Melly’s Workplace has received $15,000 as a lead grant recipient for the Mayor’s Gala, which is one of the fundraisers for the Mayor’s Community Development Fund.

Melly’s, located at 1022 Brock S. S. in Whitby, is a registered charity and not-for-profit café and market with a mission to contribute to the culture of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The $15,000 grant will support the “A Part of Life” program, which provides adults who have an intellectual or developmental disability, with individualized training and skill building to help reach their goals.

“The Mayor’s Community Development Fund was created to support groups and initiatives that benefit our community. Melly’s fits that description in so many ways,” says Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy. “We know many adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities struggle to find employment. Melly’s is an example of what can be achieved when safe, accessible, supportive spaces are available to help people build their skills.”

The $15,000 grant will support program development including: hiring new coaches and contract positions; using participant feedback to partner with external experts to further build on training and growth opportunities; and events and networking with the business community to build awareness and develop relationships for potential job creation.

“We are so honoured and excited to be the lead grant recipient of the Mayor’s Community Development Fund. We want to thank Mayor Roy and the Grants Review Committee for supporting our expansive development program and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to work,” says Aimee Ruttle, Director at Melly’s Workplace and Melly’s Market + Café. “This grant will empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to recognize their potential and inspire the Whitby community to help them reach their dreams.”

Quick Facts

• The Town of Whitby has two community development funds designed to support local initiatives - the Mayor's Community Development Fund (MCDF) and the Performing Arts Community Development Fund (PACDF)
• MCDF Lead Grants are causes or organizations identified as the primary beneficiary of the Mayor and Council’s Golf Tournament and Mayor’s Fundraiser, through grant funding of up to 50 per cent of the funds raised to support a major community initiative (capital or program) benefiting the community. Lead grant applications are accepted twice a year with due dates of March 31 and October 31 annually
• MCDF and PACDF Community Grants are up to $5,000. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and reviewed monthly

More Resources

• For more information on the Mayor’s Community Development Fund, visit: whitby.ca/en/town-hall/community-development-funds.aspx
• For more information on Melly’s Workplace and Melly’s Market + Café, visit mellysworkplace.ca

For media inquiries please contact:

Office of the Mayor

Jillian Follert, Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289.387.9101; Email: follertj@whitby.ca

Corporate Communications

Erin Mikaluk, Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913; Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca