Ottawa – On Friday, The Ottawa Mission celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of students from its new Maintenance Services Training Program (MSTP), a free work-based learning program that provides instruction and hands-on training for students to become building superintendents upon graduation. The program was made possible thanks to a $95,200 Seed grant they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in September 2024.
Designed to be a no-barrier, job training program, the MSTP gives people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness the skills necessary to obtain gainful employment. The program is built around a work-based learning model and teaches students tangible skills aimed at dealing with real situations they will experience as building superintendents. The program modules focus on skills such as minor repairs and maintenance such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, dry wall, painting, fire safety, janitorial skills, and others.
The MSTP is modelled on the very successful Food Services Training Program (FSTP), another job training program successfully run by The Mission, which provides graduates the training and confidence to work in a commercial kitchen. Launched in 2004, over 400 students have graduated from the FSTP into new careers and lives in the food service industry.
With the successful graduation of the MSTP’s first five students, the program will now expand to 10 students beginning this fall.
Quotes
“Fighting homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that ensures that homeless people are put in a position of stability and health. Skills training is an essential part of the process of getting people back on their feet. Ottawa-Vanier is grateful to the Ottawa Mission for the altruistic work that they do, and the approval of this grant is good news.” – Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa—Vanier
“We are all so proud of these graduates and can’t wait to help even more people in need as we grow this program this fall.” – Lynn Landis, Director, Maintenance and Health Services, The Ottawa Mission
“Our goal with this new program is to emulate the success of the FSTP to lift vulnerable people out of poverty and homelessness into new careers and new lives. After five months of being in this program, these graduates have a newfound confidence in themselves that’s great to see.” – Peter Tilley, CEO, The Ottawa Mission
“For us, investing in training programs like the MSTP and FSTP is a concrete way to break the cycle of homelessness. It started with our support of providing the new location for the FSTP in 2021 with the establishment of Chef Ric’s at 384 Rideau Street. We’ve seen this program grow over the past four years and our support of the MSTP is a natural extension of this. We want to continue to support The Mission in their journey to help vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives.” – Lalit Aggarwal, President, Manor Park Holdings
“The skills that students learn are based on the real-life experiences that they will encounter as building superintendents. Program modules include minor repairs and maintenance such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, dry wall, painting, fire safety, janitorial, WHMIS and other skills. Built around a model of work-based learning, the program partners with volunteer instructors to provide hands-on training and employment.” – Andy Higgs, Manager of Maintenance, The Ottawa Mission
“We are welcoming other newcomers into Canada, helping them to adjust to new lives and new communities here. We are all searching for ways to give back, to support our communities, our city, and our nation as a whole. The MSTP has provided us with the means to do so. To The Ottawa Mission, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and all the supporters of this program, we are so grateful. You empowered us by giving us the resources we needed to succeed. I am so excited to see how this program can grow and help many more people in need.” – Abraham Akinwale, MSTP graduate and class valedictorian
About The Ottawa Mission
Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2023-2024, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 187 men every night and served an average of 3,103 meals every day. The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
C: 613.712.3092
E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com