A number of support-focused organizations in Greater Victoria are celebrating a financial boost from Island Health's Community Wellness Grant Program.
Eighteen new wellness projects focused on community resilience will receive a combined share of nearly $800,000. A total of 53 projects were selected across Vancouver Island.
Some organizations selected for the grants include Victoria Brain Injury Society, Crisis Intervention and Public Information Society of Greater Victoria, the James Bay Community Project and Parkinson Wellness Projects.
The news has been particularly welcomed by one local group, QomQem Coastal Connections, who will restart their night outreach program, which was forced to come to a halt due to a lack of funding. The grassroots Indigenous-led outreach program offers harm reduction and health care services to Indigenous peoples.
"QomQem is out on foot outreach on Sunday nights from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., we see nearly 200 people and offer harm reduction gear, food, cold/hot drinks and connections," director Lacey Jones said. "We also bring out donations of warm/cool clothing and camping gear when we have it. Folks are excited to connect with us as weekends and at night there are less resources available for folks. Huy'ch'qu to Island Health!"
Victoria Brain Injury Society will use their grant to significantly bolster efforts to support brain injury survivors by providing them with crucial training, volunteer opportunities and social connections.
"This program not only helps survivors build the skills needed to be emotionally, economically, and socially self-sufficient but also benefits their families and the wider community," said Pam Prewett, executive director. "By engaging survivors in meaningful activities and fostering a supportive environment, we can help them regain confidence, reduce isolation, and improve their overall quality of life."
Parkinson Wellness Projects (PWP) said they will be using the funds to grow services as they work to provide evidence-based exercise classes, support groups, counselling, and education for people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and their families.
"All of our crucial programs and services are offered at no cost to the Parkinson's community, to ensure barrier-free access to those who need it," said Bailey Martin, executive director. "Parkinson's disease is now the fastest growing neurological disease in the world, and thanks to the funding from Island Health, PWP is able to work towards expanding our programs, and meet the growing demand of services."
The Community Wellness Grant program helps promote health and wellness across the region Island Health serves by fostering local partnerships and grassroots initiatives.
Full list of South Island grant recipients for 2024/2025:
Building Resilient Neighbourhoods
Neighbours Helping Neighbours - Building Neighbourly Supports for Aging in Place
Crisis Intervention and Public Information Society of Greater Victoria
Youth Suicide Prevention Program Expansion
FED Urban Agriculture Society
Empowering Communities through Food Systems
Greater Victoria School District
Mental Health Navigator
Greater Victoria Social Gathering Place Society
EMP Theatre Social Gatherings
Island Ignite Mentorship Society
Island Ignite Camp
James Bay Community Project
Building Intergenerational Connections
Living Edge Community
Living Edge Neighbourhood Food Markets 2024
Oasis Society
Oasis Connects
Parkinson Wellness Projects
PWP Exercise, Counselling and Education Program
Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society
Inclusive Adventures - Community Programs
Ptarmigan Arts Society
Community Arts for Resilience and Engagement (CARE)
QomQem Coastal Connections - Peers Victoria Resources Society
QomQem Night Outreach Program
The Mustard Seed Street Church
Wellness Centre Project
Umbrella Society for Addictions and Mental Health
Recovery Day 2024
Victoria Brain Injury Society
Community Connections
VIDEA - a BC based International Development Education Association
Wisdom from the Land
Wear2Start
Wear2Start's Community Diversity & Inclusion Continuing Education
