available to provide them with some hope," Leal said.
This money comes as a relief to Zimmer and the staff and volunteers at
the YWCA.
"This removes a huge amount of anxiety," she said.
The YWCA isn't alone in receiving government support. The Community
Counselling and Resources Centre, the Niijiwendidaa Anishnaabekewag
Circle and the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough are also getting
grants.
