Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
Aubrey Browne, Board President Emree Siaroff and CAW president Buzz Hargrove
Designer Guys, Matt, Anwar, and Allen of HGTV with Executive Director Maria Crawford, Ed Smith- husband of Eva Smith, and Betty Ferreira of Evas Place
News and Updates from Evas Initiatives is Printed in the Phoenix Print Shop
PRESIDENT UTIVE DIRECTOR & THE C MESSAGE FROM THE EXE levels for Evas productive year on many
g and 6 has been a very excitin of Directors has sletter, you will see 200 eless youth, the Board d the articles in this new lized programs for hom As you rea and specia rently facing Evas ing our three shelters ties and challenges cur es. In addition to operat address the key priori Initiativ Fundraising Capacity, ategic plan to Funding Model and our ent of a three-year str , concentrating on the used on the developm foc ategy, and continued Public Profile ong Service Delivery Str areas include raising our and Staff), ensuring a str tiatives. These priority Ini acity (Board ions Human Resource Cap increasing the organizat future. the Strategic Planning for the re in place to maintain appropriate infrastructu it is critical to have an the continuation of a vices, res and alibre programs and ser our physical infrastructu To maintain our high-c programs and services, resourced to carry us s of these leading-edge is solid and adequately y and effectivenes this infrastructure consistenc this planning work ure to ensure es throughout the year, must also look to the fut homeless youth. At tim level of innovation. We high face. programming for llenges and threats we to evolve and focus our lored to the needs, cha forward as we continue a plan for the future tai culminated in s has been intense and has y be discontinued. If thi Federal Government ma r upgrades could S.C.P.I. funding from the our shelte we do so with the threat our special programs and not continue, some of As we prepare for 2007, the government eral Government does rk in Toronto, to lobby m the Fed th shelter netwo funding commitment fro replace the woefully laboration with the you col del to rking hard this year, in an equitable funding mo end. Evas has been wo with a view to achieving d of youth continue m the most marginalize s funding continue and hope of seeing thi s for our services fro with the The demand /or addiction issues. we currently function. with mental health and ed model under which youth who come to us outdat asing needs of ieged by the ever-incre to grow. We are now bes Satellite uction-start to our Evas the long-awaited constr On a very positive note, will begin in December struction City has assured us con past seven years. process is imminent. The challenging road over the has been a long and t the strong and of this year. It e been possible withou we made would not hav The progress e from the community. steady support we receiv ve and the courage and pect for the youth we ser our 2006 with the utmost res We end e deep appreciation for e of great odds. We hav ing year. ty they show in the fac tenaci hes in the com ters and donors. Best wis many volunteers, suppor Emree Siaroff rd of Directors Maria Crawford ree Siaroff, President, Boa Director Em Maria Crawford, Executive
Sheltered Life, a film created by youth in the Evas Phoenix Mentorship Program, was screened at the New York Harlem International Film Festival in October and
WON THE EMERGING YOUTH FILMMAKING AWARD!
We are pleased to announce that David Bragdon is the 2006 winner of the Buzz Hargrove Youth Achievement Award!
A year ago, I thought Id end up in jail, or worse. I had no future, no hope. I knew there had to be help somewhere out there and that if I put the effort into getting something out of life, instead of destroying my life, I could change.
Darnell, youth client
CAROLYN SIFTON
FOUNDATION INCORPORATED
In 2007 the Independent Living Program will be expanded at Evas Place. This program will assist youth learn the skills to acquire and maintain independent households in the community and leave the shelter system for good. This program was made possible by the generosity of Carolyn Sifton Foundation Incorporated and Enbridge Gas Distribution.
Choices for Youth staff first met with Evas staff in May 2005 to learn more about the Evas Phoenix program. They were excited about the integrated employment training and transitional housing model at Evas Phoenix and felt it was an approach that would fill a critical gap in the youth services sector in St. Johns. Since that time, our agencies have been working closely together to develop community and government support to build a similar facility in St. Johns. In addition to specific program development support, Evas staff has participated in a number of information and strategic planning sessions with Choices Board and Staff members and more than 125 government and community representatives at information sessions earlier this year. We are currently working with them to secure funding for the project, select a site and architect. Evas is proud to be working with Choices for Youth by providing them with tools and resources through our National Initiative Program and learning more about their innovative approaches to working with homeless youth. We look forward to a long and mutually-rewarding relationship with our new partners on the east coast.
