Mississauga, ON – On Sunday, August 25th, Mind Forward Brain Injury Services hosted a picnic to recognize the substantial impact a $198,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant to supplement clinical services.
“As a Registered Nurse, I understand how adding specialists can significantly improve the quality of care and reduce the time patients wait for medical treatment. This funding will allow the expansion of the clinical team and bring back critical concussion services that are vital to our community. I’m incredibly proud to see how these resources are being used to make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, MPP for Mississauga Centre.
This grant has been instrumental in expanding Mind Forward’s clinical team and reinstating comprehensive concussion services. The funding has enabled the addition of a new Psychotherapist, significantly reducing wait times for intake and facilitating the provision of educational workshops accessible to all. Under the leadership of Dorothy Heidbuurt, Manager of Psychosocial Services, the initiative focuses on addressing the escalating demand for mental health services and has resulted in increased availability of counseling services, thereby ensuring timely access to essential clinical support for those in need.
Mind Forward has adeptly responded to the mental health needs of the brain injury community by offering a spectrum of psychotherapy-based interventions, including individual and group counseling, as well as couple and family therapy, to address the heightened demand induced by pandemic-related stress. The reinstitution of concussion services has facilitated comprehensive education for clients awaiting treatment, encompassing educational sessions, therapeutic counseling, medication consultations, and access to agency resources.
“We are profoundly grateful for this generous funding and the significant impact of the Resilient Communities Fund grant,” stated Hunter Saggar, CEO of Mind Forward. “This grant has significantly enhanced our capacity to deliver crucial mental health services to those in need, and significantly improving wait times for service recipients. Adding a Registered Psychotherapist has enabled us to provide direct, supportive care for families and caregivers. These advocates are integral to client care, and equipping them with clinical support is vital for achieving client-centered goals.”
Mind Forward is a non-profit charitable organization that provides community-based rehabilitation and lifelong support for adults in Peel, Halton, and Dufferin counties. Mind Forward is dedicated to serving all individuals affected by brain injury, including clients, family members, and caregivers, through a team approach to service planning and goal-setting. For more information, please visit our website at www.mindforward.org.
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 more than $110M into 1,044 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 Media Inquiries, please contact:
Andrea Ure
Director of Public Relations and Community Services
Mind Forward Brain Injury Services Ontario
905-949-4411 x 242
Andrea.Ure@mindforward.org