$68,000 and $53,900 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grants Support Office Renovation and Service Innovation at JIAS Toronto

June 23, 2025

THORNHILL – On Monday, June 16th, 2025, Thornhill MPP Laura Smith visited JIAS Toronto to learn more about how the organization is benefiting from two grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF): a $68,000 Capital Grant and a $53,900 Seed Grant. These grants are helping JIAS enhance its physical space and streamline its internal operations to better serve immigrants and refugees across the GTA.

“By enhancing these facilities and strengthening its operational capacity, JIAS is better equipped to provide critical services to immigrants across the Greater Toronto Area. Investments like these are essential to fostering inclusive and welcoming communities where all have the opportunity to thrive,” said Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill.

“For over a century, JIAS has been there to help new Canadians achieve the Canadian dream,” said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan. “As the son of immigrants myself, I am proud of our government’s investment in JIAS so they can continue helping newcomers in King and Vaughan gain employment, skills, and opportunity in the economy to enable self-reliance and success.”

The Capital Grant funded key renovations at JIAS Toronto’s 1 Open Door office, a shared space with partners including JF&CS and JVS. These improvements have made the space more accessible and functional for clients and staff.

The Seed Grant is enabling JIAS to implement a comprehensive project management system, including software and staff training. This new system will improve service delivery across the board, from newcomer programs to crisis response, by ensuring greater efficiency and coordination.

“OTF has been a valued partner to JIAS for many years,” said Naomi Kramer, Senior Manager, Development at JIAS Toronto. These grants are strengthening our ability to deliver effective programs and respond to the complex challenges newcomers face.”

“This grant strengthened our ability to collaborate internally on complex cases, allowing us to bring together expertise from across departments to support the most demanding and challenging client cases more effectively.” Said Olesia, Project Specialist – Crisis and Strategic Initiatives at JIAS Toronto.

JIAS was established in 1922 to assist Jewish refugees coming to Canada. Today, JIAS Toronto is the only Jewish social service agency in Canada solely dedicated to providing settlement services to immigrants and refugees. JIAS is inclusive, LGBTQ+ friendly, and proud to serve all newcomers regardless of faith or country of origin. We have a diverse staff and offer settlement services in a variety of languages.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.

Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Office of Laura Smith
Member of Provincial Parliament for Thornhill
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing 

laura.smith@pc.ola.org