09/20/2025
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch (CMHA Kenora) is proud to announce the successful completion of a $40,600 Resilient
Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2024. The grant, which has now concluded, helped strengthen organizational resilience, support staff well-being and fill critical service gaps for first responders in the Kenora region.
“The Ontario Trillium Foundation's investment is building capacity for first responders and CMHA staff who provide vital care for communities in our region,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River. “Funding for Indigenous Awareness Training and staff recruitment ensures competent care, and mental health supports are available in the Northwest – building strong and resilient communities.”
Through the grant, CMHA Kenora achieved several important milestones: Indigenous Awareness Training: 58 staff completed certification, building intercultural competency and meeting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations for skills-based training.
This training strengthens CMHA Kenora’s ability to engage in meaningful consultation, outreach, and recruitment of Indigenous employees.
Staff Resilience Training: 40 staff took part in a full-day Resilience Roadmap workshop with subject expert Mark Black, equipping them with practical tools to manage stress, focus on priorities, and support personal well-being. Support for First Responders: With approval from OTF, funds were reallocated to meet urgent local needs. CMHA Kenora delivered a mental health and resiliency presentation to 30 Paramedic students and facilitated Resilient Minds training for 16 firefighters from Kenora, Pellatt, and Reddit. These sessions addressed gaps in supports for occupational stress, PTSD, and resilience.
“Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of Ontario, we’ve been able to invest directly in the health and resilience of our staff, while also supporting first responders who play such a vital role in community safety,” said Sara Dias, CEO, CMHA Kenora. “This grant has left a lasting impact on our organization and the people we serve.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
For CMHA Kenora, the grant has built long-term capacity, strengthened staff resilience, and provided new tools for first responders, ensuring a stronger and healthier community for years to come.
Media Contact:
Sara Dias, B.A., B.S.W., M.S.W., R.S.W.
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
Phone: 807-468-1838 ext. 8113 Email: sdias@cmhak.on.ca