GRATEFUL GRADUATES
On Saturday October 21, I attended a convocation ceremony at York University for a former street youth who had graduated from York University with an Honours B.A. in Urban Studies and Political Science. Sadly, I was Matthews only guest; he hasnt had any contact with his family for ten years. Matthew lived in poverty and was often homeless during his university years but his resilience, hard work and strong desire to succeed led to this remarkable achievement. Matthew is now living in his own apartment, working in research jobs parttime and looking for full-time employment. Matthew is working with us to develop opportunities for other street youth to attend university. Celebrating Richards graduation on October 25 from Seneca College with an Honours Certificate in General Arts and Science was a very special occasion. Richard and his family are former clients of Evas Place and the Family Reconnect Program. Richard is at York University in the Administrative Studies Program. His family, through the Richard B. Lax Education Bursary, has generously supported youth at Evas Initiatives who attend a post-secondary institution.
EVAS SATELLITE
HARM REDUCTION - A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO ADDICTIONS
Operating from a harm reduction perspective, Evas Satellite provides emergency shelter for 30 youth each night who may have lost access to other shelters and services due to behavioural problems or substance use. The recommendations contained in the Toronto Drug Strategy released in October 2005 served to reinforce our Harm Reduction approach as the most effective option for helping these youth reach their potential to lead productive, self-sufficient and healthy lives. It is one we feel holds the greatest likelihood for positive change in the lives of this high-needs segment of homeless and at-risk youth. It has long been the practice of Evas Initiatives to secure the support of community partners to enhance our programs and expertise, reduce program/service duplication and help maximize existing financial and human resources. Because we are currently housed in a facility that cannot accommodate our programming needs, we have had to develop a number of unique community partnerships to address our clients wide array of issues and concerns. In 2006, these included: Sex Health Education through East Metro Youth Services Breakfast & Recreation Programs at Mitchell Fields Community Centre Drop-in Program in partnership with the North York Central Library Mental Health & Outreach Services through Toronto North Support Services Legal Education through Justice for Children and Youth/Street Youth Legal Services Community partnerships with groups such as 32 Division of Toronto Police Services
Evas Initiatives is committed to being good neighbours in any area where our shelters are located. Staff at Evas Satellite maintains good relationships with many of the available neighbourhood resources, thus ensuring youth access. A Community Outreach Worker resolves any issues between community partners and shelter clients, engages in a variety of community outreach activities and helps organize shelter events for youth and neighbouring agencies. As a result, Evas Satellite enjoys positive relationships with community agencies and facilities, including Toronto Police-32 Division with which it has developed a special communication protocol for dealing with homeless youth. We look forward to being able to offer a fully integrated 24-hour Harm Reduction Program once the new Evas Satellite building is completed!
EVAS PLACE
PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS ONE FAMILY AT A TIME
Evas Place offers more than just the traditional shelter model of food and emergency shelter. It provides a positive environment where youth can gain stability, develop personal Action Plans and determine long-term goals. This interactive and holistic program finds new and innovative ways to help youth overcome personal struggles. Our client-centred approach includes an Independent Living Program, Recreation Program and the Family Reconnect Program. The average age of a resident at Evas Place is 17 1/2 years he/she is often new to the streets, unemployable and lacking the resources to live independently in the community. Many identify family breakdown as a significant factor in ending up on the streets. For some of these youth, returning home can be a viable option, but only with specialized counselling, support and mechanisms in place to address the underlying issues that forced them onto the streets in the first place. The Family Reconnect Program offers young people and their families the chance to re-establish communication, resolve conflicts and, most importantly, find practical, long-lasting alternatives to living on the streets or relying on the shelter system. It offers hope and a positive future by providing a supportive environment in which to rebuild essential family ties, selfconfidence and mutual understanding. The Family Reconnect Program continues to work with up to 30 youth each month, with a focus on therapeutic approaches to improving family relations. The program includes group sessions, individual youth counselling sessions and family sessions. The Family Reconnect Program has now expanded its outreach to assist youth in other shelters and neighbouring schools to provide early intervention for families in crisis critical to preventing family breakdown and helping keep young people at home. This has proved to be incredibly successful 22 youth involved in the program from April 1-September 30, 2006 avoided leaving home altogether. This represents an enormous financial savings to the shelter system more than $40,000 per month and has a profound impact on each family involved in the program.
