COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT 2015/16. #WeArePossibility

Transcription

1 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT 2015/16 #WeArePossibility

2 207,596 LIVES IMPACTED IN 2015/16 34, ,970 71,486 People who are either experiencing or vulnerable to poverty were supported and empowered. Individuals received the help they needed as they faced complex challenges including abuse, mental illness and social isolation. Children and youth were placed on a path to succeed in school and life, now and in the future. Together, we can improve the lives of people struggling in our community by providing immediate and lasting solutions that tackle the cycle of poverty. The cover image and photographs on this spread were taken on September 18, 2015 at the 2015 Campaign Kick-off. The mural pictured was painted at the Mississauga Valley Community Centre by volunteers.

3 Message to our Community We are proud to share with you the 2015/2016 Community Impact Report. This report highlights our work, commitment and impact over the last year in our mission to drive social change in our community. As a community mobilizer, United Way brings together people from all walks of life to address the root causes of poverty in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. United Way drives community impact on issues such as student success, mental health, family violence, youth unemployment, racism, hunger and homelessness. We often hear people say there is no poverty in Peel. Unfortunately, that is not the case. In 1980, two percent of Peel s neighbourhoods were considered low income. Today, it s 45 percent. One in five children in this community live in poverty. Over 14,000 people right here in Peel accessed emergency shelter or transitional housing in Because the growth of our social infrastructure hasn t kept pace with our population growth, our social housing wait list is one of the longest in the country. United Way of Peel Region s goal is to reduce and eliminate poverty. This year, we made progress with the help of our partners you. Because of you, youth in crisis will have a safe place to sleep instead of turning to the streets. With your support, we have continued to collaborate across the region and champion the needs of our community with government partners, and we have invested $7.23-million in community-based programs. Together, we are supporting a vital network of programs and services that connect people to the help they need, when they need it. We are privileged to work with residents, government, non-profit, corporate and labour leaders from across the region that are committed to ensuring every man, woman and child has a warm place to sleep, enough to eat and a chance at a better future. Momentum is building. We look forward to continuing this important work with you. John Russo Chair of the Board Shelley White President & CEO

4 MOVING THE NEEDLE Up to 30 youth shelter beds approved by the Region of Peel to establish temporary shelter for youth, aged 16-24, experiencing homelessness in Brampton. UP TO 30 YOUTH SHELTER BEDS MiWay Affordable Transit Pilot Program created in partnership between the Region of Peel and the City of Mississauga SUBSIDIZES THE COST of adult and senior monthly passes by 50% FOR LOW-INCOME MISSISSAUGA RESIDENTS. Peel Newcomer Strategy Group unveils the NEWCOMER PROFILE TOOL at peelnewcomer.org/npt to help agencies and funders provide more EFFECTIVE SUPPORTS for newcomers and refugees. Planning underway for COMMUNITY HUBS ACROSS PEEL REGION to improve and increase access to coordinated services. MENTAL HEALTH WAIT TIMES FOR CASE MANAGEMENT HAVE DECREASED FROM TWO YEARS TO LESS THAN ONE YEAR. 4 United Way of Peel Region honoured as first Canadian recipient of the 2016 UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE COMMON GOOD AWARD for WORK IN THE SETTLEMENT AND INCLUSION OF NEWCOMERS AND REFUGEES.

5 Our community has had many wins over the last year. Residents, government, labour, education, business, police and health care leaders have worked together to drive impact on issues important to Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. Together, we are providing shortterm and long-term solutions to critical local issues. 20,000 HOMES BY 2018 In order to understand the depth of homelessness in our community, volunteers across the region canvassed shelters, streets and neighbourhoods to identify the needs of our homeless population. 20,000 Homes is a national movement of communities working together to permanently house 20,000 of Canada s most vulnerable homeless people by July 1, Central West LHIN investment supports expansion of 24/7 CRISIS SUPPORT in CALEDON placing the needs of local mental health and addictions clients first by improving access to care. Government 732 sponsored SYRIAN REFUGEES SUPPORTED IN THEIR RESETTLEMENT IN PEEL. WORKPLACE BLITZ by the Ministry of Labour TARGETING PRECARIOUS EMPLOYMENT VIOLATIONS in response to joint research from McMaster University and United Way. TOGETHER, WE ARE WORKING TO REDUCE POVERTY, PREVENT POVERTY AND SUPPORT PEOPLE LIVING IN CRISIS RIGHT NOW. 5

