Your Story. Our Care. Shares Raw Stories of Those Thriving at Home with the Support of Olde Forge Community Resource Centre and Rural Ottawa South Support Services

Today, the Olde Forge Community Resource Centre (Olde Forge) and Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS) launched Your Story. Our Care. which was supported by the $45,800 Resilient Communities Fund grant received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The awareness campaign will spotlight seniors and adults with disabilities within the community who are thriving at home with the help of these two local non-profit organizations.

"I am pleased to know that the Olde Forge will receive a $45,800 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation” said Chandra Pasma, MPP for Ottawa West— Nepean. “The work that the Old Forge and Rural Ottawa South Support Services are doing together to empower seniors and adults with disabilities is crucial, especially during a period of increased social isolation. Even amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these organizations continue to provide this vital support. I am happy to know that, with this grant, they will have even more resources to build on this important service."

Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari added: “I congratulate the Olde Forge and Rural Ottawa South Support Services on launching their joint campaign. It’s always inspiring to hear stories of seniors and adults with disabilities living life to their full potential. We know how much COVID-19 was a barrier to accessing the important services these organizations offer, and that’s why our government under Premier Ford, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, gave funding to the Olde Forge and ROSSS to make the necessary upgrade to ensure the safety and well-being for the seniors and adults with disabilities that use these amazing services.”

“During the pandemic, we saw first-hand how support services such as those provided by Olde Forge and ROSSS can ease the effects of isolation and caregiver burnout,” says Colleen Taylor, executive director, Olde Forge. “This funding will help offset the negative impacts COVID has had on our organizations by increasing awareness of our services and, in turn, assist our sustainability efforts so that we are here for our communities in years to come. We hope the stories of real people in our community will resonate with others and bring increased awareness and demand for the programs both local organizations offer.”

Groups like Olde Forge and ROSSS are critical in helping seniors and adults with disabilities live as independent and active members of society, particularly as Canada’s healthcare system continues to face immense pressures. Grocery support, phone wellness checks, virtual and phone-based fitness and social programs, in-home aide, transportation, and footcare clinics are just a few of the resources available to those in Ottawa and surrounding areas.

“Olde Forge and ROSSS believe in the value of independence at every stage of life and understand the importance of being an active member of society, no matter what challenges exist,” says Kelly Dumas, executive director, ROSSS.

To learn more about this campaign, visit YourStoryOurCare.com.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant making 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.

About the Olde Forge Community Resource Centre: Olde Forge provides support programs to seniors and adults with physical disabilities in Ottawa’s West End. The organization offers fitness and social programs, technology support for seniors, caregiver resources and more.

Contact:
Colleen Taylor
Executive Director
Olde Forge Community Resource Centre This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
613-829-9777 Ext 224

About ROSSS: A non-profit charitable organization, Rural Ottawa South Support Services is a champion for seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Rural Ottawa and area. The organization offers programs such as Meals on Wheels, affordable and accessible transportation services, social programs, caregiver services and more.

Contact:
Kelly Dumas
Executive Director
Rural Ottawa South Support Service This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 613-692-4697 Ext 225