2009 annual report -- eva's initiatives

ANNUAL REPORT 2009

BOARD OF DIRECTORSOUR MISSION is to work collaboratively with homeless and at-risk youth to help them reach their potential to lead productive, self sufficient and healthy lives by providing safe shelter and a range of services, and to create long term solutions for homeless youth by developing and implementing proactive and progressive services.

VOLUNTEERS enable Eva’s to carry out our important work with homeless youth. Whether it be joining a committee, helping out at an event, mentoring a youth or facilitating programs at one of our sites, every bit of volunteer support we get furthers our mission. Thank you to the 315 volunteers that together gave 1,882 hours to Eva’s in 2009.

EXECUTIVEDavid St. AmandPresidentHeather BrownVice-PresidentColin PhillipsTreasurerMaya DansereauSecretaryKen SilverPast President

DIRECTORSTyler BarrackPatricia GloudonJane HaberbuschAdrian IshakJeff LewisRob MyersJennifer Ocampo-KingDavid RobertsonKathryn RossCouncillor David ShinerEmree Siaroff

HONORARY BOARD MEMBERSEd SmithEdeva Smith

CONTENTSPREVENTION 3-4CounsellingFamily ReconnectNational Initiative

EMERGENCY CARE 5-6Harm ReductionShelterHealth Care

TRANSITION 7-13Transitional HousingIndependent LivingCommunity GardensLife SkillsLeadershipRecActionEmployment & Technology TrainingPhoenix Print Shop

AWARDS 14

FINANCIALS 15

www.evasinitiatives.comPhotography credits to volunteer Stephen Morley for images on pages 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

EVA’S INITIATIVES 2009 ANNUAL REPORT 2

MESSAGE FROM EVA’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND PRESIDENT

The past year saw some incredible new beginnings for Eva’s Initiatives. Despite the continuing cloud of global

fiscal uncertainty that hung over us all, we were able to move forward in a cautious and measured way.

The opening of our new Eva’s Satellite facility occurred in November, 2009 and was a much anticipated

and long overdue achievement. The new facility has provided the physical space and resources to finally

operate a fulsome and highly responsive Harm Reduction Program for youth who are struggling with drug

and alcohol use. The increased staffing, the enhanced programming and the amazing new building have all

come together to make this program the pre-eminent harm reduction program for youth in the country.

An added testament to this is the increasing demand we now experience, from groups across the country,

looking for information to assist them in the development of similar programs and services.

Construction began on the new Buzz Hargrove Youth Training Centre. This expansion to our current Eva’s

Phoenix site will house the greatly expanded Phoenix Print Shop, as well as facilities to accommodate our

growing roster of training and employment opportunities for homeless youth. We look forward to a grand

opening in 2010, and more importantly, to strengthening the supports and options we are able to offer to

homeless youth who are committed to gaining independence and self sufficiency.

At Eva’s Place, our Family Reconnect Program continued to achieve its remarkable outcomes. We have

embarked on a project with York University, which will result in the development of a toolkit to assist

other groups across Canada to replicate this very critical program. Eva’s Place will also be our first facility

to proceed with the installation of solar panels, in our ongoing attempts to green our operations, and leave

as small a carbon footprint as possible.

Our many ground-breaking programs have garnered the attention of corporations and organizations across

this country, as well as internationally. Our National Initiatives Program continues to move forward to

strengthen our partnerships and expand our collaborative efforts with a growing number of youth serving

organizations across the country. It has become very clear that a national solution is necessary, and as

such we are working tirelessly to build the capacity of the youth sector, and to provide leadership on

a national level. We believe that effective solutions can be found, and are committed to working with

leading innovators and thinkers across the country to achieve this end.

As an organization, we are on an incredible journey, and continuously strive to make as great a

contribution as possible. We are only able to do this as a result of the support we receive from the

community, our funders, donors, and volunteers. We are glad you have decided to join us in this journey,

and look forward to the coming year with great anticipation.