6 MOVING PEOPLE FROM POVERTY TO POSSIBILITY Your donations help ensure everyone has access to the most basic needs in life food security, emergency shelter and transitional housing supports. Together, we are working to help people in crisis. 80+ Over 80 Agents of Change slept in their cars for #LongestNightPeel to raise funds and awareness about homelessness in our community. 34,000 Increasing food security for Peel residents is a primary goal of United Way of Peel Region. This year, close to 34,000 individuals accessed United Way-funded food programs that provided healthy and nutritious meals. 81% Support from programs funded by United Way can have a positive impact on individuals and families living in transitional housing. This year, 81% of 156 homeless youth participating in United Way funded programs reported advancing their personal goals. In May 2016, United Way held a summit to increase awareness of poverty and homelessness in Peel and to identify opportunities for all levels of government and community-based organizations to work together to address affordable housing issues in Peel. Among those in attendance were elected officials from all levels of government, United Way donors, community leaders and community partners. Over the last year, United Way has championed the need to tackle poverty with local, provincial and federal governments. The 2016 Federal Budget showed a strong commitment to address poverty and affordable housing. The provincial government has committed to end chronic homelessness in Ontario by Long-term Goals People living in poverty have ACCESS TO BASIC NEEDS (including food and shelter) to get back on their feet POLICIES CHANGED to lift people out of poverty 6

7 ISSUES More than 226,000 people in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga are living in poverty and struggle with basic needs such as housing, food, and transportation. Source: Tamarack Poverty Indicators, 2015 About 40% of individuals are precariously employed in the Greater Toronto Area. Youth, newcomers, immigrants and racialized individuals are more likely to be in precarious employment. Source: It s More Than Poverty: Employment Precarity and Household Wellbeing, PEPSO Research, 2013 In 1980, 2% of Peel neighbourhoods were considered low income. Today it s 45%. Source: Neighbourhood Change Research Partnership, University of Toronto, 2014 The weekly cost to feed a family of four increased by 26% between 2009 and 2015 (from $ to $197.35); income levels have not increased at the same rate. Source: Nutritious Food Basket , Region of Peel 12.1% of Peel households experienced food insecurity between 2011 and Source: Canadian Community Health Survey , Stats Canada YOUR IMPACT Anna led a remarkable and accomplished life with a successful career in international development where she was accustomed to living in some of the toughest conditions in the world. In Sudan, she led a peace making project in one of the most dangerous areas in the country. But none of those experiences tested her resilience as much as being faced with poverty in her own life. Everything changed for Anna and her family when her husband was diagnosed with a serious mental health disorder. Over the course of four years their lifestyle changed dramatically. They both lost their jobs, her husband was sent to prison and Anna was faced with being a single mother to their seven-year-old daughter with no income or supports. I used to consider myself a resilient person, but during those dark years my resilience started to falter, says Anna. Poverty is exhausting, stressful and isolating. You are constantly making impossible choices between heat, food or electricity. A social worker who worked with Anna s husband realized Anna was struggling and referred her to Eden Food for Change. Eden Food for Change is a community learning kitchen that provides food, cooking classes and employment training for people in crisis and is funded by United Way of Peel Region. [It] filled a huge gap. It didn t solve all of our problems, but it ensured my daughter never went hungry, she says. When you donate to United Way, you are helping programs like these help individuals like me break the cycle of poverty, and start a cycle of possibility. And for that, I am eternally grateful. Anna and her family are doing well now. She has found new, meaningful work. Her daughter is thriving and her husband is healthy and at home. 7

