Niagara Knowledge Exchange

Portage Medical Family Health Team (PMFHT) Walking Group: Every Other Wednesday
2023-10-25 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Gale Centre, 5152 Thorold Stone Rd, Niagara Falls, on, Canada
Take that first step to engage in regular exercise with Portage Medical Family Health Team. Meet others in your community and gain some support for coping with everyday life. Our goal is to have a positive impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of everyone. All ages and fitness levels are welcome! Every other Wednesday @ 1:00. To register for our BeneFITs Walking Group,
Call 905.354.9393, ext. 1
Event Date and Time: October 25, 2023 @ 1:00, November 8, 2023 @ 1:00, November 22, 2023 @ 1:00, December 6, 2023 @ 1:00 and December 20, 2023 @ 1:00
Location: Gale Centre – 5152 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls, Rink 1 second flr.

Webinar: Risk and protective factors of elder abuse
2023-10-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Webinar
The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging provides valuable data to identify elder abuse risk and protective factors. Research using the CLSA indicates that elder abuse is widespread: one out of every ten older adults reports experiencing some type of elder abuse each year, and that abuse disproportionately impacts older adults living with or developing vulnerabilities over time related to physical health, functional capacity, cognitive capacity, and/or mental health.
Research, led by Dr. David Burnes of the University of Toronto, shows that social support can serve to protect older adults from elder abuse, including engagement with in-person or online social networks. Findings also point to a life course component respondents reporting experiences of childhood maltreatment were more likely to report elder abuse in older adulthood. These results can be used to help inform urgently needed prevention efforts.
The next CLSA webinar will explore research on risk and protective factors of elder abuse, using the CLSA’s longitudinal data. This research compared baseline (2015) characteristics or changes in characteristics over a three-year period to predict the prevalence and severity of both overall elder abuse and separate subtypes (emotional abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse) at follow-up (2018). Join us on Wednesday, October 25 at noon for a presentation and discussion of the research.
Dr. David Burnes, Professor at the University of Toronto, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, holds a Canada Research Chair on Older Adult Mistreatment Prevention. He completed a PhD at Columbia University School of Social, concentrating in gerontology and advanced practice. Dr. Burnes’ program of research focuses on elder mistreatment, including the development of basic knowledge (risk factors, prevalence, severity) and the design, evaluation, and measurement of interventions to prevent and respond to elder mistreatment. He advises major international organizations on elder mistreatment, such as the World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health, as well as federal and regional governments in Canada and the United States. Dr. Burnes also works with non-profit organizations, such as state-level adult protective services programs, on the development, implementation and measurement of elder mistreatment response and prevention programs.
Dr. Burnes and colleagues developed RISE, an evidence-based, community-based elder mistreatment response program that works in partnership with other systems to respond to cases involving older adults who are at risk of or experiencing elder mistreatment or self-neglect. His interest in elder mistreatment stems from both family experience and clinical practice with older adults.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease
2023-10-25 10:00 - 23:30 | Online
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, which is a term to describe the loss of cognitive functioning. Join us as we:
– Gain a greater understanding of the process of receiving a diagnosis
– Increase your knowledge of the stages and progression of Alzheimer’s
– Learn about community services and supports
Register online at alzheimerniagara.ca or call our office at 905-687-3914.

Brock University's Medieval and Renaissance Society - Book Sale
2023-10-25 09:30 - 15:00 | Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
The Brock University’s Medieval and Renaissance Society (BUMARS student group) will be holding its successful bi-annual book sale. Great books on all topics for amazing prices to build your own personal library. Cash only, no e-transfer ability.
Located on Canadian Tire Bridge, between Taro Hall and Plaza on Main Campus, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way. October 25, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Niagara Local Immigration Partnership (LIM) presents Training Active Bystanders Workshop
2023-10-25 09:30 - 12:00 | Webinar
Training Active Bystanders Workshop Wednesday, Oct. 25 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Contact Lisa.Garlent@niagararegion.ca if you are interested.

