Annual Report

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Gerard Harrington
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1 Annual Report Reaching out to those in need since 1985

President and Executive Director s Report India Rainbow Community Services of Peel was founded in 1985 by concerned members of the Indo-Canadian community to meet the social services need of

Today, India Rainbow is a vibrant, highly respected multi-service agency recognized for leadership and diversity, innovative and cost efficient programs, community partnerships and collaboration with

2 President and Executive Director s Report India Rainbow Community Services of Peel was founded in 1985 by concerned members of the Indo-Canadian community to meet the social services need of newcomers from the Indian sub-continent. Today, India Rainbow is a vibrant, highly respected multi-service agency recognized for leadership and diversity, innovative and cost efficient programs, community partnerships and collaboration with all stakeholders. Our steady growth reflects thoughtful planning and consideration of capacity before expanding. Sheela Joshi Kitty Chadda With our growth, expansion and 25 year history, we continue to embrace forward thinking and strive for excellence in client service and program operational best practices. In brief, some of our last year s successes and current endeavours are: We completed the Benchmarks of Excellence process, as a start of our journey to accreditation. This process provided us the opportunity to better understand, measure, celebrate and improve our organizational performance. With our enthusiastic governors (Board Directors), we revised our entire board orientation manual, hosted two board governance retreats, implemented a standardized method of board evaluation and developed membership recruitment and engagement strategy. Our Board and Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) members are actively engaged in risk management, succession planning, women s, seniors and 25 th Anniversary committees. We continue to develop and monitor compliance of governance, finance, information technology operations, and health & safety policies. We took a leadership role in the Home Support Exercise Program, an evidence based exercise program for older adults that promotes falls prevention. We also participated in a pilot project called ASSIST - All inclusive Seamless Services for Seniors Independence Today and Tomorrow. Our Seniors Wellness Program has resulted in tracking a reduction in emergency room visits, thus promoting the government s initiative of Aging at Home. With assistance from Health Canada, we successfully developed a Guide to Holistic Self-Care Care, a tool for the South Asian seniors to assist in the early detection and self-management of diabetes and other chronic illnesses. The next part of the project is to pilot test the guide in the community. We are developing a custom database through Caseworks Software, an all-encompassing software designed to manage all aspects of case management from intake to cycle close. After a quarter century, we still remain motivated by the desire to enhance the lives of immigrants who choose to make Canada their home. We want to have a share in helping new immigrants realize their full potential by making a meaningful contribution to their communities. As we look back at our accomplishments in a quarter century, we are, as always, thankful to our volunteers, clients, networking partners, funders and donors. We are very appreciative of our Board of Directors and Policy Advisory Committee Members for their unfailing guidance and watchful eye over the organization. A very special thank-you goes to our front line staff and the management who truly believe in our mission, and serve and live that mission every day. Thank you for putting your trust in us. Sheela Joshi President Kitty Chadda Executive Director

Programs and Services LINC students at a sugar bush - learning about maple syrup LINC The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Program provides free basic English language training and

The response has been overwhelming and Seniors enjoy taking these classes. The classes run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

3 Programs and Services LINC students at a sugar bush - learning about maple syrup LINC The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Program provides free basic English language training and childminding services to adult permanent residents of Canada. This past year, we have started a LINC class specifically for seniors 55 years and older at our new location 245 Queen Street, Brampton. The response has been overwhelming and Seniors enjoy taking these classes. The classes run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. With two additional evening classes at our Mississauga site this year, IRCS now offers 26 part- time classes between Mississauga and Brampton thereby providing a wide range of flexible and convenient time and location options to newcomers. JSW Job Search Workshops (JSW) facilitate the employment of new immigrants to Ontario by familiarizing them with effective job-search practices and techniques in a culturally appropriate manner. We provide pre-employment workshops to train newcomers in job searching techniques. This includes Orientation to the Canadian Labour Market, Self-Assessment of Skills, Effective Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Networking and methods of Contacting Employers, Successful Interview Techniques, Overview of the Workplace, Workers Rights and Employment Standards. We expanded our JSW program to operate from our new location 21 Regan Road in Brampton in the past year making JSW available at three locations within Brampton and Mississauga. Settlement Services Immigrant Settlement and Adaption Program (ISAP) and Newcomer Settlement Program (NSP) assist immigrants in settling and integrating into Canadian society. It includes the delivery of direct and essential services to immigrants for a smooth integration into the Canadian society. These services include but are not limited to information and referral to various community resources, services and programs, assistance filling out various applications such as Child Tax Benefits, Permanent Resident Card, Citizenship, nonprofit housing, Ontario Works, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Passports, name changes etc. Newcomers using our resource room. Information Sessions are organized for various groups of newcomers on many important topics of need such as Landlord Tenants Issues, Employment Standards Act, labour market information, Employment Insurance, Teaching in Ontario, volunteering etc. which greatly helps them understand the Canadian culture. Free Income Tax clinics and legal clinics are also organized for low income newcomers at all our locations.