Maria Crawford, Executive Director David St. Amand, President

PREVENTION


COUNSELLING

Every resident at Eva’s is unique and has distinct needs. That’s why each youth undergoes a stringent, formalized and confidential intake, assessment and screening process. We consider the whole person – mental, physical, aspirational. An integral component is a personalized Action Plan to empower youth to set, work toward and achieve both short- and long-term goals. An Action Plan identifies skills, attitudes and behaviours. It provides choices and dedicated staff to help youth gain knowledge, assess strengths and develop socially while pursuing passions and interests.

FAMILY RECONNECT

The Family Reconnect Program helps homeless youth and their families rebuild relationships. It includes an early prevention component to keep youth from leaving home in the first place. Each year, the results are compelling and hopeful – providing street-involved youth and their families with skills to open a healthy dialogue, discuss challenges and overcome differences.

2009 HIGHLIGHTS58 • youth assisted in returning home, moving into supportive or independent community housing or remaining at home through early interventionTotal savings to Toronto shelter •system (based on average 3-month stay): $312,000 Nancy Abrams, Supervisor, Family •Reconnect – only Canadian winner of 2010 Harlequin More Than Words Award honouring ‘ordinary women for their extraordinary commitment to women and the causes most dear to them’

NATIONAL INITIATIVE

The National Initiative Program plays a unique role in Canada. Bringing organizations that serve homeless and at-risk youth from across the country together to learn from one another, share best practices and to develop tools for those who work with at-risk youth. Through collaboration we can build a stronger youth-serving sector, prevent youth from becoming homeless in the first place and better serve those who are.

Every year Eva’s National Initiative Program recognizes three outstanding organizations and their innovative and effective work helping homeless and at-risk youth.

2009 Winners:

Groupe communautaire l’itinéraire for the initiative Le magDVD le 3e Œil •(Montréal, QC)The Laing House Association for the program Youth Speak : Breaking Down •Stigma One Classroom at a Time (Halifax, NS)Parkland Youth Homes Society for Street Ties Youth Outreach (Red Deer, AB)•

ONGOING 2009National Learning Community on Youth Homeless:• collaborative forum on information sharing and building sector capacityStaff Exchange Program:• distinctive staff development opportunity now in its third yearCollaboration with • York University and Canadian Homeless Research Network: development of program evaluation workshop for homelessness sector

EMERGENCY CARE


SHELTERSATELLITE

Eva’s Satellite was the first youth shelter in Canada for homeless and at-risk youth who use drugs and alcohol. Operating from a Harm Reduction perspective, it provides emergency shelter for up to 32 youth each night who may have lost access to other shelters and services due to behavioural problems or substance use. Often Satellite is a pivotal turning point in the lives of a hard-to-serve street youth population.

2009 HIGHLIGHTSResidents: • 1,260Occupancy rate: • 96.5%New • 24-hour purpose-built facility openedNew on-site • Health Clinic establishedNew Recreation Program, •RecAction, created

PLACE

Eva’s Place, a 32-bed emergency shelter, is often the first stop for homeless youth. Typically the residents at Place are young (average age - 17½), unemployable and lacking resources to live independently. For many of them, returning home can be a viable option. It takes counselling, support and a mechanism in place to address the underlying issues that forced them onto the streets in the first place.

2009 HIGHLIGHTSResidents: • 642Occupancy rate: • 84.4%Celebrated • 15th Anniversary

HARM REDUCTION

Eva’s Harm Reduction Program is a pragmatic approach to addressing physical, social and economic harm caused to individuals and communities by substance use. Central to our client service model, it encompasses all our residential and programming services. Our full-time Harm Reduction Worker provides workshops on alcohol and drug dependency, safe sex, HIV/AIDS, healthy relationships, family dynamics and conflict management.

