2010 News and Calendar / Actualités et Calendrier 2010
Non-Profit Performance Evaluation
2009 Profiles in Excellence
Profiles and contact information for each the 2009 Donner Awards finalists, by category:
- Counselling Services / Crisis Intervention
- Education
- Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse
- Provision of Basic Necessities
- Services for Children
- Services for People with Disabilities
- Services for Seniors
COUNSELLING SERVICES / CRISIS INTERVENTION
Calgary Pregnancy Care Centre, Calgary, AB
Crisis Counselling and Support Program
Ms. Wendy Lowe, Executive Director
Tel: 403-269-3112We are a Christian charity providing a confidential and free crisis counselling centre with a 24-hour help line. Over the twenty years it has been in operation our agency has developed its programs based on the needs reported by clients. Programs assist clients in learning skills to stabilize their lives, deal with grief and resolve past issues.
The Centre’s staff to client ratio is kept low through the effective use of volunteers. We have an exhaustive raining process for volunteers and our organization is characterized by a high level of volunteer engagement in the delivery of services.
We share our programs, and expertise at the national and international level. Our best practices, developed through outcome monitoring, can save time, money and human resources for other agencies and affiliated organizations.
London Crisis Pregnancy Centre, London, ON
Mrs. Lori Bethel, Executive Director
Tel: 519-432-2073Our province legislates that a sixteen-year-old is capable of making her own decisions about reproductive rights and services without parental involvement. If a teenager suspects she is pregnant – where would she go, who would be her advisors, if not her parents? Naturally our hope is she would go to a place that would treat her respectfully and compassionately, while addressing her needs in a manner that best reflects a concern for her continued well being. Our agency is that place.
We offer constancy, support and most importantly hope to anyone facing an unplanned pregnancy or experiencing post abortion stress. Our aspiration is that a young woman will make choices that will not diminish her present or future quality of life. We receive no government funding, rely on volunteers to deliver services and do not charge clients.
We serve females from every socio-economic background regardless of age, race, religion or gender in a compassionate non-judgmental atmosphere. We have cared for girls and women in crisis between the ages of twelve and 52 by providing free pregnancy tests, options counselling, peer support / professional counselling, post abortion support, referrals to community resources, material support, ongoing emotional support, spiritual guidance, promotion and education of abstinence. In addition, we have established an ongoing program for young women in crisis raising children alone.
We believe our agency is the best performing agency of its kind in Canada due to the unique nature of our services and the ongoing care we offer. We effectively provide quantity and quality service irrespective of our modest financial support; provide Abstention / Sexual Realities Education; and offer a safe, non-judgmental, private environment and service for clients. The success of these services reflects the long term commitment of our staff and volunteers to our clients.
Sarnia Lambton Rebound, Sarnia, ON
Extrajudicial Measures Program
Mrs. Mary Ellen Warren, Executive Director
Tel: 519-344-2841Our agency is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization committed to supporting at-risk young people and their parents. We provide programming for children and youth ranging in age from ten to seventeen years, who are experiencing difficulties within their families, their schools and with the law. Our social skills programs are designed to support young people in developing the skills they require to succeed. We teach self-control, responsibility, self-management, problem-solving decision-making and effective communication. Trained community volunteers act as role models and mentors to the young people and provide a non-threatening environment in which they can talk openly and learn to plan their lives constructively for the future.
We provide the Extra-Judicial Measures programs (under the Youth Criminal Justice Act) for Lambton County. These programs include Life Choices for youth ages twelve to seventeen, SAFE Choices, a substance abuse prevention program, and SNAP for youth under twelve years old. As the sponsoring agency for the Lambton County Youth Justice Steering Committee we provide Youth Justice Forums using the method of restorative justice. We also offer three different parent programs.
EDUCATION
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Community Education Program
Mr. Ian Ross, Executive Director
Tel: 604-872-1811Our centre has provided emotional support to youth, adults and seniors in distress since 1969. As a safe place to turn to when there seems to be no hope, the Centre is operated by more than 290 front line volunteers and a small team of professional staff who support and empower individuals to see their own strengths and options 24-hours a day, seven days a week. An award-winning organization, we have been a pioneer in the industry, offering a comprehensive range of leading-edge evidence based programs that utilize best practices.
