One of this year’s recipients is Living Rock Ministries. ArcelorMittal Dofasco supported its Oasis Coffee House Saturday Program, which is accessed by youth at risk in the community, providing crisis response, meals, food bank support and access to laundry among other key resources. Dofasco’s long-time support has made it possible to provide this service to more than 1,500 youth who access the program every year.
“The program’s primary objective continues to be fostering a community that will be safe and welcoming for street-involved and homeless youth on Saturdays,” said Julie Conway, Operations Director at Living Rock Ministries. “This feels like a partnership with shared values, as we know that Dofasco’s product is steel and its strength is people. We have truly experienced that through the generous financial support that we have received to sustain this vital program and also with the volunteer support that we have received through Team Orange, at Soupfest each year.”
Karen Craig, Program Director at Living Rock says she is grateful for Dofasco’s contributions. “Every time I look at the bright orange wall and sign in Oasis Coffee House at Living Rock, I am so proud to consider the brilliant and consistent impact your organization has had on Living Rock and youth-at-risk in Hamilton,” she said. “Youth looking for community, friendship, good nutritional and hot food, showers, laundry, groceries, work opportunities and crisis support come to Weekend Program and your sign is there. Thank you for all you do for Hamilton and Living Rock.”
Another investment is in the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, which is part of our STEM investment strategy. We focus on Advanced Manufacturing and robotics through cross-curricular, elementary and secondary collaborations. Dofasco supports VEX and LEGO robotics programs at the elementary level and FIRST Robotics at the high school level. Our partnership creates opportunities in and out of the classroom for students and teachers. We are increasing opportunities for students by raising their interest in STEM through robotics, coding and advanced manufacturing.
The following are the 2019 CCIF grant recipients: Mohawk College, Hamilton Conservation Authority, Royal Botanical Gardens, ASM Materials Science Camp Canada, Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair (BASEF), Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Scientists in School, The Learning Partnership, Bay Area Restoration Council, The Bruce Trail Conservancy and Living Rock Ministries.