A 2018 OTF Grant of $68,400 Launches Appropriate Childhood Experiences (ACE) Program at Pathstone.
St. Catharines, ON – Thanks to a $68,400 Seed grant that was awarded by Ontario Trillium Foundation one year ago, a new program has been launched at Pathstone Mental Health. This pilot will examine parents/caregivers with children up to the age of three.
Those participating in the program have a history of Appropriate Childhood Experiences and their children may as well. Over the course of eight weeks, these 90-minute mostly group sessions will offer counselling, education and therapy to reinforce what childhood should be. This is an emerging mental health issue, as those who have been identified to have ACE are 12 times more likely to commit suicide. Research shows that more immediate therapy at an early age through this type of program could reduce or eliminate the need for mental health support later in life. Other benefits that have been shown include: a drop-in children accessing welfare, reduction in poor academic performance, improved social skills, a reduction in suicide and drug use and fewer cases where child and welfare services are involved.
“With this investment from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Pathstone has the opportunity to improve the outcome of Niagara’s families and their children, as well as demonstrate the immense importance of this work. The hope is to make the ACE program a permanent one at Pathstone.” – Bill Helmeczi, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Standards, and Practices
About OTF
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded more than $108 million to 629 projects this year to build healthy and vibrant Ontario communities. For more information, please visit: www.otf.ca
About Pathstone
Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization whose mission it is to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara diagnosed with mental health issues. Thanks to support from our donors and volunteers, we are able to address and meet the needs of children and their families as the only accredited provider of mental health services for children in Niagara. Crisis Services are offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.
Media Contact – for Questions / Interviews:
Kim Rossi – Director of Philanthropy & Public Relations
Pathstone Mental Health/ Pathstone Foundation
905.688.6850 x 167 e. krossi@pathstone.ca