The Winnipeg Foundation makes a $41,000 Grant to Epic Opportunities

Epic Opportunities is thrilled to announce a grant of $41,000 from The Winnipeg Foundation. The Foundation’s support will launch a new mental health initiative called “Bridging the Gap”, which focuses on closing the disparity in mental health resources for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Epic Opportunities is committed to equal access to mental health care and to ensuring people living with disabilities have equal access to support as everyone else in our community.

“Our team is acutely aware of the unique difficulties that people with disabilities face when seeking mental health supports,” said Ruby Reimer, Executive Director at Epic Opportunities. “Barriers like communication challenges, inadequate therapy treatment, and stigma around mental health hinder access to care for people with disabilities. Without proper care, people rely more heavily upon crisis services like hospitals and first responders thereby straining an already limited resource.”

The “Bridging the Gap” strategy will focus on Mental Wellness Education Sessions, a Mental Health Practitioner, and therapeutic sessions for the people they serve. There will be collaboration with other healthcare professionals and a focus on therapeutic plans that serve each person. Overcoming barriers is crucial for ensuring equitable and accessible mental health services.  By incorporating these services, Epic Opportunities aims to establish an inclusive environment that caters to the mental health support of every individual.

“This grant will provide mental health resources for staff and for individuals supported by Epic, and it aligns with many of The Foundation’s strategic goals,” says Neneth Bañas, Manager of Community Impact at The Winnipeg Foundation.

Established in 1972 under the name Hope Centre, Epic Opportunities has more than 50 years of offering comprehensive, person-centered assistance to those with intellectual disabilities. According to Canadian Association of Mental Health, people with intellectual developmental disabilities have increased vulnerability to mental stress compared with people in the general population. From those currently supported by Epic Opportunities, 31% of people served experience the impact of mental health challenges. Access to specialized care is scarce, as family physicians often lack the necessary training to assist this demographic. The “Bridging the Gap” initiative is set on delivering mental health aid, resources, and education to empower individuals with disabilities and tackle mental health care challenges within the community.

For media inquires, contact Stephanie Kababie, Director, Strategic Communications and Philanthropy. Ph: 431-276-9802 Email: stephaniek@epicmb.ca

For more information about Epic Opportunities, please visit www.epicmb.ca.

For more information about The Winnipeg Foundation, please visit their website.