EVAS PHOENIX
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
At Evas Phoenix, we understand youth require a range of supports and services to help them prepare for independent living. These include employment training, housing and life-skills supports and unique opportunities and experiences that boost their confidence and self-esteem such as the Wilderness Canoe trip some of our residents took in Temagami. Phoenix is home to youth for one year. During that time, we endeavour to create an environment they can truly call home and which offers the opportunity to succeed in different aspects of their lives. Our staff work individually and, as a team, to develop creative solutions to many of the challenges experienced by the youth and work with them to identify workable solutions. Food remains an issue for Phoenix youth. With dwindling donated supplies and inadequate per diem funding from the City, we continue to look for innovative ways to ensure there is sufficient and healthy food available. Once again this year, students from Victoria College at the University of Toronto convert their unused meal tickets into lunches for Phoenix residents. These are packaged and sent every week to our youth. Other highlights over the past few months include the ever-popular Staff vs Youth basketball game (the youth won!) and our annual anniversary celebration. We celebrated our 6th year with a barbeque, visits by former residents, games and salsa dancing. Community and corporate groups continue to play an important role at Evas Phoenix. In September, volunteers from Deloitte and Touche painted and re-decorated a number of youth houses. In October, Direct Energy volunteers prepared and served a fabulous Thanksgiving Feast for more than 60 current and past residents. Also in October, the Muslim Students Association at the University of Toronto shared a cultural meal with residents and provided information on Islam and the significance of Ramadan.
EVAS PHOENIX WINS CONTRACT TO DELIVER EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS FOR HOMELESS YOUTH IN TORONTO!!
In June of this year, Service Canada released the long-anticipated Request for Proposals for funding of employment programs for homeless and at-risk youth in Toronto. After all applications were reviewed, Evas Phoenix was selected as the primary agency to deliver employment programs for homeless and at-risk youth in the city. Through this program, 60 young people annually will receive support in career identification, employment skills training, paid employment placements in their chosen career and on-the-job support. In addition, through the Computer Applications Training Program, 24 youth will gain instruction on common software applications such as MS Word, Excel and Power Point, thanks to the generous support of Raising the Roof through its new Youthworks initiative. We are also grateful for employers, such as Comp-uPro Solutions, World Financial Group, Winners, The Factory Theatre and many others, who provide hands-on work experience opportunities to our young people year after year to help them gain valuable labour market connections. I began my work experience placement after struggling in the past with severe employment barriers. As a 24-year old man, I have been in the shelter system since the age of 18. I had been diagnosed with both manic depression and split personality disorder. In addition, although clean of substances for over a year, I have struggled to overcome an addiction to alcohol. Since I joined the employment program, I have a clear vision on where I want to go. I want to gain a meaningful employment experience within a financial institution and job shadow experts within that industry. I created a 5-step action plan with my Employment counsellor and not only achieved these goals, I exceeded them. I am currently placed at a financial institution and enrolled in courses to obtain my Financial Planning License. As a result of ongoing obstacles and frustrations during the past couple of months, I have to admit there were times I felt like giving up. However, knowing that the staff continued to believe in me and hold me accountable to my action plan helped keep me going. My attitude and confidence has improved significantly. Paul
I learned that no matter what happens to me or who has tried to hurt meIm still strong and they can never break me if I dont let them ...letting go of the past is a key to looking forward
Young women who attended womens retreat at Phoenix
The Phoenix Print Shop Graduation Event took place June 29 with a wide range of supporters on hand. We celebrated the graduates of our revitalized Foundations of Print training program. In addition, we recognized the youth recipients of Print Shop Scholarship Awards. Courtesy of Xerox Canada, a digital print system was installed. Thanks to Heidelberg Canada, an additional printing press arrived in August. The shop is now run by clean, renewable electricity provided by Bullfrog Power. The shop is pleased to announce it doubled its July business from one year ago, en route to financial self-sufficiency by 2008! My name is Ali and Im a recent graduate of the Foundations of Print program. I learned a lot, I had three job offers and Ive just started my new job as a finisher at The Printing House. I plan on becoming a graphic communications professional. Phoenix Print Shop contributes to a healthy and safe city. Your printing supports youth! To place an order, contact: 416-364-4716 ext 256 or alexandra@evas.ca. To contribute to the Scholarship Fund, contact: 416-364-4716 ext 262 or andrewmac@evasphoenix.ca
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Mentorship activities over the past few months included a Womens Retreat. One young man also participated as a member of the Canadian Team for the Homeless World Cup of Soccer which was held in Cape Town, South Africa. With a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we were able earlier this year to hire a Programming Supervisor who works with shelter staff and the Mentorship Program to expand and co-ordinate the number and types of programs offered to our youth.