Mini-Grants Program Application Deadline: October 23, 2023
2023-10-23 12:00 | Online
The Mini-Grants Program provides $750 grants to eligible organizations for projects that address the Foundation’s granting priorities. This program provides a time-sensitive, streamlined and responsive process for smaller projects. This grant is not suitable for projects that have a budget exceeding $2500.
Grant Making Priorities

Addressing the issues/indicators in the Living in Niagara Report 2020, or,
Assisting with the development and implementation of tools and resources that would contribute to an organization’s success; including professional and organizational development and training

Click here for general information about Niagara Community Foundation Grant Programs: https://niagaracommunityfoundation.org/charities/

Innovate Niagara Presents Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Product and Service Design Workshop
2023-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Stone Mill Inn, 271 Merritt St, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2T 1K1, Canada
Are you interested in improving your skills in building reciprocal relationships with diverse communities to learn from each other, share ideas, design or deliver products, programs or services with mutual benefit? How can you remove barriers to access and increase participation from across your client base?
This presentation will provide five practical steps to promote inclusive community engagement, integrating best practices with examples from work at Niagara Region relating to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre Presents High Arctic Light: Janet Read
2023-10-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, 247 Ricardo Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, l0s1j0, Canada
At the heart of the exhibition lies a spiritual response to the landscape and the imperiled ecosystems of the northernmost reaches. Janet translates her personal dialogue with the landscape into a visual language that evokes emotion and contemplation.
The public is warmly welcomed to the opening reception on Sunday, October 15th, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to personally engage with the artist, savour the artwork, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts over refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Janet Read will offer remarks around 2:30 pm. This event is generously supported by Château des Charmes, providing an assortment of fine wines.
The artist wishes to acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

Reimagined Elegance - Thrift Store to support Social Services programs in Grimsby
2023-10-11 18:00 - 21:00 | GBF Thrift Store, 40 Elm Street, Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
You’re invited to Reimagined Elegance brought to you by GBF Community Services.
This evening will be showcasing exquisite secondhand finds, silent auction, door prizes, & light refreshments.
GBF thrift store is an exciting place to shop, with new merchandise arriving daily, appealing displays, enticing sales, and above all, pleasant and helpful volunteers and staff, what’s not to love?
Your purchases give twice. Proceeds support the several Social Services programs in Grimsby.
Discover new treasures for yourself, family and friends at our location 40 Elm Street, Grimsby, ON. WE will be open Wednesday October 11 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. See you there!

NCF Community Grants Program Application Deadline: October 2, 2023
2023-10-10 12:00 | Online
Our Community Grants Program focuses on finding ways to help individuals, families, organizations and communities prosper. While Niagara is facing many challenges, we also have an opportunity to seek new and sustainable ways of addressing community issues and creating a more collaborative approach to meeting the challenges facing organizations and our community.
Applications for the Community Grants must have a maximum ask of $15,000.
Grant Making Priorities

Addressing the issues/indicators in the Living in Niagara Report 2020, or,
Assisting with the development and implementation of tools and resources that would contribute to an organization’s success; including professional and organizational development and training

Click here for general information about Niagara Community Foundation Grant Programs: https://niagaracommunityfoundation.org/charities/

Birchway Niagara Daily Raffle September - November 2023
2023-10-10 | Online
Niagara’s favourite daily raffle is now online! Purchase your ticket for only $10, for 30 chances to win cash, gift cards and prizes during Domestic Violence Awareness Month this November!
Tickets purchased by 10:00 a.m. on October 10 will also be eligible for a $300 Early Bird prize!
This year’s grand prize is $1000!
Every ticket you purchase will the support critical domestic violence services of Birchway Niagara (formerly Women’s Place).

Memorial Forest Vigil
2023-10-05 15:00 - 16:00 | Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site, 1860 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, Ontario, l2t4c2, Canada
Founded in 2009, the Memorial Forest seeks to reduce the stigma around mental illness and promote greater understanding and compassion from the community as a whole.
The site is located at the Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site at 1860 Sir Isaac Brock Way in St. Catharines. It features mature trees, an inscribed stone and plaques that honour family and friends who have passed on after battling mental illness.
We want to provide an opportunity to share stories of hope and success as told by individuals and family members living with mental illness.
Annual Memorial Forest Vigil
Every October, a Memorial Forest Vigil takes place on the Thursday during Mental Illness Awareness Week. This event is free and does not require registration.
2023 Vigil

Thursday, Oct. 5
3 – 4 p.m.
Memorial Forest in the Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site

The event includes live music, a lived experience speaker, readings and more. The community is welcome to join the event in-person or to view the event online within a week after the event.
This event is rain or shine. Some seating is provided.
Getting to the Memorial Forest

By foot: Enter through the Glenridge Quarry parking lot and walk five to 10 minutes along a stone path
By car: Enter through the gate at Sir Isaac Brock Way

Click here to view the poster Memorial Forest Vigil Invitation

Harvest Pie Festival at Market Square
2023-10-05 12:00 - 15:00 | Market Square, 91 King St, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Join us at Market Square on Thursday, October 5 as the St. Catharines Downtown Association and the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre take over the Farmers Market in a partnership with the City of St. Catharines.
The Pie Festival runs from noon to 3 p.m. and will feature sweet and savory pies from local bakers and other small businesses. $5 from each pie sale will support local charities.