8 SPOTLIGHT ON HOMELESSNESS IN PEEL Peel Region has joined communities across Canada to take part in 20,000 Homes a national movement to house 20,000 of Canada s most vulnerable homeless people by July 1, In Peel, this campaign is being led by United Way of Peel Region in partnership with the Region of Peel, Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy Committee, Our Place Peel, Supportive Housing in Peel (SHIP), St. Leonard s Place Peel and the Salvation Army. Across the country, there are more than 35,000 homeless Canadians on any given night. In a community like Peel, the issue of homelessness is not as visible as it is in a more urban centre. Despite that, we know the problem continues to grow. In a single year 14,520 people, including 3,985 children, used shelters in Peel, but that number doesn t tell the whole story. In June 2016, over 100 trained volunteers headed to canvas shelters, streets and neighbourhoods to engage people experiencing homelessness in Peel. Having access to current data on the housing, health and social needs of the homeless in Peel will allow us to develop a response that matches the actual needs of our community. Here are some results: 12,077 households in Peel are waiting for a rent subsidy the average wait time is 5.3 years. Source: Peel Annual Housing System Report 2015 The current rental vacancy rate in Peel is 1.7% in the private rental market. When the rate is below 3% it means demand is much higher than supply. Source: Peel s Housing & Homelessness Plan, Progress Update To own an average home in Peel requires a minimum annual median household income of $62,480. Two out of every five households earn less than $60,000 annually. Source: Peel s Housing & Homelessness Plan, Progress Update individuals experiencing homelessness were interviewed on June 6, 7 and 8. 33% 149 (33%) acknowledged a personal mental health challenge. 23% 105 (23%) reported that they had been physically assaulted while homeless. 47% Abuse or trauma was given as the cause of their homelessness by 214 of the 455 (47%) individuals surveyed. NEXT STEPS The Peel Alliance to End Homelessness has been formed. United Way of Peel Region will work with community partners to plan and advocate for much needed resources to address homelessness. 8

9 20,000 Homes: the movement to house 20,000 of Canada s most vulnerable homeless people by July 1, Learn more at 20khomes.ca and 20khomespeel.ca. YOUR IMPACT United Way of Peel Region has been working hard to build awareness and gain a better understanding of homelessness in our community. It sometimes feels like an uphill battle because homelessness is hidden in Peel. Some access our transitional and emergency shelter system, others couch surfed, slept in their cars or slept in stairwells of buildings to find shelter. When 20,000 Homes came to Peel, I was eager to join the volunteers who hit the streets to talk to people trying to gain a better understanding of their experience, their stories, perhaps the barriers they faced and how we can collectively work better. My team focused on the Cooksville area. We talked to people in the neighbourhood asking for advice on where to begin. Several people directed us to areas where they often see homeless individuals. During our shift, we talked with people who had nowhere to sleep that night. Some people wanted nothing to do with us but the majority were happy to talk. They wanted help. They wanted people to understand. We heard the story of one man who was living in his car despite having a job. He stays at a homeless shelter for two weeks every few months. He, like many of the people we talked to, has a job but can t afford a home. They keep the car because it s their way to get to work and it provides shelter. Getting help can sometimes be a struggle as many programs and services run during traditional business hours when they are working. During a three-day span, we had the privilege of talking to 455 people in our region struggling with homelessness. They have a voice. They have a face. How many more are facing this every day? Homelessness is an urgent and complex issue. We have only scratched the surface. Now the real work begins. A 20,000 Homes volunteer 9

10 BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY You help our most vulnerable neighbours overcome complex challenges abuse, mental illness and social isolation by supporting and connecting them to their community. Our goal is for every individual to feel supported and know they are not alone. 98% United Way helps to improve safety for vulnerable people by supporting programs that assist victims of violence and abuse. This year, 98% of clients (2,337) seeking help were able to develop safety plans for themselves and their children. 25,503 This year, 25,503 people participated in programs supported by United Way that connected them with essential resources and services. 10,285 This year, 10,285 individuals were served through the three neighbourhood development projects funded by United Way in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. 44,000 Lack of awareness of issues related to mental health and the stigmatization of those experiencing mental health challenges can act as major barriers to recovery. With support from the United Way, 44,000 people were reached through mental health awareness and stigma reduction campaigns. In October, United Way co-hosted an Ontario Human Rights Commission training session on human rights issues impacting agencies and residents of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. The Peel Syrian Settlement Working group, co-chaired by United Way and the Region of Peel coordinated over 40 members from lead settlement and support agencies to collaboratively address the resettlement of Syrian refugees. Long-term Goals Last year, over 20,000 immigrants and over 1,000 refugees from around the world settled in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga and 21 United Way-funded programs provided food, shelter, counselling and employment to help them successfully settle and integrate in their new homes. United Way s Chinese Advisory Council is a key partner in the research on migration, aging and well-being of Chinese seniors in Peel. Victims of violence and abuse ARE SAFE People struggling with complex challenges including mental illness and disabilities ARE SUPPORTED INCREASED AWARENESS AND REDUCING STIGMA surrounding mental health in our community 10