In 2008 we touched more than 50,000 lives through our programs:
The 24/7 Distress Phone Service is staffed by highly trained, compassionate volunteers who take calls from people wanting help with a range of topics from relationship problems to work issues, abuse to addictions, loneliness to stress, and suicide. They provide people with tools to help themselves, by active listening and offering support and options in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner.
YouthInBC.com is an innovative website where youth connect one-on-one with a crisis chat volunteer, obtain email support from a professional, locate timely and accurate information on issues and receive referrals to local community services.
The Community Education program delivers suicide prevention workshops to teens and professionals throughout our province. The interactive workshops focus on empowering young people to help themselves and help each other when experiencing an emotional crisis. These workshops de-stigmatize the topic of suicide and teach young people how to prevent it. The students also learn how to make healthy choices, how to recognize when their friends are distressed and how to manage their own stress.
Sarnia Lambton Rebound, Sarnia , ON
P.A.S.S (Positive Alternative to Suspension from School) Program
Mrs. Mary Ellen Warren, Executive Director
Tel: 519-344-2841Our agency is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization committed to supporting at-risk young people and their parents. We provide programming for children and youth ranging in age from ten to seventeen years, who are experiencing difficulties within their families, their schools and with the law. Our social skills programs are designed to support young people in developing the skills they require to succeed. We teach self-control, responsibility, self-management, problem-solving decision-making and effective communication. Trained community volunteers act as role models and mentors to the young people and provide a non-threatening environment in which they can talk openly and learn to plan their lives constructively for the future.
Positive Alternative to Suspension from School (PASS) provides an alternative to home suspension for youth in grades six through twelve. The program provides academic support to students through one-on-one tutoring, supervised homework completion and access to resources. The program also works with youth in the development of positive social and cognitive skills such as communication,decision-making and conflict resolution. The students attend the program during the days of their suspension and are supported in their re-entry to regular classes.
Saskatchewan Music Educators Association, Cudworth, SK
Heart of the City Piano Program
Mrs. Ann Mueller, Executive Director
Tel: 306-256-3372Our agency has a proud 52-year history working with partners in the education and culture sectors to further cultural and artistic development while providing visionary leadership in the arts. We strive to facilitate and expand meaningful cultural experiences that contribute to the development, understanding and appreciation of vocational and avocational cultural activities.
We work hard to break down barriers for access and participation by making special provisions to accommodate people with special needs. Our programs and services demonstrate that a diverse community can come together to share in activities that promote the values of understanding, acceptance and mutual appreciation.
Our programs nurture success and empower participants by building their sense of pride, self-confidence and self-esteem.
The Heart of the City Piano program was founded in 1995 as a grassroots inner-city alternative educational and cultural program. It provides free instrumental lessons taught by volunteer teachers for economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth. The program overcomes common barriers for these children and youth to participate in cultural activities within the community.
The intent of the program is to nurture success and empower children by building their pride, self-confidence and self-esteem while teaching them positive life skills. Participants develop musical skills and discover their broader potential.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Fresh Start Recovery Centre, Calgary, AB
Mr. Stacey Petersen, Executive Director
Tel: 403-387-6266In 2009 we celebrate seventeen years of community service. We are grateful to have a highly talented and dedicated staff team with close to 150 years of cumulative experience in the addictions sector. This team is helping lead the way in our community by providing an effective and efficiently managed addictions treatment and recovery opportunity to those in need. Our wait list averages fifty to sixty men every month and we acknowledge a responsibility to meet this growing demand.
Recovery rates among our clients have steadily increased over the last four years due to enhancements we have made within our agency, based on desirable outcomes. The ability for our team to connect with people and build relationships is of paramount importance to this success. Our program is only offered to those who really want to recover from active addiction or alcoholism and change their lives for the better by accepting personal responsibility and demonstrating this through their actions.