Under Pressure: Disruptive Demographic Change, its Impact on Labor Markets, and the Clear Path Forward
2023-10-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Humber College, 205 Humber College Blvd, Toronto, Ontario, M9W 5L7, Canada
Public talk by Bradley Schurman, Author, ‘The Super Age’ (2022).
On behalf of Dr. Ginger Grant, Dean, Humber College Research and Innovation and the Aging in Community Education and Research hub (ACER), I am excited to invite you to hear Bradley speak at Humber’s North Campus on Wednesday, October 4 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (light refreshments provided, Q & A). Please see, save and feel free to share the attached event poster.
Bradley Schurman is an expert on demographic change and how it disrupts worldwide social, cultural, political and economic norms.
Three key messages you can expect from Bradley’s talk include:

Demographic change directly impacts the Canadian workforce and economy and we must act on labour challenges today
Older workers present the best opportunity to grow the Canadian economy during this period of disruptive demographic change
Leading companies worldwide proactively engage older workers through inclusive recruitment and retention practices and strategies that leverage the power of the generations

Hosted by:
Humber College Research and Innovation
ACER (Aging in Community Education and Research hub)

Event Location:
Humber College, BCTI 107/108
205 Humber College Blvd., Etobicoke, Ontario
*Light refreshments provided.

Registration required. Registration details will be available the first week of September, 2023.
For further details, contact: jocelyn.ho@humber.ca
Click here to view PDF

Trauma-Centred/Trauma-Sensitive Yoga
2023-10-03 14:30 - 15:30 | Victoria Library, 4848 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Dates: Tuesdays 2:30-3:30 (Sept 12th – October 17th)
Venue: Victoria Library (in the Rosburg Gallery) 4848 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls
Open to those identifying as women/female with a history of trauma. Visit our website for more information and registration.
Brought to you by Portage Medical Family Health Team

Digital Anti-Racism Education Online Workshop - Islam: Its Roots and Wings
2023-10-03 10:00 - 14:00 | Webinar
The workshop is open to all and will be held online October 3rd from 10 am to 12 pm. Register here: Islam: Its Roots and Wings
For more information please visit: https://welcomeniagaracanada.com/local-immigration-partnership/

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
2023-09-30 | Canada
Sept 30th is national day for Truth and Reconciliation. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
It is also Orange Shirt day https://orangeshirtday.org/ , an Indigenous- led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the “Every Child Matters” concept.
Click here https://noht-eson.ca/ndtr/ to see a summary of Orange Shirt Day events and resources provided by the Niagara Ontario Health Team (NOHT-ESON) and its partners.

GBF Healthy Eating For Wellness Wednesday's September 28th - November 2nd
2023-09-28 | Grimsby Benevolent Fund, 19 Elm St, Grimsby, Ontario, Canada
By attending all six course sessions, you will:
• Learn about how you can introduce nutritious eating choices and habits to improve your PHYSICAL health one step at a time.
• Learn how being mindful of what you eat can affect your MENTAL wellness.
• Connect with others to develop SOCIAL connections with like-minded people that can support your healthy eating journey, and
• Adapt to ENVIRONMENTAL challenges by introducing smart planning, shopping, and cooking techniques.

