Ontario investments will support employment opportunities for youth and expand programming for local seniors
OAKVILLE NORTH-BURLINGTON | September 12, 2026 — The Ontario government has invested $309,320 through the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Seniors Community Grants Program to support programs at the Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre that create opportunities for youth and help seniors stay active, healthy and connected.
Through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Youth Innovations program, Voices to Vision, working with Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre as its organizational mentor, received $300,000 for its Voices to Vision program in 2025. The three-year initiative will support Black and newcomer youth living with disabilities in Halton and Peel as they prepare to enter the workforce and transition to sustainable career pathways. Since 2018, OTF has invested more than $553,000 in the Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre through a range of grants supporting community initiatives and capital improvements.
The program will provide employment-readiness programming and mentorship to help young people build skills, overcome barriers and connect with meaningful employment opportunities.
Oak Park has also received $9,320 through the Seniors Community Grants Program, administered by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility. The funding will support the centre’s popular weekly seniors programming, including fitness classes, social gatherings, crafts, intergenerational activities, guest speakers on health and fraud prevention, and light lunches.
The Seniors Community Grants Program, administered by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, provides funding to local organizations for programs, services and events that encourage social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement among older adults. The program helps reduce social isolation and creates opportunities for seniors to remain healthy, active and connected to their communities.
“Our government is pleased to support Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre as it creates opportunities for people in our community at every stage of life,” said Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP for Oakville North-Burlington. “The $300,000 Voices to Vision investment will help Black and newcomer youth living with disabilities gain the skills, mentorship and connections they need to pursue sustainable careers, while the $9,320 Seniors Community Grant will help seniors in our community stay active, healthy and socially connected. These are two very different programs, but they share an important goal — making sure people have the support and opportunities they need to thrive in our community.”
“Investments like these recognize the important role that community organizations play in helping Ontarians build connections and access opportunities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are pleased to support Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre and its work to help local seniors stay active, engaged and connected.”
“We are grateful for this funding will support our growing seniors program that runs three days a week, providing snacks, exercise equipment and staff support to engage seniors in volunteering, support healthy living, and reduce isolation,” said Michelle Knoll, Executive Director, Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre
“Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre is happy to be a mentor and host agency for Voices for Vision. We look forward to the life changing stories that will come out of this endeavor.” – Michelle knoll, Executive Director, Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre
QUICK FACTS
- The Ontario government is investing $309,320 in two programs at the Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre.
- Oak Park received $300,000 through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Youth Innovations program for its three-year Voices to Vision initiative.
- Voices to Vision supports Black and newcomer youth living with disabilities in Halton and Peel through employment-readiness programming and mentorship.
- The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-2026, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Through the Youth Opportunities Fund, OTF invests in community-led projects that play an essential role in creating safe spaces, empowering youth and families, supporting career pathways, and addressing issues faced by our communities. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
- Oak Park received $9,320 through the Seniors Community Grants Program to expand weekly seniors programming, including fitness, social activities, crafts, intergenerational activities, health and fraud prevention presentations, and light lunches.
- Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $40 million through the Seniors Community Grants Program, supporting more than 2,100 grassroots projects across the province.
MEDIA CONTACT
Katie Robinette, Executive Assistant
Office of Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP for Oakville North-Burlington and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Gaming
Katie.robinette@pc.ola.org
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