$333,900 OTF Grants from Ontario Government Strengthen Gender-Based Violence Support Services in Halton

Oakville, ON – On Wednesday, local MPP Stephen Crawford met with the Board and Staff of SAVIS of Halton on Wednesday to recognize the impact of three grants from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) totaling $333,900 in funding, aimed at supporting survivors of gender-based violence across the Halton region.

“Our government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) continues to invest in important local organizations like SAVIS of Halton with 3 grants that have provided real and immeasurable impact. The OTF grants has helped strengthen services ensuring that those in need, have the support they have come to count on,” said Stephen Crawford, MPP for Oakville. “In May 2023, SAVIS of Halton was awarded a $98,600 Resilient Communities Fund grant to hire a Crisis Line Administrator to implement their overnight Crisis Line and improve service delivery and reducing pressure on staff and volunteers.”

A $21,300 Seed grant was awarded in September 2024 to expand access to Expressive Art Therapy groups meant to engage and support survivors and family members as they addressed the emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic—particularly for marginalized survivors with pre-existing trauma.

Finally, a $214,000 Grow grant was awarded in March 2025 funded the launch of satellite counselling locations in collaboration with like-minded organizations, improving access in communities traditionally underserved by trauma services.

These three grants have allowed SAVIS to provide trauma-informed, accessible support to survivors, while also strengthening internal operations and increasing service capacity in underserved communities.

“The impact of these Ontario government grants cannot be overstated,” said Silvia Samsa, Executive Director of SAVIS of Halton. “They have enabled us to provide much-needed services for all survivors of gender-based violence.” Samsa emphasized that the support from the OTF came at a critical time of organizational change, providing essential staff and volunteer support and helping to ensure continuity of care for survivors.

An agency of the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is one of Canada’s leading grant-making foundations. In 2023, OTF invested nearly $105 million into 732 community projects and partnerships that aim to foster healthier, more vibrant communities. Learn more at www.otf.ca.