Owen Sound, ON – On Friday, October 31, 2025, MPP Paul Vickers joined the team at Home and Community Support Services of Grey-Bruce (HCSS) to note the results of a $182,900 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The two-year grant, awarded in 2023, has supported HCSS to build its resilience and sustainability by acquiring supports and resources to ensure accessible, high quality and innovative programs are available to keep people in their homes and communities.
“HCSS provides essential services for many families in our community. I am pleased that the OTF recognizes this important organization and its work to enhance its service delivery for families who depend on this important agency for rides to appointments, support for elderly relatives, or respite care.” Said MPP Paul Vickers, MPP, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.
This OTF grant has enabled HCSS to engage Big Eye Innovation as strategic consultants to help the organization strengthen its programs, enhance service delivery, and adapt to the evolving needs of the community support sector. Through this partnership, HCSS has implemented a strategic leadership development program that consisted of workshops, training sessions, and development initiatives designed to build organizational capacity and support innovative thinking across all levels of the agency. These efforts have positioned HCSS to embrace new ways of working, ensuring the organization remains resilient, responsive, and ready for the future. HCSS continues to strengthen its ability to serve seniors and adults living with disabilities, helping them remain connected, independent, and supported at home.
“Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund, we were able to work with Big Eye Innovation to look at our organization with fresh eyes,” said Carolyn Laitinen, Executive Director, HCSS. “Their expertise helped us reimagine how we deliver and approach programs, strengthen our systems, and plan strategically for the future. This investment has made us more adaptable, creative, and confident in navigating change, empowering us to continue supporting our clients and communities through innovation and a progressive mindset.”
Home and Community Support Services Grey-Bruce (HCSS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people live independently in their own homes and communities. With a wide range of services including Meals on Wheels, transportation, and adult day programs, HCSS has been serving the region for over 40 years. To learn more or get involved, visit www.hcssgreybruce.com.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together, and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Photo: from left to right: Sharon Thompson, Manager of Finance, Jo-Anne Cook, Senior Director, MPP Paul Vickers, Bruce-Grey Owen Sound, Ontario Trillium Foundation Representative and volunteer Jayne Dietrich, Dementia Navigation Coordinator Ayotunde Ogunrinde, and Cody Hay, Manager of Community Development.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Cody Hay, Manager, Community Development
Home & Community Support Services of Grey-Bruce
519-372-2091 ext. 2009
chay@hcssgreybruce.com