Healing Life's Hurts Through Awareness, Compassion and Self-care.
2023-09-27 10:00 - 2023-09-29 17:30 | Online
If you are looking to complete training in our Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model (ITATM) our next training is scheduled for September and we still have some spaces available.
Part 1 can be completed online. It is pre recorded so you can self-pace your learning.
Part 2 will be offered live online September 27 – 29 from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm. Offering a later start for those of you in pacific time zones!
Learn more & register here
Our Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model ® is an embodied model that uses an integrative and neurosequential approach for the reprocessing and reappraisal of the central details of trauma memories. It is a rich integrative approach with components of sensory processing, somatic therapy, art, visualization, resourcing and reframing in an integrative and structured manner to regulate the body, brain and mind simultaneously. Therapists around the world are learning the efficacy and power of this treatment model – and one of the best features for clients is that they DON’T NEED TO TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED! We have actively been using this model at our 2 treatment centres (@ATTCH Niagara and @Lori_Gill_Psychotherapy) with great efficacy for treating complex trauma. It is a highly effective and accelerated treatment model for treating the underlying issues causing the pain, addiction, suicide ideation, high risk behaviour etc. Using the Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model (ITATM)® we observe statistically and clinically significant reductions in suicide ideation, tension reduction behaviours (self-harm, addictions, high risk behaviours), anger, depression, anxiety, and dissociation are observed with the use of our treatment approach. These are areas that often impact daily life skills, education, employment, the ability to remain regulated, maintaining safe housing, utilization of high risk and crisis services, etc.
Results from the program evaluation of our model completed by Victoria Dobson and Dr. Paul Frewen, Western University Hospital demonstrated clinically and statistically significant changes in these areas, often with observable reductions occurring in as few as 5-6 sessions! This is not to say everyone is fully recovered at the completion of treatment as we are working with complex trauma and as such there are no easy solutions. However these are outcomes that are very realistic of a complex trauma population and demonstrate that there is benefit to the treatment being offered.
Average reductions at the time of review in high risk areas were as follows:
Depression 9.61 reduction
Suicidality 10.20 reduction
Anger 9.98 reduction
Dissociation 8.71 reduction
These are areas that often impact daily life skills, the ability to remain regulated, maintain safe housing, utilization of high risk and crisis services etc. As such any reductions in these areas demonstrates a positive shift towards a more emotionally regulated state.
If you are ready to become trauma-informed or enhance your trauma treatment this training will help you to learn an effective and efficient model for doing so.
A wide variety of continuing education options are also available online and soon will be launched in a new platform (https://attch.getlearnworlds.com/courses).
Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing (ATTCH) also offers custom trauma trainings and certification to meet your agency, community, or practice needs. Join us to learn leading edge approaches to treating complex trauma and promoting post-traumatic growth.
Let’s work together to heal life’s hurts and hearts!
www.attch.org
https://youtu.be/EkeCeX8Dg94

Grape and Wine Grande Parade After-Party
2023-09-23 14:00 - 23:00 | Downtown St. Catharines
The Caribbean vibes return to Downtown St. Catharines after the Grape & Wine Grande Parade on September 23! Keep the party going and help us celebrate our migrant workers with live music, face painting and kids activities, food trucks, and LOTS of dancing! This event is in collaboration with Black Owned 905, Reminisce Mas by the Power of Music Alliance, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, PK Hummingbird, and the St. Catharines Downtown Association, head to http://www.MyDowntown.ca to learn more

Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation: Hope in Motion
2023-09-16 11:30 - 14:00 | Canada Games Park, 2021 Canada Game Way, Thorold, Ontario, Canada
Hope in Motion is a mobility inclusive event where you set the challenge! Walk or wheel your way around the track at Canada Games Park, at your own pace, setting your own goal.
We’re bringing together our HDS family of healthcare staff, patients, program graduates and loved ones, along with our caring community to raise funds for patient equipment needs at Hotel Dieu Shaver – Niagara’s only rehabilitation and complex care hospital.
Whether your goal is 50m or 5,000m, 1 lap or 10 laps, all abilities are invited to help us set Hope in Motion!
Visit http://www.HopeInMotion.ca for more information or to register.

Laugh with Us Comedy Fundraiser
2023-09-15 19:00 - 22:00 | Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4, 383 Morningstar Ave., Welland, on
Happy in my Home, Community Support Services of Niagara and Garden City Comedy Festival have teamed up to bring you a night of laughter that only experienced comics can bring you. Gather some family, friends, coworkers and come have some fun!
Proceeds go to helping local seniors and adults with disabilities with support services such as Meals on Wheels, transportation to and from medical appointments, grocery order/delivery, homemaking and more, allowing our clients to remain independent, safe and Happy in their Homes. These services not only help our clients, they also help to ease the caregivers load of responsibility and worry about their loved one.
Location: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4,
383 Morningstar Ave., Welland, ON
Time: Doors open at 6:00pm Show starts at 7:00pm
Tickets: $25 Individual Ticket
$175 Table for 8 (Reserved)
$500 Sponsor Table for 8 (Reserved)
$250 Sponsor Table for 8 (Reserved)
Beverages: Cash Bar
Food: Light snacks available to purchase