Our recovery centre is staffed 24-hours, seven days a week. We offer a therapeutic environment with an intensive eight week, abstinence based, twelve-step, residential and out-patient recovery program. We have a total of 38 beds in our main residence and transitional housing. Depending on individual need clients stay up to eighteen months in our main residence and possibly longer in our transitional housing component.
Our recovery rates have been increasing every year due to changes we have made throughout our agency based on desired and achieved outcomes. As a result of our 2008 strategic planning process we broke ground on a new 50 bed recovery facility in February of this year. This milestone was achieved through the efforts of many people in our community who share our common desire of providing solutions that recover lives.
Simon House Residence Society, Calgary, AB
Mr. Ken Christensen, Executive Director
Tel: 403-247-2050The goals and objectives of our agency are simple to define, yet challenging to achieve. The primary goal is to arrest the disease of alcoholism and addiction. Our core values of loving kindness, compassion, empathy, patience, tolerance, equanimity and understanding have enabled us to provide a successful program of recovery.
When a man enters our program and works towards becoming a productive member of society, we all benefit. As domestic abuse and crime decrease when alcoholism and addiction are reduced, the burden on our welfare, penal and health systems, and taxpayers is alleviated.
The chain of dysfunction passed down through generations can be halted. With our mix of tough love and compassion we are able to realize a four year average success rate of fifty percent. Every client is a “success” who completes our group program and remains clean and sober for a period of one year or more.
Sudbury Action Centre For Youth, Sudbury, ON
The Point - Needle Exchange and Drop In
Ms. Mardi Taylor, Executive Director
Tel: 705-673-4396For the past twenty-three years, the Agency has been assisting the most vulnerable members of the community. The agency was founded by Jimi Park, who upon being released from a federal penitentiary; found that accessing legitimate employment was difficult given his long criminal record. Wanting to start a new life, Jimi started a service that would assist ex-offenders to find gainful employment and assume a normal and productive life in the community. Jimi Park was instrumental in his role of approaching prospective employers and soon proved very adept at matching clients with appropriate positions. The employment program is still very active and successful today.
In 1987, it became clear that many of the clients accessing the Employment Program were young offenders and youth making poor choices about their direction in life. The Centre began to offer basic life skills and job readiness counselling and young offenders were encouraged to return to school. As a result of this success both federal and provincial funding was obtained which enabled the board of directors to hire staff to run both the community youth support program and the employment program.
The Agency was the ideal service environment the local Health Unit was looking for to deliver its first fixed site needle exchange program. In 1995 the Needle Exchange and Drop In was implemented as an additional service to the clients who accessed the Centre in all the program areas. The downtown location ensured easy access to the majority of clients, and two of the original program staff who started the needle exchange, are still with the Agency today. The Needle Exchange delivers harm reduction supplies, resources, counselling, & support, in a safe nonjudgmental way.
PROVISION OF BASIC NECESSITIES
Alice Housing, Dartmouth, NS
Ms. Joanne Bernard, Executive Director
Tel: 902-466-8459We provide safe and affordable second and third stage housing for women with or without children fleeing domestic abuse situations. Since its inception our agency has helped over 800 families begin their journey to safety and healing from family violence by providing stability, support and basic necessities. With nineteen second stage and third stage housing units, our agency is the largest organization of its kind in the Atlantic Provinces. Each unit is individually alarmed and staff is on call 24-hours a day. Rents are geared to income so that financial barriers are removed from any woman seeking safe housing.
We believe that all persons have the right to choose which direction their lives will take and that each child should grow up without fear of people around them. Our workshops and one-on-one counselling sessions reflect that philosophy. We host workshops on topics including parenting, the cycle of abuse, and personal empowerment. We provide advocacy on housing issues, child protection and custody cases, and mental health services. In the last year we have conducted 492 individual counselling sessions and facilitated 135 workshops for women and children. We distributed 3,448 kg of food through our food bank, and provided telephone support in response to 2,007 calls. This past year our Drop In Centre had over 900 client visits where food vouchers and donated goods are distributed and where there is access to internet services. We also provided 10,952 overnight stays.
