In The News

MEDIA RELEASE October 19, 2026

$482,900 OTF Grow Grant from the Ontario Government helps people struggling with addiction to overcome barriers and achieve lasting stability

Newmarket, ON – On Friday, MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy met with the team at Cornerstone to Recovery to hear more about what’s been happening since the group received a three-year, $482,900 Grow grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), which will support and strengthen Cornerstone to Recovery’s five-week Day Recovery Program in York Region. The grant, awarded earlier this year is enabling the Day Recovery Program to provide accessible, community-based addiction recovery support for individuals who want to pursue recovery but due to personal circumstances, are unable to attend a residential treatment program.

“Every person deserves the opportunity to rebuild their life with the right support and resources,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket–Aurora. “Through this Grow grant, Cornerstone to Recovery can build on the great work made possible by its previous funding and continue supporting individuals as they overcome barriers, build confidence, and move forward in their recovery. I’m proud to see our government continue investing in this important work and making a difference in the lives of people in our community.”

The OTF grant is being used to support the delivery and growth of Cornerstone to Recovery’s five-week Day Recovery Program over the next three years, providing accessible addiction recovery services to individuals who, due to personal, family, or other circumstances, are unable to attend residential treatment. The grant is helping strengthen program delivery, increase access to recovery supports, and provide participants with the skills, confidence, and tools needed to build a strong foundation for long-term recovery. The investment is helping to create greater access to recovery services in York Region, providing an important alternative for individuals who may not be able to step away from their daily responsibilities to participate in residential treatment.

“The impact of this funding cannot be overstated. It has allowed us to expand our programming, reduce barriers, and meet the evolving needs of the community we serve,” said Carleen Riffle, Clinical Director, Cornerstone to Recovery. “We are grateful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation for providing the opportunity to strengthen our services and continue building an environment where individuals can find hope, connection, and sustainable recovery.”

Cornerstone to Recovery provides an intentional community focused on supporting those impacted by addiction achieve emotional, physical and spiritual wellness. Its next session starts on October 26th to join or for more info please call 905-762-1551

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. 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.

“The 13th Annual Cornerstone Community Stroll“

Saturday, August 8, 2026 | SpringHill Farm Walk. Celebrate. Support Recovery.

Join your community for a 5km stroll through SpringHill Farm, followed by a fun-filled outdoor BBQ and celebration. There’s something for everyone: swimming, hayrides, games, and more. Bring your family, friends, and neighbours!

Event Schedule

10:00 – 10:45 AM: Check-in & registration
11:00 AM: Stroll begins (sharp!)
12:00 – 2:30 PM: Lunch & celebration activities

Location: 16840 Keele Street, King

Why Walk?

Addiction continues to affect lives in our community. Every step you take supports life-saving addiction recovery programs. 100% of proceeds go directly to local recovery initiatives.

Fundraising Made Easy

Create your personal fundraising page, share it with friends, and spread the word using #IStrollforCornerstone.

Click here

Access our Fundraising Toolkit with templates, photos, captions, and more to help you reach your goal: Click here

Join Us!

Step up for recovery, connect with your community, and celebrate hope. Don’t miss this day of fun, support, and impact. For more info Click here

“The 9th Annual Yoga-Thon”

Join us for Cornerstone to Recovery’s 9th Annual Yoga-thon, Saturday, February 8, 2025

Your participation will ensure that 100% of the proceeds support Cornerstone’s vital Residential, Wellness, and Day Programs. Immerse yourself in the calming power of yoga and meditation, and witness how they can refresh and revitalize your mind, body, and spirit.

We invite everyone to take part in this experience!

Get Your Yoga Mat Ready!

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Join us in person at 570 Steven Court, Unit B, Newmarket, ON

Ticket can be purchased at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/cornerstonetorecovery/events/cornerstones-9th-annual-yogathon-2025/ or in person at the Club!

What You’ll Enjoy:

– Rejuvenating one-hour yoga session

– Relaxing 30-minute meditation

– Delicious light lunch for all in-person attendees

– Exclusive access to an online silent auction starting Monday, February 3, 2025

**Not Able to Attend?** You can still make a difference by purchasing a sponsor ticket to support someone on their recovery journey!

Your involvement is crucial in helping individuals and their families navigate the path to recovery from addiction. Join us for a day of healing and community!

“Mental Health Seminar held in Barrie”

The second annual Mental Health Seminar focuses on the importance of workers accessing support for mental health and addictions.

‘The 8th Annual Yoga-Thon ‘

Join us Saturday, February 24th from 10am to 12pm for a 1hr yoga class, 30-minute meditation and a celebration of recovery!

Your participation builds our community and helps us to fund our recovery programs!

Where?

570 Steven Court, Unit B Newmarket

How to buy your ticket:

-Purchase online @ https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/cornerstonetorecovery/events/cornerstone-8th-annual-yogathon-2024

-Purchase in person at Cornerstone (570 Steven Court, Unit B, Newmarket) with cash or cheque.

Ticket Options:

-$20 – Individual ticket

-$50 – Family ticket – to admit immediate family

-$100 – Generosity ticket – Includes 1 individual ticket and an $80 donation to Cornerstone with a charitable tax receipt for you!

Remember

-There will be an exciting online auction leading up to & on the day of the event. All ages & experience levels are welcome!

‘The Garden’ ready to help local women dealing with addiction

The Barrie facility is the first community treatment centre for women in Simcoe County and will offer 10 residential program beds and three transitional beds

‘Close to home’: Cornerstone to Recovery ready to launch women’s addiction-treatment centre in Barrie

Years in the making, the Newmarket-based Cornerstone to Recovery is taking in the first round of clients at its new women’s residential recovery centre in Barrie. You can smell the fresh paint on the walls, and in the kitchen the gas range still has its tags. There are no hand prints on the stainless-steel refrigerator.

Barrie’s first women’s only treatment centre is set to open next week.

On Monday, Cornerstone to Recovery granted CTV News access inside the new 3,500-square-foot facility that features 13 beds, a kitchen, common room and a roof deck patio.

“It’s long overdue to start saving lives, and when you come to Cornerstone to Recovery, you never really leave. You become part of our family,” said Lori-Ann Seward, the Director of the women’s Residential program at Cornerstone to Recovery.

‘Ready to start saving lives’: Cornerstone to Recovery’s women’s addiction-treatment centre nears opening in Barrie

Barrie nearly has its Cornerstone for addiction treatment.

Construction at Cornerstone to Recovery’s women’s residential recovery centre is nearly complete — meaning assessments for the first group of women has begun and the facility is almost ready to open its doors. Called The Garden and located in Barrie, it includes 10 residential program beds, meeting rooms and offices.

Thornhill native, Paralympian tells own story and discusses level of mental health care in Canada

Paul Rosen lived with depression, concussion concerns and was addicted to painkillers. Many people knew about Paul Rosen because of his gold medals, his sledge hockey playing and his heroism. Few knew about his backstory: His addiction to painkillers, his depression, his suicide attempts.