An annual weekend gathering of Indigenous Arts, Culture and Tradition
2023-09-08 - 2023-09-10 | First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2r3m2, Canada
Come celebrate an annual weekend gathering of Indigenous Arts, Culture and Tradition
Presented by FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre & Kakekalanicks Indigenous Consulting Company
This year, the PAC will proudly host a curated program of Indigenous music, dance, film, teachings and traditional arts, as well as engaging workshops and distinguished speakers. The PAC’s backyard will open each day with a Sunrise Ceremony, host vendors and teachings as well as Saturday’s powerful Procession of Nations.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Michele-Elise Burnett (Métis with Algonquin roots, Bear Clan) and Artistic Producer Tim Johnson (Mohawk), this annual partnership brings community together to honour and celebrate the heritage, culture and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples of Turtle Island and beyond.
This year’s marquee events include:

Homelands by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre on Fri 8 Sept
Border Crossing / Blues featuring Digging Roots and The Ripcords on Sat 9 Sept
Living Mino Bimaadiziwin: An Indigenous Journey through the Arts exhibition
Closing concert featuring Tonemah + full band on Sun 10 Sept

Visit celebrationofnations.ca for full schedule
To contact us, please email: celebrationofnations AT firstontariopac.ca

Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre presents Of Beauty and The Sublime
2023-09-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, 247 Ricardo Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, l0s1j0, Canada
The September exhibit in the Joyner Gallery of the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is dedicated to showcasing the mixed media collage, paintings and sculptures of Niagara-on-the-Lake artist Ronald Boaks.
Adorning the walls of the gallery are Ronald Boaks’ art pieces. The artworks are a unique assemblage of various artistic mediums, including drawings, monoprints, paintings, and still life photographs. These diverse elements have been created and collected by Ronald Boaks over the course of the last thirty years, providing viewers with a retrospective look at the evolution of his creative expression over the years.
Visitors to the gallery will have the opportunity to explore not only the artist’s captivating mixed media collages but also his intriguing sculptures. These sculptures are crafted using a combination of wood, steel, and stone, resulting in dynamic and thought-provoking three-dimensional pieces.
Join us on Sunday, Sept 3rd from 2:00-4:00 pm for an opening reception and an opportunity to meet Ronald Boaks in person. Admire the paintings over nibbles and refreshments with other art appreciators. Remarks at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Feeding Children – Success is in the Details
2023-09-01
This training program is offered by Nutrition Connections (Ontario Public Health Association/OPHA) and the Ellyn Satter Institute. The program explores the intricacies involved in the application of the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR).
Expert Ellyn Satter Institute (ESI) faculty members will walk you through how to set parents and caregivers on a path to success and avoid common pitfalls. You will work through nine modules including three case studies while interacting with your instructors and fellow participants via virtual chat. You will also have the opportunity to attend a live one-hour Q&A with an ESI faculty member in the fall of 2023 (details TBD).
Regular – $449 (Discounts available for OPHA members and Groups of 3 or more – contact: mlustri@opha.on.ca)
Register here: https://nutritionconnections.ca/product/feeding-children-success-is-in-the-details-2023-training/
For more information about the course, contact:
Sandy Maxwell, registered dietitian, Nutrition Connections Senior Policy and Program Strategist, and ESI faculty member
Phone: 416-367-3313 ext. 202
Email: smaxwell@opha.on.ca.

International Overdose Awareness Day March
2023-08-31 17:00 - 19:30 | Downtown St. Catharines
Mark the day, make your signs, call your friends and family to join, and help in raising awareness about opioid poisonings in the Niagara Region, making safer supply programs more accessible, and call for decriminalization of substances.
Please join us on Thursday, August 31st, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM EST for a march and rally to memorialize those who have been lost to opioid poisonings and overdose.
Please begin gathering at St. Catharines City Hall (50 Church Street) at 5:00 PM EST.
The performance by the Strong Water Singers will begin around 5:15 and the march will commence afterwards at 5:30 PM EST. We will then walk to Silver Spire Church (366 St. Paul Street) finishing at 6:00 PM EST. Several community partners will be gathered to table and offer educational and supportive opportunities surrounding opioid poisonings, substance use, and related health concerns. Speakers and the Strong Water Singers will be presenting, as well.
******All major Niagara landmarks will be lit purple on August 31st. This includes Niagara Falls, The Niagara Region Sign, Brock Tower, and Welland’s Bridge 13. We would love to see your photos if you are able to spot one of the landmarks! A big thank you to Tracy for coordinating this!
Brought to you by: The Overdose Prevention and Education Network of Niagara (OPENN)