2009 HIGHLIGHTS7 • youth successfully completed 6-week training, followed by 6-8 weeks of work (e.g. facilitating workshops for other youth), as part of Peer Harm Reduction Project36• Peer Leadership workshops/training modules completed (e.g. Safer Sex, Healthy Boundaries, Outreach & Kit Making, Harm Reduction 101)New • Acudetox training program for staff introduced - auricular acupuncture treatment to help substance users detox

HEALTH CARE

The Health & Wellness Clinic opened in November at our new 24-hour Satellite facility. In addition to meeting our youth’s immediate health needs such as upper respiratory, STIs, GI virus/infection, diabetes and abscesses, it offers more specialized professional services and referrals such as mental health, drug overdose, Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. For the first time, our Clinic professionals will be able to establish a trusting bond with homeless youth who have little or no access to basic health care and/or specialized clinics/services. We look forward to providing the vital resources and connections to lead healthier, more independent futures.

TRANSITION


VITAL SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

For some young people, Eva’s has been the only stable place they have known in their short, stressful lives. That’s why it’s important to ensure our ‘graduates’ have the resources to maintain independence once they leave our shelters. Our counsellors and youth discuss discharge arrangements and follow-up counselling sessions – including a review of housing/moving, work, education, social interactions, family supports, income, addictions, mental and physical health, and connecting with community resources. Youth and staff also work together to ensure appropriate, affordable and safe housing is secured – along with furnishings, household items and food.

2009 HIGHLIGHTS77 • new clients served through Satellite Housing & Community Support Program35 • youth at Satellite housed in the community20• youth at Satellite helped to maintain independent housing57% • of youth at Phoenix moved into stable accommodation (either in their own home or reconnected with family)26 • youth at Place supported moving into supportive or independent community housing 22 • youth at Place assisted in their return home from the shelter systemAssisted residents with immigration, incarceration, probation and bail issues•Connected residents to community supports such as Furniture Bank, Sleep •Country (free mattresses), food banks and community referrals

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

EVA’S PHOENIX

Eva’s Phoenix houses 50 youth for up to one year in townhouse-style units. In addition to long-term housing, what sets Phoenix apart are its innovative partnership-based employment programs – supported by a variety of mentorship initiatives – to train and find employment for homeless youth in jobs offering long-term career potential.

2009 HIGHLIGHTSResidents: • 139Occupancy rate: • 91% Savings by youth in Mandatory •Savings Program: $40,752

Mike had been living on the street for two years and was enrolled in a methadone program to battle his addiction to heroin. Between the drugs and his living conditions, his health was extremely poor. He wanted change, but where could he go to get the support he needed? Where could he find a place that offered him opportunity? When Mike found Eva’s Phoenix his determination and leadership skills became apparent. He attended all the Life Skills Workshops and learned how to cook. His health improved as he began eating well. He started cooking breakfast once a week for more than 50 residents at Phoenix. Things were looking up.

He joined the Employment Program and found a job at a community centre. He participated in the Mentorship Program and became a peer mentor. Mike identified other ways that he could be involved at Eva’s, and recruited his doctor to give drug use and harm reduction training to staff.

With over $2,000 saved in the Phoenix Savings Program and access to a long-term assisted housing program, Mike was able to take the next steps towards a brighter future. He recently spoke to 250 delegates at a youth conference about his experiences with Eva’s.

COMMUNITY GARDENS

Recipe

MethodStart with the very best ingredients. Combine in the late spring. Weed and water regularly.

The ResultBountiful organic harvests, nutritious food for Eva’s residents, and a knowledge-based menu of community building, leadership and communication skills.

2009 HIGHLIGHTSPhoenix Community Garden

7• Peer Mentor Leaders planned, planted, maintained and harvested – helped by 11 assistant resident gardeners5• Peer Mentor Leaders prepared healthy, nutritious recipes using garden produce for weekly communal meals for youth and mentorsActivities: • food-related workshops, cooking classes, visits to organic farms, markets and organic gardens

Place Community Garden100• youth launched organic Community Garden based on successful Phoenix modelParticipants per week: • 6-121• youth landscaped front flower garden and created design incorporating Eva’s logoWeekly communal workshop/meals: focused on “Healthy Cooking for One or •Two” – 4-12 residentsCultural differences• incorporated into each communal meal

“The quality of food you get right off the vine or the bush is something worth mentioning. It felt good to cook something and have people enjoy it. I got a renewed appreciation for all the benefits a garden can bring. I hope to further hone my skills this year.”