11 ISSUES Mental illness is a leading cause of disability in Canada. Source: CAMH Mental illness and Addictions Facts and Statistics One in five Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Source: The Canadian Mental Health Association and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 70% of mental health problems and illnesses begin during childhood or adolescence. Source: The Canadian Mental Health Association and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Police units are responding to an increasing number of mental health calls 96% increase since Source: Peel Regional Police 66% of female victims of sexual assault are under age 24 and 11% are under age 11. Source: Canadian Women s Foundation, 2016 Every five days in Canada a woman is killed by her intimate partner. Source: Canadian Women s Foundation, 2016 One in seven people in Ontario, about 1,850,000 people, have a disability. The majority are physical or mobility related. Source: The Path to Ontario s Accessibility Action Plan; March of Dimes Canada Helpful Information About Disabilities 60% of women with a disability experience some form of violence. Source: Canadian Women s Foundation, 2016 YOUR IMPACT People who suffer from serious mental health issues often face a range of barriers that prevent them from enjoying successful, productive and enriching lives. Barriers can include a lack of access to education, lower rates of employment and social isolation. Peace Ranch is a community mental health agency offering supportive housing and social recreational rehabilitation programs to individuals with serious mental illness, enabling them to live and work in a community atmosphere. Located on a beautiful 25-acre farm in Caledon, Peace Ranch provides a unique rural setting for whole health and healing. Thanks to a United Way-funded program at Peace Ranch, participants are finding hope and peace through social recreation programs that include cooking, hiking, music, art, gardening and animal care. Peace Ranch provides an ideal environment for mental health recovery and a sense of calm and clarity from being outdoors. The program provides a nurturing, supportive environment where clients can cultivate friendships, develop self-confidence, improve physical health, and gain a sense of motivation and empowerment. Participants in the program report feeling a sense of self-worth, making a positive contribution to their community, overall confidence, improved physical health, a sense of teamwork, friendship and creativity. With your support, we are working together to ensure even our most vulnerable residents have the opportunity to enjoy a sense of connection to their community and to create a fulfilling and vibrant life. 11

12 HELPING KIDS TO BE ALL THEY CAN BE Your support helps put children and youth on a path to succeed in life by investing in their development and mental health from early childhood to young adulthood ensuring they have the skills and opportunities they need to become successful adults. Together, we are working to prevent poverty. 10,791 United Way supported the participation of 10,791 children and youth in programs to increase their well-being and social skills. 5,064 Helping parents develop effective parenting strategies is important to help children and youth thrive. 5,064 parents participated in programs designed to increase their capacity to parent more effectively. 30,000 Building strong social connections with others helps children and youth thrive. This year, almost 30,000 kids participated in United Way-funded programs to gain life skills and increase self-esteem. United Way of Peel Region invested $15,000 in eight youth-led initiatives. Youth in Action grants are one-time opportunity for creative youth-led projects that address community issues in Peel Region. Youth between 14 and 24 years are eligible to apply for the grant. 86.4% Academic success is important for the development of essential skills that will benefit children throughout life. This year, 86.4% of program participants (162) surveyed reported improved grades at school. United Way s South Asian Advisory Council facilitated a pilot project with community partners to reduce stigma and create awareness about resources available to youth regarding mental health. Long-term Goals CHILDREN ARE READY TO LEARN when they start kindergarten Children and youth are ACTIVE AND ENGAGED IN THEIR COMMUNITY PARENTS HAVE THE TOOLS, KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT to be the best parents they can be YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS 12

