Association of the Year Nominees

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin & District

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin has been changing the lives of children facing adversity in Dufferin County since 1972. Last year through innovative programs such as Go Girls! and the In-School Mentoring Program as well as the core Big Brother Big Sister program the agency served 287 children. By providing caring mentors, Big Brothers Big Sisters inspires each child to reach their full potential. Children in the program have higher levels of self-esteem, greater academic success and are even more likely to volunteer as adults. By fostering positive change through the power of mentoring there is a ripple effect that improves society as a whole.

 

Hats on Dufferin

HatsOnDufferin is a non-profit organization whose goal is to ensure that every child, person, and family within our community has a hat to keep warm this winter. It is our hope that this initiative will raise awareness to otherwise unknown and unchecked poverty issues that exist within Dufferin County. What began as a social gathering of individuals with a passion for the craft of crocheting, evolved into a socially responsible community minded initiative. It is our belief that an increased awareness of poverty issues will help spur and support other community minded poverty reduction initiatives. The winters in Dufferin may be cold but the hearts, hands, and generosity of our residents will always be warmer.

 

Orangeville Police Service

The Orangeville Police Service has been serving the citizens of Orangeville with pride and distinction since 1864. The staff of over 70 members is their strength as they collectively follow the steps in their business plan to build on their vision, mission and values. Their motto, “Community Focused “is something they strive for each and every day. Their actions and reactions have to show value for their citizens. A strong police visibility means they provide positive interaction with their community on a daily basis; whether that is in the schools, walking downtown, providing crime prevention tips to the business community, meeting with service clubs, donating at the foodbank, helping at charitable event.

 

Work Readiness Program

The Work Readiness Program (WRP) is an innovative program designed to enhance essential employability skills for individuals who are preparing for employment or returning to school. Workshops include daily job search activities that prepare participants for their employment goals – resume and cover letter writing, job search techniques, interview preparation and life skills. During the next phase of the program, participants can participate in a 12 week paid work experience within their field of interest. Our Job Developers help to find placements and provide on-going support though job coaching during the work experience. Recent stats show that over 75% of participants find and keep meaningful employment at the end of the program

 

United Way – Dufferin

Across Canada, United Way is the largest non-government funder of the social service and voluntary sector.
United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin invests in more than 80 programs each year. Thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, and local businesses we are meeting our mission to improve lives and build community. Over the past decade, United Way has served the Orangeville area, investing close to $400,000 in social service programs during that period. In 2016, United Way is providing $100,000 in funding to five Dufferin-area social service agencies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters Dufferin and Dufferin Child and Family Services. We love working within the Dufferin Community and look forward to helping create change together!

 

Headwaters Tourism

Headwaters Tourism is the national and provincial award-winning destination marketing organization for the Headwaters region of Ontario, providing tourism services on behalf of the regional tourism industry and on behalf of our municipal partners in Dufferin County and the Towns of Caledon, Mono, Shelburne & Erin. Vision: To position Headwaters as Ontario’s premier rural tourism destination. Mission: To integrate tourism into the regional economic development strategies of our partner municipalities, helping to build a robust and thriving tourism industry by working directly with tourism stakeholders across the region.

 

Theatre Orangeville

Theatre Orangeville is a renowned arts organization that engages some of the greatest talent in Canada, and offers grassroots programming for youth of all abilities. For over 22 years, Theatre Orangeville has been committed to enriching the community with a professional theatre experience that develops and presents Canadian theatrical productions, providing youth unique opportunities to transform their lives through the performing arts and growing the area’s cultural experience through extensive community partnerships.

 

Dufferin Child & Family Services

Dufferin Child and Family Services is an accredited multi-service agency providing child & youth mental health, developmental and child protection services for the past 103 years. We receive funding to provide core services, which we deliver in a flexible & family-centred manner to about 3000 people annually. Often people require more than what our core services can provide to achieve their personal best. To that end, we created the Dufferin Children’s Fund which provides grants under the priority areas of youth futures, social growth & development, and health & wellness. We have granted close to $200,000 in the past 7 years alone! In partnership, we work to achieve strong & resilient families supported in a safe & welcoming community.

 

Family Transition Place

Since 1984, Family Transition Place (FTP) has been providing critical services to women and their children who have experienced abuse and unhealthy relationships. Inside FTP’s doors, women find a warm and welcoming place where their safety and well-being is the most important thing in the world. Whether they need a safe place to live, or the services of a professional, skilled counsellor to assist them on their journey, FTP is there to help. Over the years, FTP has become known, not only for these core critical services, but for also being a leader in the field of healthy relationship education.Through all of these measures, FTP strives to deliver services that provide safety, support and hope – so we can help create a healthy community.