Programs and Services LTC Our comprehensive Long Term Care Program (LTC) includes, Adult Day Program, Seniors Wellness Program and the Friendly Visiting Program where in we offer a wide range of

The highlights of this year are: We are greatly honoured to be chosen as the ASSIST test phase participating agency to provide Home Support Exercise Program.

4 Programs and Services LTC Our comprehensive Long Term Care Program (LTC) includes, Adult Day Program, Seniors Wellness Program and the Friendly Visiting Program where in we offer a wide range of services to seniors which includes a variety of activities that enhance their mental and physical well being. The highlights of this year are: We are greatly honoured to be chosen as the ASSIST test phase participating agency to provide Home Support Exercise Program. The Home Support Exercise program is an evidence based exercise program for frail, homebound older adults developed by the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging. It consists of 10 simple yet progressive exercises designed to enhance and maintain functional fitness, mobility, balance and independence of the participants. Trained front line workers such as caregivers, volunteers, personal support workers or other community professionals teach these exercises to older adults. HASP Housing And Support Peel provides supportive housing to people with severe mental illness who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Through this program culturally appropriate services are provided to clients in their own environment supported by families and friends. They learn life skills to manage their illness and achieve their short term goals. Services are provided to help them navigate the social and community services system and link them with appropriate services. Women s Services Women s program at IRCS provides culturally sensitive, short and long term counseling to women in abusive situations and advocacy for equality of access for all women in the community. We provide crisis intervention, settlement services, create safety plans, conduct empowerment educational workshops, organize wellness and support groups. Day program participants engaged in mental aerobic exercise Over the past year IRCS has taken a significant step towards the process of acquiring accreditation through CARF, Canada (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). As part of the process we have had the honour of being one of the first 8 agencies selected to participate in this accreditation.. The process provides us an opportunity to better understand, measure, celebrate and improve our organizational performance. The Mississauga Halton LHIN is funding our participation in this process. Child Youth & Parenting (CYP) CYP program provides short and long-term supportive counseling for youth and their families who may be at risk, or are experiencing conflicts, depression and marginalization related to duality of cultures, transition to a new country, post war/ disaster trauma, peer to peer and familial conflict, parenting styles, developmental disabilities, mental health issues and adolescent norms. Many newcomer children, youth and parents are empowered and educated through presentations and information sessions provided by our staff. Indepth employment and career guidance are offered to youth and culturally appropriate information is provided to parents on navigating Ontario School system, conditional acceptance, choosing a College / University, applying for OSAP / grants, living on residence etc.

On-going projects and initiatives Holistic Guide to Diabetes Self Management project The advisory group hard at work The Guide to Holistic Self-Care is a tool for South Asian seniors to assist in

The guide includes aspects such as understanding the disease, exercise, healthy eating, proper use of prescription medications and information on monitoring and managing blood sugar and blood

This guide is a user friendly, culturally appropriate and language specific tool to empower the South Asian seniors and addresses their physical, mental, emotional, social and financial issues.