~Raphael

2 small patches of unused land•4 heaps of ‘green’ dedication•12 youth•5 volunteers•

1 big pile of commitment •2 handfuls of cultural diversity•Pinch of staff support•A generous dash of enthusiasm•


LIFE SKILLS

Most homeless youth entering Eva’s shelters have not developed even basic life skills many take for granted – skills developed at home, at school, in the workplace. Skills taught by family, friends, role models. We provide our street-involved youth with exposure to essential life skills to prepare them for independent living in the community and to thrive in a competitive workplace.

2009 HIGHLIGHTS205 • Life Skills workshops presented with 325 youth participantsTopics covered: housing issues; budgeting; health & nutrition; anti-gang •& violence strategies; emotional abuse & bullying; healthy sexuality; self-esteem; STIs; HIV 101; drugs & harm reduction; cooking; youth legal issues; homework club; music; accessing community servicesEarly Prevention Counselling Program• introduced

LEADERSHIP

Mentorship is a critical foundation of support for Eva’s residents. Low self-esteem is one of the greatest barriers faced by homeless youth. We have learned mentorship can enhance young people’s self-worth/view of the world, raise their self-esteem, and better prepare them to achieve personal/career-oriented goals.

2009 HIGHLIGHTS7 • youth successfully completed 6-week Satellite Peer Leadership training3 • youth hired to do peer work by outside agency after completed Satellite Peer Leadership training35• youth successfully completed 4-week Phoenix Peer Mentor Leadership Initiative34 • protégés matched with mentors in 1-1 Mentorship26 • ongoing Mentorship relationships maintainedPeer Mentors•

6* volunteered at local community event for childrenLed * fundraising initiative to raise money for day trip for 25 youth10* planned camping trip in JuneTook active role in coordinating * culturally diverse events

Partnership developed in June with CrossFit, training gym located in •Phoenix neighbourhood – 8 youth completed 5-month pilot project

“Hopefully, I have been a sounding board for her, an open-minded listener, someone who can give both positive and challenging suggestions and feedback, providing her with a perspective she may not otherwise hear.”

~JP, mentor

RecAction

A highly anticipated initiative took place in June. We launched RecAction, a structured Recreation Program designed specifically for homeless youth – often excluded from traditional community recreation programs. It allows our youth to have fun, build healthy relationships and work on healing in a safe, non-clinical, non-judgmental environment. But more importantly, it creates an environment where at-risk youth spend time with positive role models, make new friends and relationships, and start to experience better physical and emotional health.

2009 HIGHLIGHTS, funded by Canadian Tire Jumpstart and RBC8-day canoe trip in Temagami with Project Canoe •Canoe trip at Toronto Island •White water rafting in Paris, Ontario•Tree-top trekking•Indoor rock climbing•Horseback riding•Weekly bowling•Regular in-house activities such as basketball, yoga, karate, boxing, •badminton and Open Mic nights

“Eight of our youth, another staff member and I embarked on a white water rafting trip on the Grand River. It was a treat to get our residents out and away from the city and its noise. Youth used their individual strengths to work together as a team to meet a common goal. The river was calm and the trees were a variety of outstanding colours. It was a beautiful experience for all of us!”

~Meghan Brown, Youth Service Worker


EMPLOYMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TRAINING

Technology Training and Buzz Hargrove Training Supports offer transitional housing and focused career training/supports for life-long self-sufficiency in. Staff help youth assess their strengths, overcome challenges, and set, work toward and achieve personal and career goals.