MY CORNER OF TORONTO
Ive never won anything before! These were Ali Mohammeds words after his art project entitled Torontopia was selected by the judges as winner of the My Corner of Toronto Challenge sponsored by Bombardier on August 29, at an Awards Ceremony held at Evas Phoenix. Twenty young people from Evas Phoenix took part in the challenge. They were encouraged to prepare creative projects illustrating what they would do to improve their corner of the city. The projects included artwork and essays to demonstrate ways they would improve their residential, work, school or favourite Toronto neighbourhood. Media Profile co-ordinated the event which featured Jen Gerson (ID section writer-Toronto Star), Jason Richards (freelance hip-hop writer) and Cabral Cabbie Richards (Cabbie on the Street, The Score) as judges. Lilia Shillingford, Programming Supervisor at Phoenix, noted that the voices of homeless youth are often not heard. This project provided our youth an opportunity to express their feelings about a number of issues in the city from homelessness to the environment. The winner was awarded a plaque, $250 in cash and received a Metropass for one year. The three runners-up each received a 4-month Metropass.
FORE! Aon Reed Stenhouse held its annual charitable golf tournament this year to benefit Evas Place. Despite rainy skies, the dedicated golfers raised an incredible $30,500 for our Independent Living Program!
Through the Toskan Foundation Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), Evas Initiatives was granted a $5,000 award this year on behalf of high school students from West Hill Collegiate Institute who participated in the program.
June 29, 2006 Dear Bonnie and Ted Lax, It is me, Hamzat, the young African male who a year ago was accepted into Ryerson University where I am pursuing a degree in Chemistry with a minor in Applied Physics. When I was accepted into university I was full of so much joy, but at some level I was not surprised that I had been accepted. I have always had the marks and drive to make it in school but what worried me at that time in my life was how I would pay the tuition fee, books etc. I was a homeless youth with no chance of attending university. Lucky for me I was fortunate to have met Nancy Abrams at Evas Place and through her I was connected to a couple who believed in me. That couple was Bonnie and Ted Lax and at that time in my life I did not believe that I was deserving of help. But when you two came into the picture I knew then that I had a possible future. You see, Bonnie and Ted, by your contribution to the Scholarship Fund you helped me to have a brighter future. Now I am able to receive an education, something I felt was impossible. You may not realize this today but you both performed a very special act of kindness. You have given me the greatest gift in the world an education and the chance to make a good life for myself in the future. This is why I will never forget you both and how you have impacted my life for the better. Now I am in my second year and am pleased to report that I did excellent in my first year and that I am looking into medical school as well as business in the future. Thank you, Hamzat
JUST REWARDS
Four of our dedicated volunteers at the 2006 Spring Fantasy Auction not only donated their time this year they pooled their resources and were the winning bidders of the Ken Shaw prize in the Live Auction! Treated to a delicious lunch with Ken Shaw as their personal guest in the Scotia Capital private executive dining rooms, they later toured the trading floor. This was a lovely luncheon enjoyed by all! Evas Initiatives would like to thank Ken Shaw for once again donating his time and himself for an Auction prize.