We are leaders in the domestic abuse second-stage community and are often called by other Canadian agencies to share our best practices for families in crisis. We have a holistic approach in which comprehensive programs complement the provision of safe, affordable housing and food.
Habitat for Humanity - National Capital Region, Ottawa, ON
Ms. Donna Hicks, Chief Executive Officer
Tel: 613-749-9950Our agency builds simple, decent affordable homes for low income working families and sells them with a no-interest long term amortization period. Mortgage, insurance and taxes are never more than 25-30% of the family's gross income. We engage the community in our homebuilding - encouraging professional trades people to donate their skill and time. Corporations and individuals provide thousands of hours of volunteer labour and donate money and expertise. Restaurants and religious organizations provide lunches and snacks for all our volunteers.
People in the community have an opportunity to work along side the families and with other community members who may be from different cultural or religious backgrounds. Everyone leaves the builds with new skills and friendships. We believe home ownership is one vehicle to break the cycle of poverty.
Inner City Home of Sudbury, Sudbury, ON
Ms. Mary Ali, Executive Director
Tel: 705-675-7550We opened our doors as a place of hospitality and a drop in centre for those less fortunate in our community. Our agency is a place where individuals and families in crisis situations can come in and have a coffee or snack and tell their story to a caring and trained volunteer. It is a place where the most vulnerable, at risk of falling through the cracks in our society, feel safe. People can come in and tell their story without fear of being judged and know they will find a friendly face and be treated with dignity and respect at all times and made to feel they matter.
Over the last 23 years, we have continued to strive to meet the crises and basic needs of the poorest of the poor in our community by establishing an emergency food bank; offering life skills workshops; crisis and short-term counselling and extensive resources. We have formed many strong partnerships among community agencies in our region over the years and continue to work closely with these agencies. They recognize the strong commitment we have for the poor and regard us as a vital resource for their clientele. Our work helps many to access professional services and basic necessities for themselves and their families at no cost, thus alleviating their burdens.
SERVICES FOR CHILDREN
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, Peterborough, ON
Ms. Darlene Evans, Executive Director
Tel: 705-743-6100Our agency was established in 1964 to provide a program for boys who were residing in homes with no father figure present. During the first year of operation the agency supported eight young boys on an annual operating budget of less than $2,500.
Demand for the services provided by the agency increased significantly. In 1972 the agency began offering programs for young girls as well. Growth has been consistent throughout the past four decades and as new community needs have emerged the core service of the agency has remained the same. We have implemented a variety of options to meet the emerging needs and now offer seven different mentoring programs. In excess of 9,000 children have benefited from our programs, many of whom have come back to volunteer for the agency as adults.
Today we employ 5½ full-time staff who oversee the direct services delivered by more than 480 volunteers annually. In 2008 over 75,000 volunteer hours were contributed to the agency in the provision of mentoring programs for at-risk children and youth. An additional 2,000 hours were contributed to activities such as fund-raising, governance and administration. The agency is a primary community partner with 31 local schools, The Children’s Aid Society, the local police force and community health unit.
Educational Program Innovations Charity Society, North Sydney, NS
Youth Peer and Parents PEACE Program
Mr. Barry Waldman, Supervisor
Tel: 902-794-7225Our educational program is dedicated to the advancement of the disadvantaged, focusing on Aboriginal, African-Canadian and other marginalized learners who lack the resources or support system needed to succeed. Our most recent projects have served at-risk youth through peer mentoring and tutoring, helped caregivers develop better parenting practices, provided scholarships for high school students overcoming obstacles and developed a culturally-affirming crime-prevention curriculum for Aboriginal elementary students.
Youth Peer is a free 2½ hour after school program for youth ages eight to eighteen referred by twenty community agency partners to address social and academic challenges. Each day up to fifteen youth at risk are matched one-to-one with high school or university mentor/tutors who volunteer to help youth conquer academic difficulties and engage in structured social activities, including art, guitar, and educational games. Youth, volunteers, and staff together generate a magical atmosphere of trust and respect, which reduces risks to self, family, and community and greatly increases self-esteem, school achievement and positive behaviours.
