CAS Oxford Receives $5,000 Grant for Open Door Program

Thursday, 25 March 2021 05:43

CAS Oxford used a more than $5,000 grant to purchase new kitchen appliances and utensils for the Open Door Kitchen Renewal Project.

OXFORD COUNTY - The Open Door Program from CAS Oxford is taking advantage of grant monies from Oxford Community Foundation and the Maple Leaf Community Fund.

The $5,079.00 grant was used to purchase new fridges, stoves and kitchen utensils at the Woodstock and Ingersoll locations as part of the Open Door Kitchen Renewal Project. The facility in Tillsonburg is already equipped with a full kitchen.

Director of Services for CAS Oxford Giselle Lutfallah says they will start doing some virtual programming right away.

"We are planning to do a virtual cooking program that just maintains the connections with one another and that they have the ability to deepen those connections with each other."

The Open Door Program offers food, supports, and community connections for children, youth, and adults living in the county. It is run by volunteers and community leaders with staffing support from CAS Oxford.

They have had to shift gears during the pandemic with some virtual programming. They also offer a free clothing closet, community garden, and individualized assistance to connect with community-based supports and services continue to operate by appointment.

Plans are in place for an online parenting connection group, which will include the aforementioned virtual cooking classes. Kim volunteers for the program and is thrilled with the new appliances.

“It was really difficult to work with the old appliances which barely worked. This will make it so much easier when we are trying to cook or bake."

Tanya, another volunteer with The Open Door shared that enthusiasm.

“Healthy kids need healthy food. This grant will help us in many different ways.”

Lutfallah says local businesses have stepped up to help in a big way donations of groceries and other essential items, and
the Art Gallery of Woodstock has donated art supplies to the community through the program.

“This is such a positive program that reflects what we can accomplish when we come together. The support from Oxford Community Foundation, Maple Leaf Community Fund will help us to ensure that appliances and cooking utensils are available for our current programs, and for expanded programming in the future. Programs such as The Open Door support our mission of working together with our community to help children, youth, and families be safe, strong, and connected.”

To learn more about The Open Door, call 519-539-6176 or visit The Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County online at www.casoxford.on.ca.