NEWS RELEASE
INFORMATION ORILLIA
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Information Orillia (IO) was honored with an award at the 12th Annual Simcoe County Newcomers Recognition Awards, held on November 7, 2024. IO was the only organization from the City of Orillia to receive recognition at this prestigious event.
The ceremony took place at Tangle Creek Golf Course and Resort in the Township of Essa, with over 200 attendees, including award recipients, community partners, and elected officials.
IO received the ‘Newcomer Inclusive Service Delivery’ award, which recognizes organizations that have implemented innovative programs tailored to the needs of immigrant residents. This award highlights IO's ongoing commitment to supporting the diverse newcomer population in Orillia and beyond.
Executive Director Tammera Seyffer accepted the award on behalf of Information Orillia, joined by several members of her team.
In her acceptance speech, Seyffer emphasized the organization's dedication to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for newcomers through key initiatives, including comprehensive resource services, personalized support, community partnerships, cultural competency training, and continuous feedback to adapt to evolving needs.
Seyffer also highlighted IO’s efforts to improve opportunities for immigrants in Simcoe County, such as employment support programs, educational workshops, cultural integration events, and access to essential services.
“We’ve seen firsthand how vital these programs are in helping immigrants settle and thrive in the community,” she said.
IO recently conducted a community gap analysis to better understand the needs of newcomers and refugees, identifying service gaps and opportunities for improved settlement support in Orillia.
Abdulaziz Khattak, IO’s project manager for the grant, added, “We’re committed to becoming one of the top community organizations serving newcomers. Thanks to the leadership of our executive director and board, we’re always planning ahead to meet the community’s evolving needs. Our biggest challenge right now is securing the funding needed to fully realize these plans.”
Further emphasizing the need for additional funding, Seyffer said: “We need, at least, $100,000 from the business community to support our goal of opening a secondary, larger facility for the Community Attachment Program."
This program is for addiction and mental health and will be housed in a new space for IO — the Accessible Advocacy Center, leaving IO’s current space at the library tailored toward newcomers, wayfinding and equitable access to technology.
“The funds will be crucial to expanding the program's capacity, enabling IO to serve a growing number of participants and meet the increasing demand for its services. This expansion will provide a larger, more accessible space, fostering stronger connections within the community,” she said.
Seyffer's call to action underscores the important role local businesses can play in building a more connected and supportive environment for everyone.
The Simcoe County Newcomers Recognition Awards celebrate the significant contributions of immigrants and the organizations that support their integration and success. According to the County’s website, the awards are funded entirely through community sponsorship.
This year, awards were presented in 12 categories, recognizing the efforts of individuals, organizations, and businesses that help foster an inclusive, thriving community in Simcoe County.
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