In 2018 Children’s Treatment Network (CTN) received a $336,300 Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support a Family Resource Program that creates a sense of belonging for families of children and youth on the autism spectrum, along with other disabilities and developmental needs.

The grant has allowed CTN to establish a program that has supported over 1,200 families and can continue to support more families, reduce isolation and build connections to the community and one another.  

“Children’s Treatment Network has been a great partner to the province over the years, and I am incredibly proud of the work they have been able to accomplish with the funding they received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.” said MPP Michael Parsa for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill. “Especially during the pandemic, youth and children with special needs and their families have greatly benefited from the increased support. Thanks to CTN’s efforts and with the help from the OTF, there are more resources, partners, volunteers and other staff available to help people find services that are best suited for them.”

OTF’s support has enabled the development of a Family Mentor Program, connecting families with other families who have lived experience. It has also supported the development of an online resource centre which contains over 600 links to resources and information on a range of topics from funding to recreational opportunities. The program has also helped to host over 100 workshops so parents could meet and learn from others with lived experience.

"This three-year OTF Grow Grant has been invaluable to families who are involved in the program,” said Karen Eisler, Chief Executive Officer, CTN. “It has enabled us to fine tune, expand and build a sustainable program that will continue to focus on connecting families to information, resources and each other.”

The OTF is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.

CTN is a children’s treatment centre that builds brighter futures together for over 23,000 children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs in their homes, communities or schools through a network of service partners. CTN offers community, school-based rehabilitation services and specialized medical, diagnostic and assessment services in York Region and Simcoe County. In addition, CTN has an expanded catchment area for school-based rehabilitation services that includes Central and West Toronto. As the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Diagnostic Hub in Central region, CTN partners with local agencies to also serve Dufferin, Halton, Peel, Waterloo and Wellington regions. CTN provides over 95,000 service visits per year.