Peggy Wilson, Margaret Sothern, Ken Shaw, Susan Kerr and Lorna Kingston
A SPARKLING SUCCESS
The 2nd Annual Taste Matters Fundraiser presented by RBC Financial Group took place on Wednesday, October 18, with nearly 200 guests who sampled 30 vintage wines, tasted decadent gourmet food creations and participated in spirited bidding on auction items. They also enjoyed a special guest appearance by Amanda Martinez, 2006 Best World Music Artist at Toronto's Independent Music Awards. Youth from Eva's Initiatives spoke about their experiences on the streets and how Eva's Amanda Martinez Initiatives has impacted their lives. Sincere entertains guests thanks goes to our dedicated team of volunteers, sponsors and food and wine partners that made this an event to remember! We extend a special thanks to the 2006 Taste Matters Sponsors! Lead Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Bronze Sponsor Bronze Sponsors Travel Sponsors Travel Sponsors Wine Stations 20 Bees Churchill Cellars Ltd. Colio Estate Wines Reif Estate Select Wine Agents Vintages Gourmet Stations Brick Street Bakery Executive Chef Raymond Pritlove, Scotia Capital private dining rooms Dairy Farmers of Canada Pasquale Bros.
Dinner Sponsors All Star Catering, Amazing Food Services, Art of Catering, Delta Toronto East, Maroli Restaurant & Caterers
CIRCLE OF SUPPORT
We extend our deepest thanks to the following donors who have supported us between January 1 and July 30, 2006.
LEADERSHIP
($100,000+) Gerald Schwartz Canadian Tire Foundation For Families Canadian Tire Real Estate Limited Shoppers Drug Mart Sprott Securities Inc. TD Bank Financial Group The Daniels Corporation The Harry E. Foster Foundation The Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation The Molson Donations Fund The Northpine Foundation The Toskan Foundation Toronto French School UrbanSpace Property Group W.C. Kitchen Family Foundation Westwind Partners Inc. Xia Guo Young Nak Korean Presbyterian Church Zurich Canada Cuppa Coffee D. Bruce McChesney Darren Gopeesingh Dave Kappele David Ford Donna Brookson Donna Jennings Doris Lam Dorothy Hardman Elaine and Sigmund Mintz Emree Siaroff Erin Gordon Ettie Dawkins Evan Lavine Fay Conville Fay Leslie Fern Weinper Francis McFadden Frank Barry Gavin Clingbine George Lindsay Gordon and Margaret Chess Gordon J. Odell Greg Roderick Gwen Miguez Harbord Collegiate Institute Harlequin Enterprises Limited Harriette Laing Harry Tonogai Heather Brown Herbert Beiles IBM Employees' Charitable Fund Immanuel Seventh-Day Adventist Church Ivan Markiet J. Garisto J. Margolis J. Tedes Jackie Fernandes Jane Witherspoon Jason Coumans Jean-Paul Brown Jennifer Morris Jenny Estremadoyro Joanne Blake Jody Colquhoun Joe Fieder John Schumacher John Symons John Wylie Joseph and Violet Clow Joseph Kiwan Josie Kyriakakis Joyce Lipworth Jubilee United Church Julian Ernest Julie Fotheringham Just Old Friends Inc. Justin McCartney Kara Ridout Kathy Kawasaki Keith Hall Ken Brace Ken Rousselle Ken Silver Kenny Stewart Kimberley Barber Kimberly Chan Kimberly-Clark Inc. Kit n' Kaboodle Show & Sale Kiwanis Club of Don Mills Larry Vanier Laura Atchison Loomis Art Store Lorna Harrison Lou Rishchynski Louise Coumans Lynn Gordon Margaret Parker Margaret Phillips Maria Crawford Marnie Silver Martin Storm Mary Chan Mary Goodwin Mary Wentz Melissa Gray Michael Cossar Michael Crane Michael Greenberg Michael O'Rourke Morag Perkins Mrs. W.S. Moir Nada Kuruzar Nancy Abrams Nancy Chisholm Nathan Virtue Nelson Reuben Nicholas Doreault Nigel Shurland NoGlobalBorders Inc. Noreen Bennett Northminster United Church Oriole York Mills United Church Women Oscar Goodman Parkwoods United Church Parkwoods United Church Women Pat Traynor Patricia Gloudon Paul Lamswood Paula Schnoll Peter Coumans Philip King Philomena Meffe Rev. Dr. Charles A. Swan Rich Richardson Robert Tetley Rolph Road School Ronald and Kathryn Manzer Ronald Fotheringham Rosario Marchese MPP Ruth Victor S Grant Samuel Goodman Sarah Heynam Sarah Sandusky Shane Ferrao Sheila Smolkin Somethin' 2 Talk About St. John's United Church Stephanie Charron Stephen and Lorraine Rotz Suganthy Barnett Susan Lindsay Susan Mann The Herbert Green Family Charitable Foundation Inc. There It Goes Courier Tina Smith Valerie Morrison Veronica Shillingford Vincor International Inc. Warners Bros. Entertainment Canada Inc. Yodit Assefa Zahir Lalani
BENEFACTORS
($50,000-$99,999) CIBC Hamilton Community Foundation Raising the Roof The Counselling Foundation of Canada The J. W. McConnell Family Foundation
PARTNERS
($10,000-$49,999) Deutsche Bank of Canada Rio Can Real Estate Investment Trust Schachter Family Fund at the Toronto Community Foundation Scotia Capital Global Trading Scotiabank TELUS United Way of Greater Toronto
SUPPORTERS
($500-$999) Canadian Business for Social Responsibility Chaitons LLP Christine Dreier CIBC Asset Management Inc. Garry Fredrickson Green Shield Canada Gregory Woynarski Matt Giffen Megan Telford Pilot Insurance Company PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada Foundation Sheila and Alan Mostyn TD Bank Financial Group, Wealth Management Division Ted and Bonnie Lax Vandewater Charitable Foundation at the Toronto Community Foundation
HELP MAKE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON A LITTLE BRIGHTER FOR A HOMELESS YOUTH
This Holiday Season 112 homeless youth will spend the holidays in one of our shelters alone, without family or loved ones. Please help make their Holiday Season brighter by showing you care you can make a financial donation or donate a gift item(s). We are looking for gift items for homeless youth aged 16-24 including: Gift Certificates (Movies, Malls, stores) Hoodies Art Supplies New bath & shower products Cash Donations iPod/MP3
CHAMPIONS
($1,000-$9,999) Aird & Berlis Bank of Montreal BMO Capital Markets Canadian Tire Real Estate Limited CAW Canada Community Foundation of Ottawa Crescent School CUPE David M. Odell Dennis Maloney Eglinton St. George's United Church Epic Capital Management Inc. Emree Siaroff Georges Vanier Secondary School Ian Kidson J.P. Bickell Foundation Joe Schoroth Koskie Minsky LLP Krista Wylie KPMG Canada LLP Linda Campbell Lycklama Family Fund at the Toronto Community Foundations Michael Cruickshank MVS Solutions Norman Bell Paradigm Capital Patrick Meneley RBC Foundation Robert and Andrea Chisholm Robert Tetley Fund at the Toronto Community Foundation Sinclair-Cockburn Financial Group
FRIENDS
($10-$499) Ada Caldwell Ada Lamswood ADP Advent Lutheran Church Aim Bwakira Alex G.Otten Allan Crosbie Amanda Adams Andrew Garrett Andrew Macdonald Anonymous Donors Anthony Dissanaike Audrey Marples Austin Cooper Barry Delman Bata Limited International Division Beaver Bible Class Beth Gebreab Betty Ferreira Blair Brace BMO Fountain of Hope Brian Smeenk Carol Jamieson Catherine Adams Ceri and Viola Stephens Charles Allain Church of Our Saviour Clovis Grant Councillor David Shiner
Evas Initiatives 215 Spadina Ave. Suite 370 Toronto, ON M5T 2C7 416-977-4497 Charitable registration #: 132239013 RR0001
For more information or to make a donation, please contact us at donate@evas.ca, 416-977-4497 or www.evasinitiatives.com