United Way Niagara 2023 Food Support Grant Application deadline
2023-08-31 16:00 | Online
Food Support Grant – Open Call for Registered Charities Deadline to Apply is Thursday, August 31 at 4pm EST
United Way Niagara is pleased to offer a 2023 Food Support Grant to provide immediate relief to community partners working in food security that are struggling due to increased demand, coupled with the rise in food prices.
The Food Support Grant is a funding opportunity available to solely support the purchase of food for any registered charity delivering food security initiatives in Niagara. Registered charities that are experiencing and/or anticipating a budget shortfall to purchase food for food related programs and services are encouraged to complete the Food Support Grant application.
The deadline to apply is Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time.
Funds will be distributed to successful applicants in October 2023.
To be eligible for the Food Support Grant Program, organizations must meet all seven (7) of the eligibility criteria, as follows:
1. Be a registered charity; and
2. Be experiencing and/or anticipating a food program budget shortfall to purchase food to meet the needs of the community; and
3. Have less than six months of operational reserves available (or an explanation); and
4. Be able to provide audited financial statements or a review engagement report; and
5. Agree to recognize United Way Niagara for the grant; and
6. Agree to use the grant funds solely toward the purchase of food; and
7. Agree to report back on the Food Support Grant Form (provided by United Way) describing the use of the grant.
You can find more details and the portal with instructions and the application form at: https://www.unitedwayniagara.org/apply-for-funding/
If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact Tamara Coleman-Lawrie at United Way at tamara@unitedwayniagara.org or at 905-688-5050, Ext. 2109.

Positive Living Niagara Health Fair
2023-08-31 11:00 - 15:00 | Niagara Falls Community Health Centre, 4790 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Positive Living Niagara is inviting you to join us on Thursday, August 31st, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST at the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre to hold space for those who have been affected by overdose in the Niagara Region and abroad. The fair will provide members of the community an opportunity to learn about overdoses, overdose prevention, and substance use.
Naloxone (Narcan) training will be available onsite, as well as Hepatitis C and other STBBI testing. Service providers that will be present include the Niagara Region Community Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Niagara Region Public Health – Sexual Health Program, REACH Clinic, Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), and Positive Living Niagara.
The Overdose Prevention and Education Network of Niagara (OPENN)

Niagara Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Community of Practice Feedback Survey Deadline
2023-08-25 | Online
🌟Join the Niagara Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Community of Practice 🌟
Are you passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Niagara Region? We have an incredible opportunity for you to be a part of a transformative initiative!
Introducing the Niagara DEI Community of Practice 🤝🌈
Aligned with the Niagara Region DEI Action Plan 2023-2027, this dynamic network is open to all organizations in Niagara that share a common interest in supporting DEI efforts. Whether you’re dedicated to fostering inclusion within your organization or committed to driving positive change in the broader community, this is the platform for you.
What is the Niagara DEI Community of Practice all about?
Our mission is to advance equity, build welcoming and inclusive communities and workplaces, and eliminate barriers and forms of discrimination. We believe that by coming together, we can create a region where diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritized, and inclusion is the norm.
Why should you join?
🌍 Make a Difference: By being a part of this vibrant community, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive Niagara Region. Your voice matters, and your contributions will have a direct impact on creating positive change.
🤝 Collaborate and Learn: Connect with like-minded organizations, share insights, and learn from each other’s experiences. Collaborative efforts are a powerful catalyst for driving meaningful change.
📚 Stay Informed: Gain access to a wealth of resources, reports, and background documents related to the Niagara Region DEI Action Plan. Stay informed and equipped with the knowledge to make a difference.

How to Get Involved:
We would like to hear from you if you would like to join the Community of Practice, why you would like to join, and your feedback on the logistics such as how often and where to meet. Please complete our short survey by August 25, 2023.
Do you know of other organizations that share our passion for DEI? Feel free to share and help us grow our community.

Tenant Rights Information Session
2023-08-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Niagara Falls Public Library, 4848 Victoria Ave, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
