Tuesday September 22, 2020
Demand for services at Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) has gone up significantly during the pandemic. A grant from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund supported one of Ontario’s first 24/7 text lines for survivors of sexual violence – a new service that arose from increased social isolation and physical distancing measures.
This is a good news story, but more needs to be done.
“Honestly, the biggest challenge is ensuring we have enough staff to support this large service increase when we were already under capacity before the pandemic,” says Lisa Clarke, Executive Director at KSAC. “During the pandemic, funders and partner agencies have been working together and building relationships – for example our work with Community Care and the Nourish Project providing food security for our clients – this has been so wonderful and hopeful.”
This fall, donations to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund will provide grants to eligible applicants through the Vital Community Grants program – supporting the efforts of local charities as they recover from the initial impacts of COVID-19.
Please give generously – we are stronger together.
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