2009 HIGHLIGHTS70%• of youth who complete the Techonology Training Program maintain their employment

PHOENIX PRINT SHOP

The Phoenix Print Shop is a socially and environmentally responsible printer supporting Foundations of Print, an award-winning training program for homeless youth. Since its inception, our social enterprise has connected more than 100 youth with career building opportunities in the graphics communications sector. Over 65% of youth who complete Foundations of Print find full-time work, and many return to school via our Scholarship Fund.

2009 HIGHLIGHTSSales: • $390,000 25• youth enrolled in Foundations of PrintSelected as one of Charity Intelligence Canada’s • Recommended Charities 2009Long-Term Achievement Awards (given to those who have been fully self-•sufficient for more than 5 years) presented to 2 program graduates

YOUNG AT HEART AWARD WINNERS

The Eva’s Young at Heart Awards are presented annually to recognize and honour the achievements of Eva’s Initiatives youth, volunteers and donors.

YOUTH GOLD HEART AWARD For overcoming personal challenges and working to help others in the community – one youth from each of Eva’s sites.

WINNERSWilliam LaRoche, PhoenixNicolas McLeish, SatelliteEva Mathurin & Aaliyah DSahir, Place

BIG HEART AWARDFor making a significant contribution of time and resources to Eva’s through volunteerism and/or financial support – three community groups.

WINNERSFriends of Stanley ParkDave Grant, Community LeaderInner City Health AssociatesDr. Gabrielle Ledger & Dr. Toni WertmanTemple Immanuel

HEART & SOUL VOLUNTEER AWARDFor providing opportunities, advocating and donating service hours to Eva’s – one volunteer.

WINNERJessie Kaur, Place and Home For Life committee volunteer

PLATINUM HEART AWARDFor making a significant contribution in cash or in-kind, participating in events and having staff/members volunteer for Eva’s – two organizations.

WINNERSEnbridge GasCanadian Tire Jumpstart

RUBY RED HEART AWARDFor making a significant contribution in cash or in-kind, facilitating donations in cash or in-kind, participating in events and volunteering for Eva’s – individual.

WINNERSIan & Linda Somerville

BURSARIESLax & Abrams Family Bursaries

WINNERSJennifer McMathRichard B. Lax Education BursaryEva MathurinRichard B. Lax Education BursaryJenn DowntonNancy Abrams Family Bursary


2009 2008ASSETS Current Assets Cash and short term investments $616,649 $877,521Other 1,144,526 1,572,157 1,761,175 2,449,678 Property and equipment 3,049,023 2,774,611 Total Assets 4,810,198 5,224,289 LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 217,068 242,760 Designated 1,076,057 1,730,212 1,293,125 1,972,972 Deferred property and equipment grants 2,117,146 1,820,913 3,410,271 3,793,885 NET ASSETS Invested in capital assets 931,877 953,698 Designated 468,050 476,706 1,399,927 1,430,404 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $4,810,198 $5,224,289 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND NETS ASSETS for the year ended December 31

REVENUE Grants $3,698,978 $3,143,568 Toronto Community Services per diem fees 2,266,225 2,127,041 Other 922,575 899,832 6,887,778 6,170,441 EXPENSES Special projects 3,619,703 3,067,768 Service delivery 1,641,399 1,665,536 Administration 669,088 649,779 Building and property 447,694 374,797 Fundraising and other 413,372 382,592 6,791,256 6,140,472 EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES BEFORE AMORTIZATION 96,522 29,969 Amortization of property and equipment 126,999 125,128 EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES (EXPENSES OVER REVENUE) FOR THE YEAR $(30,477) $(95,159) Net Assets, beginning of year $1,430,404 $1,525,563 Net Assets, end of year $1,399,927 $1,430,404 Approved on behalf of the Board.These statements are condensed for inclusion into the Annual Report. If you would like more information or the complete audited financial statements please contact the Head Office of Eva’s Initiatives.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION as at December 31, 2009

