Innisfil Community Foundation supports innovative mental health care centre for the region

Innisfil, ON – On Thursday, May 1 at Innisfil Town Hall, the Innisfil Community Foundation made a significant investment of $25,000 to support the York Region Mental Health Community Care Centre (The Centre).

The Centre will be the first of its kind in Ontario, a unique innovation to build system capacity and improve client and family outcomes, by working towards a vision of ensuring that someone’s first mental health crisis is their last. When open 2026, The Centre will operate 24/7 and will deliver a range of specialized treatment for youth, adults and families, starting as young as 12 years old.  

"The Innisfil Community Foundation is proud to invest $25,000 in the York Region Mental Health Community Care Centre, an initiative that will revolutionize mental health care in our region," said Sandra Rizzardo, Chair, Innisfil Community Foundation. "This groundbreaking initiative offers a lifeline to individuals facing mental health and addiction crises, providing them with timely, compassionate care in a supportive environment. By funding this project, we are investing in the well-being of our community, ensuring that people in Innisfil and surrounding areas have access to the care and resources they deserve—empowering them to heal and thrive. Together, we are building a future where mental health care is accessible, effective, and transformative for all."

From design to delivery, the lead agency, Canadian Mental Health Association York and South Simcoe, is collaborating with 20+ partners including police, paramedics, hospitals, primary care providers, community mental health, addiction, social care, schools, post-secondary institutions and culturally focused organizations.  

“Collaborating with local partners and gaining the support of community organizations like Innisfil Community Foundation are critical to bringing the vision of this project to life and we are deeply grateful for their generous support,” said Rebecca Shields, CEO of CMHA York and South Simcoe. “Together, we will build more comprehensive and connected mental health services that will reduce pressures on hospital emergency departments and eliminate the harmful cycle of navigating a fragmented system by delivering immediate, compassionate care under one roof and supporting the clients' next step in recovery.”

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