It’s been a year since Collingwood-based organization Breaking Down Barriers first received word that they’d be the recipients of an Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital grant.
And on Friday, they finally cut the ribbon on their newly-renovated digs.
On Sept. 20, Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson and Ontario Trillium Foundation volunteer Debora Bloom Hall attended Breaking Down Barriers on Ste. Marie St. to celebrate the $147,100 Trillium Foundation Grant, that went toward the installation of a new vertical lift and the addition of more desk space for volunteers on the second floor of their office.
Previous to this, volunteers and people receiving support through the non-profit were unable to access the second floor of the building.
“It feels absolutely incredible and amazing,” said Breaking Down Barriers executive director Teresa Gal. “You go from a place where you’re (making) things work the best you can to actually going to streamlined spaces. There are no obstacles for people using a mobility device.”
Breaking Down Barriers provides supports, services and programs to enhance opportunities for people with diverse disabilities to live independently in the communities of South Georgian Bay, Simcoe, Grey and Bruce Counties.
While the organization has been in existence for 39 years, they first moved into the Ste. Marie St. location six years ago as their first home base.
They received word they were successful in their application for Trillium grant funding back in September 2023, and started construction this past December.
“There were a lot of little details to figure out and consider,” said Gal.
The funds came just in time too. Gal estimates that when she first started with the organization, they were supporting between 500 and 600 people a year. Now, she estimates they’re supporting about 6,800 individuals.
“This will help get them more involved behind the scenes,” she said.
Kathryn Bloomfield, one of the original founders of Breaking Down Barriers, was on hand on Friday to help cut the ribbon.
“I think the addition of the lift is going to open a lot of doors to consumers to be able to be more fully involved in the organization,” said Bloomfield. “When I started out, I envisioned making places more accessible.”
For more information about Breaking Down Barriers, click here.
