Trillium Foundation Supports Rebound Makeover

In Local

By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Rebound Child and Youth Services welcomed Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini Thursday to see the work being supported by the $39,600 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant at their D’Arcy Street facilities in Cobourg.

The tour spotlighted the new multi-sensory furniture, custom-made locally crafted tables and benches, and a new smart screen.

Piccini spoke of the value this work is supporting for the young people of the community – who, like so many in rural Ontario, face special challenges.

“Having dedicated people to support those families and youth is important. It takes a special person, I think, to do that,” he said.

“One of the ways we can help is the Trillium Fund, which is Ontario and Canada’s largest grant agency, and we are very proud of that.”

Standing on a floor which still bears six-feet-apart stickers, Piccini noted the significant challenges small nonprofits faced during the pandemic. This spotlighted the need behind the Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund for these agencies as well as for their clients.

On Wednesday, the results could be seen in the welcoming new furniture, vital equipment and freshly painted walls – including the beautiful new mural by Newcastle artist Michelle Akil. A young girl named Blue Jean is seen in front of a rainbow blowing bubbles into the air – bubbles ideally suited, Akil noted, to be used as background for plexiglass sponsor and donor acknowledgments in the future.

Since the pandemic hit, Piccini said, Rebound has been supported with $500,000 in funding for new, innovative ways of supporting youth at risk.

“I think this is important, and Trillium is an important provider.

“What I love most about it – it isn’t a political thing, it’s the people in the community on the board. We have a great presence for our local Trillium fund board, more residents from this county than ever before.”

Rebound Executive Director Sam Rockbrune said that the comfy new furniture and other items were purposely chosen to create an engaging and inclusive environment that a young person can feel the first time he or she steps through the door. And the equipment – from the smart screen to the new appliances – will enhance programming and efficiency.

Rebound served more than 1,800 clients last year, including helping more than 800 access mental-health services and assisting 500 with restorative-justice measures.

“From the first moment children, youth and their families enter our welcoming and engaging space, to their sessions with counsellors in the updated meeting rooms, it’s clear that this place is designed for them and their needs,” Rockbrune said.

Cecilia Nasmith
Author: Cecilia Nasmith

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Video – Community Donates to Food Bank in Appreciation of Port Hope Halloween Display

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4AVJyPCuvg The Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank stopped by a Port Hope home to pick up a van load of

Read More...

Video – Sixth Annual Pumpkin Parade Takes Place in Port Hope

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmP2DFZtsA8 The sixth annual Pumpkin Parade was held in Port Hope on Friday, November 1, 2024. It’s the sixth year that

Read More...

Belleville Fireworks By-law Reminder

Belleville Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents of the City’s restrictions around fireworks. As per the fireworks by-law (By-law

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu