2016 Annual Report. Changing Lives Together.

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1 2016 Annual Report Changing Lives Together.

2 Leadership Message Message to ou Dear Partners, At GBF Community Services, we view success through a different lens, and we believe that every individual has great potential. From our receiving warehouse, food bank, offices and store to our community partners, we want to see people grow and become inspired. It s more than just putting meals on a plate - it s about increasing options and removing barriers, and it s about assisting others to see that there is hope and that tomorrow can be better. In 2016, GBF recognized an opportunity to serve our aging local population, and partnered with many social service agencies in Grimsby to provide food assistance and special dietary and hygiene products to many seniors. We would also like to recognize the generosity of our local farmers who supported our food room immensely, providing quality produce (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, kale, onions and more!) that we were able to share with many residents. Our hope for all is that you will not have to worry about how you will put food on your table tonight. You should not have to wonder whether you are going to be able to afford your rent and still be able to pay your bills at the end of the month. While these may not be your personal concerns today, for many serviced at GBF they are. Thank you for walking alongside GBF Community Services in the journey to eliminate hunger and poverty for all. In this annual report, we will tell you about how your gifts of food and funds were used to help individuals and families to pay their rent and heat their homes without going hungry. We will Annual Report

3 r supporters! also demonstrate how your volunteering can make a lasting impact on children and youth in our community. We are confident that you will be encouraged and inspired by what you read. Through our journey, we have been blessed to have caring, intelligent people who have contributed their extensive and diverse skills towards defining the spirit of GBF. We look forward to leading GBF Community Services towards even greater opportunities and enhancing our impact on this sharing community. On behalf of GBF Community Services and those we serve, thank you for your generous support in With sincere gratitude, Stacy Elia Executive Director Jamie Stevens President Changing Lives Together 2

4 Our Mission GBF Community Services provides assistance to members of our community to meet their basic needs and to achieve self-sufficiency. Vision Statement To improve the quality of life in our community by providing compassionate support and material assistance. The GBF Community Services Values A strong sense of social responsibility; A commitment to serving our clients with respect and compassion; A belief in the unique abilities, strengths and gifts of each person; A belief in the capacity of people to grow, change and care for themselves and for one another; A commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct and integrity of service delivery, and A recognition of the importance of volunteerism and citizen participation in the community. The mission, vision and values of GBF are the fundamental principles that will guide our development of goals and objectives. Thank you for sharing with your community Annual Report

5 Together we are building opportunities for a better life for many! As GBF Community Services takes on bold new initiatives, we will need to secure more resources to support this work. We depend on donations from individuals, businesses, and our retail store income to operate, including the gifts of funds, food, time and talent. During the year over 52,130 pounds of food and more than 52,623 hours of volunteer time were donated. Our current strategic plan includes an ambitious and exciting effort to ensure that clients being serviced at GBF have an opportunity to access affordable housing through the Rent Supplement program. Success will require that we form partnerships with donors who are willing and able to make transformative gifts. Donors have the power to make it all possible. Help make a difference today! How you can help Your generosity is the key to making all of our future plans to help individuals, children, and seniors possible. With your passion and dedication we know we can make a difference. Here are just some of the ways you can help Donate Online: By mail to: GBF Community Services 40 Elm Street, PO Box 231 Grimsby, ON L3M 4G3 In person: we accept cheques, cash, debit or credit Become a monthly donor Leave a gift in your Will Changing Lives Together 4

6 Advocate Tell your family, friends and colleagues about our work Share our Face Book page Fundraise Host a third party event Nominate GBF as your company s Charity of the Month/Year Volunteer Give your time in our Retail Store and or Food Bank Become a Business Team Volunteer Supporter Client Testimonials The GBF is a life saver! We are pensioners and live on a limited budget. We could not stay in our home without the GBF s help and support. If we had to worry about food too it would be very stressful. Many Thanks to all the volunteers and staff. We are really blessed in Grimsby to have the GBF. Hi, What a road it was from sleeping in a car to what I have today. Just ask CCWN, they know. It was rough but here I am with so much help from GBF, food, furnishings, friends. What a nice place to go to just to talk and someone to listen. GBF is great. I am very thankful and still get help. God Bless you all. The GBF staff and volunteers mean the world to my family without them my son would not have everything he needs. The magic of Christmas when he truly needed it. You are all angels in our hearts. Thank you. My second family, thank you to the crew that made everything possible. It is amazing to be able to see how someone s hard work can contribute to making hundreds of people lives easier. I m so lucky and proud to live in such a community where not even age can stop people from sharing their kindness and supporting those in need. Thanks to GBF every special day Annual Report

7 and holiday was no different than any others around me I consider myself in debt to GBF until my last breath. Over the last years, GBF has supported me with food; clothing and opportunities to be useful much appreciated by the 64 year old man who s been homeless more than once. Thanks! We Know Many of our current registered clients indicate that they are paying more than 30% of their income to rent. This means they are at risk and could easily become homeless. We Believe We can assist with providing an opportunity for affordable housing and keeping families and individuals in their community We have a strong, generous community that can help solve hunger We are Determined To lead the movement to address hunger in Grimsby To assist more households in the community over the next year Bringing Nutritious Food to More People This past year the GBF Community Service provided nutritious foods to encourage healthy choices, and nutrient-rich foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and protein. Last year represented a larger shift towards investing in the nutritious foods our clients need to lead healthy, active lives. We purchased and shared 7,920 litres of milk in our community. 37 families received Infant formula throughout the year. Changing Lives Together 6

8 We provided funding to both local high schools for their Nutrition programs, and we also refurbished our cold storage to improve safe storage of healthy food items. Ensuring Food Safety As a trusted source of basic nutritional needs for many in Grimsby, GBF has a responsibility to ensure that the food we provide is safe for families to consume. That s why food safety is foundational to our operations. We continue to develop new resources and practices, while refining existing procedures to ensure all foods - refrigerated, frozen, boxed, canned and fresh, meet or exceed industry standards during sourcing, storage and distribution. Currently, there are 18 GBF team members who are certified with Food Safety and Handling, and we are inspected annually by the Regional Health Department. Building Online Support is often the first place people go to learn more about supporting hunger relief in Grimsby. Our website is a key resource for individuals, businesses and social service partners looking for more information about hunger, our work to solve it, and how they can get involved. We invite you to visit our educational, impactful and user-friendly website. We also encourage you to become a friend on our Facebook page and share it with your friends and family. Hunger and Priority Needs When people struggle to ensure they have food for their families and themselves, they often also struggle to meet other basic needs such as housing, clothing, health requirements and employment. To achieve life without poverty, we need to develop partnerships to support families in meeting their food and shelter needs. Many of those we serviced this past year had to choose between food, utilities, transportation, medical needs and housing Annual Report

9 Community Employee Volunteer Teams We salute the many partnered employees who volunteer their time throughout the year. In 2016 we had several teams volunteer at critical times of the year to support our efforts through food drives, holiday campaigns and volunteering at many third party events in support of GBF. Volunteers are key to driving the work of the GBF Community Services throughout the year, and we encourage consideration of further teams to assist throughout the year, especially on Saturdays. For more information please contact Marion at Thank you for building strong local relationships to end struggle in our community. Advocacy Advocacy is integral to our fight to end hunger in Grimsby, from our local town hall to our many partnerships with the non-profit and business sectors. Our advocacy is reinforced through traditional and social media to ensure our messages are heard. With your help we encourage them to take steps out of poverty and to take up the support we offer all year round. If you have been touched by our services and would like to share your story please contact us at (905) ext. 22. Changing Lives Together 8

10 GBF Community Services Facts Who GBF Serves Total visits: 5351 Adults Children under 18 : 2228 Households Existing households 228 New Households 53 Total Households Adults 18+: 3,123 Under 18: 2,228 = + Existing households: 228 New households: 53 = Total Food Bank visits: 5,351 Total Households: Households no longer require assistance at this time and have left our services Household Types Single parent families 88 2-Parent families 40 Couples with no children 19 Single people 102 Other 24 Housing Status Homeless 6 Own home 44 Private rental 178 Social Housing 33 Emergency Shelter 0 Family/Friends 16 Single parent families 2-Parent families Couples with no children Single People Other Homeless Own Home Private Rental Social Housing Emergency Shelter Family/Friends Annual Report

11 Referrals to GBF Community Services Client/Friend/Family households 87% household 0% Employment Insurance 1 household 0% Grimsby Affordable Housing program 3% (GAHP) 7 households Second Stage Housing 3 households 1% Ontario Works (OW) 11 households 4% WSIB 1 household 0% Other Food Bank Agencies 2 households 1% Other Specify 10 households 4% (e.g. Hospital, Alzheimer s Society) 0% 1% 4% 3% 0% 0% 1% 4% 87% Total Primary Income Source 0% Employment part-time 24 7% Employed full-time 47 14% Employment Insurance 9 3% Child Support 5 2% Child Tax Benefit 34 10% Disability Related Benefits 62 18% Ontario Works 58 17% Old Age Pension 38 11% Other 17 5% No Income 45 13% WSIB 1 0% 11% 5% 17% 13% 7% 18% 14% 3% 2% 10% Changing Lives Together 10

12 Achievements Collected and distributed 52,130 kg pounds of Food in the community Implemented our Rent Supplement Program Enhanced our Fresh Produce program for our clients through the Food Bank Invested $4,000 in Education Bursaries Reduced our waste to local landfill site by 21,531kgs from previous year Strengthened our recycling program for clothing, cardboard, e-waste to encourage further revenue Serviced 2228 children in Grimsby Provided free Tax Clinic Strengthened our partnership with consignment stores to encourage additional donations of products for the retail store Distributed 1631 Hunger Awareness Recipes (Monthly Food) Distributed 965 Kid s Snack Packs Distributed 855 Teen Hygiene Packs Partnered with Clausen s Family Restaurant to provide Family Turkey Dinner to those being serviced by GBF 24 new volunteers recruited Enhancement to the retail store offerings (i.e. surprise grab bags, presentation packaging for toys and gifts, mannequin displays and created a permanent seasonal section Supported over 250 households through the Christmas Hamper Program Distributed 190 backpacks to children Volunteers and Time 219 of John Howard hours completed Relied on 298 active volunteers who contributed 49,894 hours of service 2,010 of Youth Volunteer hours completed 500 summer student volunteer hours completed Annual Report

13 Donations We are so grateful to the many donors and community partners who together donated $208,658 during the year to support our vital work. Moving Forward Our Goals for 2016/2017 With your support, we will be working hard to towards these targets to help more people improve their lives than ever before. Volunteers Recruit 50 new volunteers Recruit 5 Business Groups to volunteer Recruit and increase our Youth Volunteers by 25 Education Continued bursaries to local High Schools with an additional bursary in the area of Social Services Employment Continued partnership with the Employment Centre and Higher Attire program Circulate the Employment Centre Monthly calendar through the food bank Housing Support families and individuals with our Rent Assistance Program, increase the availability Changing Lives Together 12

14 Health & Wellbeing Enhance and encourage additional opportunities in the areas of Dental Care and Medical Care Increase our partnerships to encourage donations of local fruit and vegetables Health & Safety Review GBF Community Services is committed to ensuring a safe environment for our volunteers, customers and staff. We continue to provide information, instruction, inspections and supervision to maintain an environment in which all may work and/or visit the facility free from injury. It is the culture of this organization and the conscientiousness of each person that ensures the GBF is a safe place to work, volunteer and shop. Spot Light on Giving GBF Community Services could not run without our volunteers. We give thanks to each and every one of you for your dedication and compassion in helping to end hunger and meet the needs of our community each and every day Annual Report

15 Social Enterprise As advocates of reducing waste, eco-fashion and the thrift movement, we enable our community and members of surrounding communities to access gently used and new items. Revenue generated from the sales of our products helps to support our programs and many local initiatives. We also provide local youths with an opportunity to give back and acquire volunteer hours towards their schooling requirements. Approximately 113,681 customers visited our retail store in the 2016 year. GBF sells your donations at the retail store to generate funding for social service programs delivered in Food Bank. Donated items are processed by volunteers and staff. Provides funding for Food Housing Utilities Transportation Medical/Dental etc. Changing Lives Together 14

16 In 2016, Our Resources Funded: Grimsby Secondary High School Breakfast program $4, Blessed Trinity Catholic High School Breakfast program $4, Fort $17,400 Provided for a Youth Counsellor West Niagara Second Stage Housing $21,800 To allow the purchase of new furniture for their units To assist with housing costs and internet access for their units. Coldest Night of the Year $5, Funding for Affordable Housing in Grimsby Two High School Bursaries $4, Scholarship funding for two students at each secondary school Habitat for Humanity $10, Funding for new build in Grimsby Grimsby Life Centre $20, Funding for Counselling services We are proud to lead the community in servicing those in difficult times Annual Report

17 Why do I volunteer at GBF? My name is Sylvia Shorten. I am a wife, mother, nana, and great nana. The WHY is asked by all at different times in our lives. Mine is, why did I decide to join GBF and volunteer as an intake personnel for the food bank. Some of our WHYS are asked through sadness, mine filled my heart. I have met the most incredible people who struggle every day, and to see the courage it takes to come through those doors and ask for help is sometimes overwhelming. As an intake volunteer I get to give the first words of encouragement and assurance with a hug that yes, GBF can help. And you see that same person who came in with tears, now leaving with a smile. Just to remember the birthday of a client who is on their own and to let them know they matter, brightens not only their day, but mine as well. Watching a client receive their first ever brand new winter coat as we all cheer. Sharing recipes, hugs for new jobs found, and lots of sad stories, I have been blessed to have had this volunteer position. If it was not for all the volunteers at GBF in their different positions, the food bank would not be able to give special programs that help so many. A small toy to a crying child, a pat on the shoulder, and always a smile. So I would like to thank all the volunteers at GBF for making my 10 years so rewarding. Thanks to staff, board members, and especially clients who every Tuesday brought my HEART TO SMILE. I will continue to look forward to many more Tuesdays at GBF. Changing Lives Together 16

18 Tours In 2016, we hosted over 35 tours of our facility. This has been a great way to showcase our work and the outstanding model we have created at GBF. Many donors, corporations, social service agencies and youth groups were interested in learning more about our operations and how we operate our Client Choice Food Bank. The GBF Team is proud to share their operation and the success that our team strives for each and every day. Community Garden The GBF Community Services partnership with the Fruitful Harvest Community garden located at the Covenant Canadian Reformed Church continues to provide fresh produce for people on low or fixed incomes. The garden continues grow each year, and the produce received ensures that quality healthy choices are always available. to to Rebranding GBF has been working over recent months to look at where we began 50 years ago, to what it is today, and to where we see it going in the future. The re-branding initiative is ongoing. A new logo has been developed and it is anticipated that the launch will take place in the near future. Thank you for truly making a lasting impact on the lives of your neighbours in need and the future of our community. Your support helps provide stability and a chance for a brighter future Annual Report

19 Our Core Programs Food Food Bank Milk/Egg Program Bread Program Meat Program Hunger Awareness Monthly Recipe Kids Zone Monthly Snack Holiday Hampers at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Market Bucks Program (Fresh Produce) Pet Food and Supplies Housing Rent Supplement Program Energy Assistance Housing Initiative Program Income Tax Clinics Health Medical and Dental Programs Back-To-School Program Teen Hygiene Packs Education Bursaries Prom and Formal Wear Transportation New Baby Layette Referrals to community agencies and partners Jump start, ProKids and Tim camp Retail Assistance with gently used clothing, housewares and furniture Changing Lives Together 18