Parents PEACE (Practicing Esteem-building Awareness Communication Evaluation) is a free ongoing parenting workshop open to any caregivers with school-aged children. Weekly two-hour sessions help parents better understand interactions with their children and provide parents with practical tools and a safe place to discuss critical topics. The facilitator receives input from parents on their most challenging issues and arranges for volunteer community agency specialists to guide discussions which highlight practical strategies for coping with real-life parenting problems.
Harmony, Sarnia, ON
Ms. Joanne Klauke-Labelle, Executive Director
Tel: 519-336-0344Our agency was founded in 1995 after the suicide of a young student. Formed to provide an opportunity for young people to express themselves in a safe environment, free from ridicule, bullying, or criticism, it has grown from twelve kids gathered in the founder’s living room to an international charity, with centres and programs throughout Canada and the United States. All centres are operated by volunteers committed to youth. Our “services for children” manifest these principles and accomplish our mission by creating a sense of inner peace or calm in any and all persons who access our services.
We have no financial fees, no pre-requisites, and no waiting lists. Our youth gain self-esteem and confidence from being held accountable for the services they receive. We believe that volunteering is the greatest way a youth can realize his or her intrinsic value and, therefore, require each youth to “pay” one hour of community service for each hour of a program or activity.
We offer over twenty different art programs with all materials and supplies and there is also an opportunity to study music. Students blend art and music in various performances and concerts for the community. These activities teach the value of hard work and determination and give them a keen sense of accomplishment and pride.
SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
Mrs. Diana Rasmussen, Executive Director
Tel: 204-837-1291Our organization was founded in 1980 to help persons with the disease of ALS, their families, friends and other interested parties. We provide services and an opportunity for support through contact with others coping with ALS and its effects; support initiatives to provide patients with the equipment necessary to maintain independence; and educate the public and health professionals caring for people living with ALS. We operate and maintain the Brummitt Feasby House, a hospice for ALS patients and their families.
We raise money for client services, for the agency itself and for scientific research into the cause and potential cure for ALS. The agency works in partnership with other like-minded organizations to maximize its potential.
Community Living Campbellford/ Brighton, Campbellford, ON
Family Home Program
Ms. Nancy Brown, Executive Director
Tel: 705-653-1821In 1960, our founding parent dreamed that her daughter would live in an inclusive community at a time when doctors recommended provincial institutions. We believe, as our founder did, that people with intellectual disabilities have the right to live in and participate in their community.
Family Home is a residential model that mirrors the concept of a natural family using volunteer home providers. This is an alternative to high-cost, segregated group homes. An extensive selection and matching process ensures that providers have long-term relationships with our agency and with people who share their home. Using a personalized approach, we create support agreements, offer monthly home visits, ongoing training, annual evaluations and recognition which encourage stability and retention. This model has proven successful as many relationships have been fostered for over 10 years.2010 brings our 50th anniversary and the achievement of a decade of maintaining non-mandated accreditation at the highest possible level. Empowered by our mission statement we have expanded services across our region "to promote opportunities for personal growth within [the] community." Our Board of Directors has committed to fulfill this mission without geographical boundaries for all who request services from our agency. We support `one person at a time'. Personalizing supports challenges us daily but the rewards of utilizing this approach are outlined specifically in the attached letters of reference. To do this successfully, a strong emphasis must be placed on developing community capacity. We have fostered strong networks and partnerships and work diligently at ensuring people are participating within their communities and are respected as valuable contributing members of society.
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada - Calgary Chapter, Calgary, AB
Client Services Program
Mr. Mark Wolff, Executive Director
Tel: 403-250-7090, ext. 109Our chapter funds research, provides services to people affected by multiple sclerosis, educates the public and carries out activities to promote government and community relations. We are the only national voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services. We are a recognized global leader.
Our Client Services program provides information, support counselling, peer support, support groups, education programs, friendly visiting, family programs, advocacy, special assistance funding, recreation programs and social events. Sixty-eight volunteers provided 3,166 hours of service this year. Our primary clients are men, women and children with MS and those closest to them, such as family, friends and caregivers. Advocacy may include assisting clients in the areas of financial support programs, housing, personal supports, transportation, equipment, and employment.