PROGRAM COSTS 84%ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS 16%Admin, fundraising and volunteer programs

FINANCIALS

2009 CIRCLE OF SUPPORT

CHAMPION Catherine and Maxwell Meighen

FoundationCCL Industries Inc.Great-West Life, London

Life and Canada LifeHockey for the HomelessMackenzie Financial CorporationOntario Trillium FoundationPaloma FoundationScotia Capital Global TradingScotiabankState Street Trust

Company CanadaTides Canada Foundation

COMPANIONCadillac Fairview

Corporation LimitedDeutsche BankDirect EnergyEglinton St. George’s

United ChurchEvergreen - WalmartHarlequin Enterprises LimitedIntact Foundation

J. W. McConnell Family Foundation

Jocelyn MacdonaldJohn & Pat McCutcheon

Charitable FoundationNorthpine FoundationSobeys - Earth Day Fund

PARTNERAndy DickisonBMO Employee

Charitable FoundationBombardier Transport

Canada IncConcord Adex

Developments Corp.Daniels CorporationEmree Siaroff and

Krista WylieGordon CurrieHarry E. Foster FoundationJim BuckleyLloyd Carr-Harris FoundationMayhew & Associates Inc.Molson Donations FundRonald Farmer

Somerville ConstructionXstrata Nickel

FRIENDAlterna SavingsAnn ArmstrongBaker & McKenzie LLPBen and Hilda Katz Charitable

FoundationBlake Hampton-DaviesByron SonbergCantores ChoirCassels Brock & Blackwell LLPCatherine Donnelly FoundationCavalluzzo Hayes Shilton

McIntyre & Cornish LLPCHUM Charitable FoundationCima-PakCommonwealth

Insurance CompanyConn Smythe FoundationDavid and Cynthia OdellDavid GibbinsDavid SorbaraDenis MaloneyEli Lilly Canada Inc.

Epico Design Ltd.Fairlawn Avenue

United ChurchFloyd Honey FoundationFranklin Templeton InvestmentsGeoffrey B. Scott Memorial

Fund at Toronto Community Foundation

GeosoftHeidelberg Canada Graphic

Supplies Ltd.Holy Trinity Anglican ChurchHome Depot CanadaJane HaberbuschJenn O’Campo-King & Phil KingK.M. Hunter

Charitable FoundationKen and Marilyn O’ConnorKen SilverKoskie Minsky LLPLawrence Park Community

Church - U.C.W.Leanne & George LewisLionel and Winsome

De MercadoMariano Elia Foundation

Marion Ethel Kamm & Frederick John Kamm Charitable Foundation

Mendelson Family FoundationMichael and Liz BlissMoira CohenNiall and Katherine HaggartNicole and Alain NormandPatricia GloudonPricewaterhouseCoopers Canada

FoundationRobert Tetley Fund at Toronto

Community FoundationRonald and Judy GageSally LaxStyles Family FoundationTELUSThomas VandewaterThomas WestinUrbanSpace Property GroupVandewater Charitable

Foundation at Toronto Community Foundation

York Mills CollegiateSome donors wish to remain anonymous

For what matters.

GERALD SCHWARTZ AND HEATHER

REISMAN FOUNDATION

SPROTTFOUNDATION

CAROLYN SIFTON FOUNDATION

FOUNDER

LEADER

EVA’S INITIATIVESADMINISTRATION OFFICE215 Spadina Ave., Ste 370Toronto, ON M5T 2C7

Phone: 416-977-4497Email: [email protected] RegistrationNo: 132239013 RR0001

EVA’S PLACEPhone: 416-441-1414Fax: 416-441-4130Email: [email protected]

EVA’S SATELLITEPhone: 416-229-1874Fax: 416-229-2810Email: [email protected]

EVA’S PHOENIXPhone: 416-364-4716Fax: 416-364-7533Email: [email protected]

www.evasinitiatives.com

2009 annual report -- eva's initiatives

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