Julien’s House opens new Nick Dyer Clubhouse thanks to Ontario government grant
On Friday, local MPP Andrew Dowie’s office met with the team at Julien’s House to hear more about the $147,800 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to transform an unusable space into a vibrant community hub now called the Nick Dyer Clubhouse. The newly revealed multi-purpose building will become the new and permanent home of Julien’s House peer-to-peer grief support programs that will be used to improve the programs and services currently running.
“Christine and Germain Gaudet’s legacy to families just like theirs has brought love and warmth to those who are grieving from loss,” said Andrew Dowie, Member of Provincial Parliament for Windsor—Tecumseh. “On behalf of Premier Doug Ford and Minister Neil Lumsden, I am proud that our government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant of $147,800 to Julien’s House will help countless Windsor-Essex families who are also missing their loved ones, chart a path forward in their honour.”
Julien’s House has been operating in various locations throughout Windsor-Essex until they could finally settle in at their location on Baseline Road. Since Julien Gaudet’s family donated Julien’s family home in 2021, much work has to be done to prepare the property.
“This is an important moment for our charity and the community. We’ve waited a long time for this. We can finally offer services at home,” stated Laura Kay, Executive Director of Julien’s House. “We are grateful to our donors and the Ontario Trillium Foundation for helping us with much-needed funding.”
Julien’s House’s mission is to support, educate, and companion individuals through their grief experience. Services offer a welcoming place where people affected by a loved one’s death can come for compassion and support throughout their personal journey.
This May, Julien’s House will launch the Share Their Name, campaign to educate people on grief and how individuals can support bereaved families by talking about their loved ones who have passed. Individuals and families are invited to purchase a lawn-sign in memory of their loved one. Share Their Name, Remember
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships.