We not only provide direct services but also serve health-care professionals, volunteers, sponsors, donors, members and the general public. Our departments include: Volunteer Resources, Finance and Administration, Development and Communications, and Government and Community Relations.
Directors represent the interests of the membership and are stewards of the chapter’s assets. They develop an in-depth knowledge of the chapter in order to understand and evaluate business and strategic plans. The Board works through committees, which review policy developed by staff and make recommendations to the Board. There is a Standing Committee for Client Services.
SERVICES FOR SENIORS
Alzheimer Society of Oxford, Woodstock, ON
Mrs. Shelley Green, Executive Director
Tel: 519-421-2466Since its founding in 1989, our society has worked diligently to fulfill its mission, serving a wide range of people and their caregivers living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Individual and group support and information are provided for individuals in all stages of the disease, as well as for their family members and caregivers, including children in the Remember Me program and teens in Forget-You-Not.
Our Volunteer Companion program matches a volunteer with a person with the disease, offering social interaction, as well as respite for the caregiver. Some of our other services include public education; grade six and high school presentations; training for facility staff and volunteers; and our Safely Home Wandering Registry. We provide educational programs for a wide variety of audiences and cover the entire county.
Our chapter is one of a very few pioneer organizations which have begun to work with persons in the early stages of the disease, and now, thanks to an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, we will soon have a designated full-time staff person for clients in the early stage of the disease and their family members.
Our ability to continue to meet the growing needs of clients in our community is greatly enhanced by more than 250 volunteers, who work in our office, at fund-raising events, in our Volunteer Companion program and almost all other aspects of our operations.
Our staff and volunteers are passionate about our purpose and that passion is reflected in how we serve our clients. This disease can be a very lonely and challenging journey. It is our goal that no one in our community should face it alone.
Community and Primary Health Care – Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Brockville, ON
Services for Seniors Program
Ms. Ruth Kitson, Executive Director
Tel. 613-342-3693We are a not-for-profit, charitable community organization that has been caring for the health and well being of residents for almost 100 years. Our agency was established upon identifying our community’s unmet health and social needs.
We provide primary health care and community support services to all ages across the counties, based on specific needs. We work to influence health and social policy through local, regional and national initiatives and advocate for individuals, families, communities, and other interest groups to ensure health care is available and accessible.
Our “Services for Seniors” program focuses on the delivery of services to seniors and adults eighteen years of age and over with physical challenges, all of whom require assistance to remain in their homes. We strive to keep residents in their homes (regardless of age), healthy and safe, for as long as possible.
Community Support Services for seniors include Meals on Wheels, Client Intervention, Essential Transportation, Friendly Visiting, Foot Care, Telephone Reassurance, Diners’ Clubs, Home Help / Homemaking, Home Maintenance / Repair, and Caregiver Support. Services for the frail and those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s include In-Home Respite, Counselling, Support, Education, Training, Music and Memories, and an adult day service.
Community Family Health Teams provide primary health care in two of our local communities. Their programs include the Mobile Primary Health Care Unit; Primary Health / Wellness Nursing Clinics, In-Home Foot Care, Value Your Life program, Lifeline, Diabetes Education, SMART - Seniors Exercise program, and the In-Home Ten-Step SMART Exercise program.
Hospice Greater Saint John, Saint John, NB
Mrs. Sandy Johnson, Executive Director
Tel: 506-632-5593Our agency is a community health-care charity that has provided care, comfort and support to terminally ill people and grieving families for 26 years. Our patient/family care program provides comprehensive non-medical support services that include information, drives, linens, respite, emotional/spiritual support, grief & bereavement support and complimentary therapies in our region.
In addition, we help people navigate the health-care system and find timely access to quality health-care services. We also train volunteers to deliver care as per the national norms of practice and educate the general public about the benefits of our services. Our agency has been leading social change in our field of care for over eight years and we are responsible for the addition of new community services in other areas of our province, for the establishment of a new medical consultation service and the development of our region's first 24-hour residential facility in our field of care.