20 Treasurer s Report As I look back on my first year as Treasurer, I am struck by GBF s ever expanding response to the needs of the Grimsby community. Of particular note were: the 2016 launch of the Rent Supplement Program; the expansion of the Medical and Dental Program; the increasing needs of our food bank clients; the continued support of the seasonal hamper programs. In 2016, over $475,000 was invested in these programs alone - a 32% increase over Additionally, GBF invested in multiple youth programs to include: bursaries for graduate students; funding school meal programs; new running shoes and backpacks for returning students; providing healthy snacks for kids; school uniforms; occasionally, formal wear for the prom. In 2016, we completed a number of capital projects, necessary property repairs and safety upgrades to our premises to include: repaving the parking lot, repairing the warehouse receiving area, refurbishing the foodbank, upgrading the sprinkler system, repairing the retaining wall and several air conditioning units. These projects, to a 50 year old building and premises, totalled $250,000. We completed a capital needs and replacement assessment and established a capital reserve of $400,000 in 2016 for identified capital assets which will require attention in the next 5 years. We also continued our investment in our Grimsby based community partners who provided services which are aligned to GBF s mission. Over the past 2 years we have invested $160,000 in those organizations. As we look forward, it is likely that rising property values and taxes will drive Grimsby rents higher still. This will see even more residents spending more than 30% of their disposable income on rent - a definition of poverty. While the rent supplement program remains in its early stages, we have set up a reserve of $175,000 in 2016 to provide for anticipated needs in 2017 and beyond. GBF needs to be vigilant in ensuring the sustainability of its programs as well as its management of the inherent risks of deploying its capitol - all in the context of a rapidly changing environment for residents of Grimsby. Both initiatives are under active consideration in While the retail store has enjoyed recent success, I note that GBF s real success is directly linked to the volunteers, donors, social groups and partner organizations who most generously give of their time, talents and resources in support of the Grimsby community. You are the true enablers of GBF. Thank you. Robert Paul, Treasurer Annual Report

21 Reputation for Performance Excellence Diligent stewardship of our assets matters because strong financial performance means greater impact in the community. Our strong performance allows us to make deeper investments in the work we do together, to ensure that anyone in our community that needs our help receives the assistance they deserve. Financial highlights 2016 Revenue Sales $1,299,649 Contributions 208,658 Provincial Grant 5,939 Interest and Others 39,454 $1,533,700 Administration Office $73,127 Telephone 16,101 Meetings & Special Events 2,412 Strategic Planning 17,905 Professional Fees 8,220 Insurance 15,354 Volunteer Recognition 13,990 Salaries and benefits 102,805 Amortization 34,800 $284, Expenses Programs Food Bank $208,788 School Life 8,359 Christmas Hamper 63,667 Client Assistance 181,476 Clothing & Furniture 117,080 Property Taxes 12,453 School Bursaries 4,000 Community Partner Donations 140,827 Easter 11,932 Thanksgiving 11,469 Hunger Awareness 20,230 Kids Zone Program 11,629 Salaries and benefits 266,887 $1,058,797 Excess revenue over expenses $210,189 All clients served by GBF Community Services are required to be assessed for need. Changing Lives Together 20

22 Thank you to all the Donors who made contributions in This includes: Monthly monetary donors Monetary donors Monetary United Way donors Tribute/ memorial donors Planned gift donors Food donors Gently used product donors Donors hosting 3rd party events and food drives Donors of volunteer hours Notable Achievements Awarded the RFP from the Niagara Region for the Operation of the Reusable Materials Drop-Off Depot, Niagara Road 12 Landfill Site, West Lincoln. The Project is anticipated to commence in Women in Niagara Business Award given to Stacy Elia. This was recognition of her success in business and contributions to our community in the Social Enterprise Category Annual Report

23 Board of Directors GBF Community Services is governed by a Volunteer Board of Directors. We are fortunate to have strong leadership from this dedicated group. The entire organization thanks this group of experienced and committed leaders for their time, efforts and guidance. James Stevens, President Robert Paul, Treasurer Frank Barretto John dejager Mike Panich, Vice-President Tom Beach Don Brown Nancy Wallwork Staff Stacy Elia, Executive Director Michele Lunn, Client Services Manager Roger Saldat, Operations Manager Laura Garner, Finance/Admin Coordinator Marion Thorp, Volunteer Services Manager Ashley Miller, Program Development Manager Rick Manners, Warehouse Receiver/Truck Driver Proud members of: Changing Lives Together 22

24 Grimsby Benevolent Fund 40 Elm Street, P.O. Box 231, Grimsby, ON L3M 4G3 Phone: (905) Fax: (905) The Charitable Member Registration Number RR0001