13 ISSUES One in five children in Peel live in poverty. This is higher than both provincial and national averages. Source: Tamarack Poverty Indicators, 2015 An estimated 40% of youth who are homeless self-identify as having mental health issues and this number increases to almost 70% after being homeless for more than four years. Mental health concerns during childhood, although more receptive to treatment, can lead to lifelong battles with mental illness if not treated with early interventions. Source: The Learning Community: Homeless Youth and Mental Health Backgrounder, 2012 Lower incomes for the Black population have implications for Black children and youth who grow up in poverty or in families with limited discretionary funds. Parents are unable to keep their children out of poverty and protect them from its negative impacts such as limited access to recreational activities, healthy food and safe housing. Source: F.A.C.E.S. of Peel: Fighting an uphill battle, 2015 YOUR IMPACT Every member of this community deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, productive and vibrant life. But many young people in Peel face multiple barriers to success that put them at an increased risk of poverty, and of never achieving their full potential. The Black Community Advisory Council (BCAC) Mentoring Program is a community-based one-to-one mentorship program in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel that matches Black youth (ages 12-17) with a Black adult mentor at a critical time in their lives. Mentors offer support while promoting positive self-identity through participation in various cultural activities that help youth feel rooted in their community. Research shows that young people with mentors experience healthier relationships and lifestyle choices, improved self-esteem and self-confidence and a better attitude about school and their future. Since the program began in 2013, almost 50 Black youth in Peel have been matched with a Black adult mentor. Tyrone, a mentee in the program, says his mentor Richard has not only become a good friend and someone to talk to, but he has encouraged him to focus on trying harder and doing better, making a real difference in his life. The program s success was recently honoured with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Community Partner of the Year Award. With your support, United Way of Peel Region is helping put children and youth on a path to success by investing in their future. The mentorship program aims to change a young person s life by ensuring they have the skills, resources and opportunities to become successful adults helping them be all they can be. 13

14 FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT The 2015/16 audited financial statements reflect the collective efforts of our volunteers and generous donors. Full audited statements are available at unitedwaypeel.org. Our job is to ensure your dollars are spent wisely and strategically to achieve desired results. This achievement will support an integrated network of local agencies in the delivery of social services and programs, and fund community grants and collaborations that will benefit vulnerable individuals and families living in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. Community investments are monitored by an experienced United Way Community Investment Cabinet, Allocations Committee and staff. All program and service funding requests must meet a strict set of performance criteria based on the most current research. By focusing on the best people, latest research and innovative practices around achieving measurable results, we maximize the impact of all contributions and the return on your investment. We are grateful for the ongoing support and counsel of the Board of Directors and our auditors, Grant Thornton LLP. Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Finance and Audit Committee, Michelle Cole, MBA Treasurer, Finance & Audit Committee Shirley Crocker, CPA, CGA Vice President, Finance and Administration Where the money comes from Where the money goes Peel Campaign $11,906,639 National Campaigns/CCC $1,075,246 Sponsorship $68,419 Grants $383,375 Other Miscellaneous Income $193,120 Special Gift (bequest) $350,000 Community Priority Fund $7,231,825 Program Funding $1,773,570 (including grant funded projects such as Peel Newcomer Strategy Group) Designations to other United Ways and charities $1,825,564 Community Initiatives Funding and Community Response Fund $142,641 (including Neighbourhood Development grants and Youth in Action grants) Pledge Loss $339,175 Fundraising Expenses $2,849,426 14

15 Community Priority Fund Investment by Focus Area From Poverty to Possibility 15% ($1,084,187) All That Kids Can Be 38% ($2,718,224) Strong Communities 47% ($3,429,414) UNITED WAY DONOR INVESTMENTS $9,148,036 + $1,825,564 $10,973,600 Total funds invested to support Community Investments & Collaborations Total funds designated as donor choice* Total 2015/16 Community Investment * United Way does not evaluate agencies, programs or initiatives funded through donor choice. 89 programs 11 Youth-in-Action 19 collaboratives at 54 agencies in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga grants and Neighbourhood Development grants and partnerships 15

16 THANK YOU. Together, we are working to reduce poverty, prevent poverty and support people living in crisis right now. Together, we are possibility. Learn more at unitedwaypeel.org/communityimpact The data in this report was collected by our United Way agency partners from April 1, 2015 to March 31, As much as possible we have tried to avoid duplication, however this data does not reflect unique individuals served, as clients may access a program several times and/or more than one program within an agency or between agencies. 90 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Suite 408 PO Box 58 Mississauga, ON L5B 3C3 Phone: Fax: TTY: info@unitedwaypeel.org /unitedwaypeel