The seniors have been involved in this project by actively participating in the two surveys, providing feedback and recommendations on the guide content as well as being a part of the advisory

Client file accessibility across all locations will allow staff to have necessary information at their fingertips for seamless documented client service, while creating a documented account of each

5 On-going projects and initiatives Holistic Guide to Diabetes Self Management project The advisory group hard at work The Guide to Holistic Self-Care is a tool for South Asian seniors to assist in early detection and self-management of diabetes and other chronic illnesses. The guide includes aspects such as understanding the disease, exercise, healthy eating, proper use of prescription medications and information on monitoring and managing blood sugar and blood pressure. This guide is a user friendly, culturally appropriate and language specific tool to empower the South Asian seniors and addresses their physical, mental, emotional, social and financial issues. It is a holistic approach needed for self management of diabetes and chronic disease prevention. The seniors have been involved in this project by actively participating in the two surveys, providing feedback and recommendations on the guide content as well as being a part of the advisory committee for the project. IRCS is switching to Caseworks Caseworks is an all-encompassing software designed to manage all aspects of case management from intake to cycle close. Client file accessibility across all locations will allow staff to have necessary information at their fingertips for seamless documented client service, while creating a documented account of each unit of service provided to clients. India Rainbow alongside Coyote, has developed an implementation team and set a tentative launch date in October Strategic Plan Year Two Accomplishments - Highlights We continue to develop and monitor compliance of Governance, Finance, IT Operation and Health and Safety policies. Have embarked on developing a complete documented Risk Management Plan by having an inventory completed by each staff and developing a methodology for plan development Developed a draft Membership Recruitment and Engagement strategy Launched an enhanced Website Developed a complete marketing plan in consultation with board, staff, and volunteers Reviewing potential risk factors and beginning proper documentation of accounting procedures Benchmarks of Excellence India Rainbow was selected to participate in a process called Benchmarks of Excellence as one of the eight identified agencies out of 53 in the Region of Peel. Staff, management, and Board participated in completing the surveys organized by Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA), a division of Ontario Capacity Builders. This process provided us the opportunity to better understand, measure, celebrate, and improve our organizational performance. We have developed certain best practices, and these have impacted our achievement of Benchmarks of Excellence.

6 Financial Statement Auditor: James E. Horn Almand Chartered Accountants The above financial report has been extracted from India Rainbow s audited financial statements. Detailed financial statements are available upon request.

7 Financial Statement

India Rainbow Community Services of Peel (IRCS) is a charitable, non-profit, community based organization. Services provided are non-religious and non political.

8 India Rainbow Community Services of Peel (IRCS) is a charitable, non-profit, community based organization. Services provided are non-religious and non political. Board of Directors for Sheela Joshi President Shivani Sharda Vice-President Charanjit Luthra Treasurer Nazli Rehman Secretary Deepak Anand Joint Secretary Kitty Chadda Executive Director Members: Ragini Bhat, Bhushan Sood, Rina Kukde, Samuel Malvea, Vandana Nayyar Policy Advisory Committee: Ferzana Chaze, Archana Madhekar, Harish Athale Mission: To provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to the Peel immigrant community, enabling integration and supporting their settlement, social services, health and education needs. Our Guiding Principles We will apply best practices in our service delivery We will be accountable to all our stakeholders We are non political and non religious We are committed to progress and forward thinking through entrepreneurship We are guided by community participation and collaboration Our objectives To assist the immigrant community to integrate into mainstream Canadian society through education, training, counseling, referral, information and bridging barriers (to integration) To assist and educate the community on healthcare needs To provide family counseling and/or referral services in family crisis situations To identify problems associated with the duality of cultures for children of immigrants and to provide opportunities to resolve them through education To inform the mainstream Canadian community about the value system of first generation Canadians To raise funds for programs and projects related to achieving the objectives of the organization To strive for providing language and culture specific services as appropriate Mississauga (2 locations) 3038 Hurontario Street, Suite 206 Mississauga, ON L5B 3B9 Phone: Facsimile: ircs@indiarainbow.org 415 Matheson Blvd. East, Mississauga, ON L4Z 2H2 Phone: Facsimile: Brampton (3 locations) 9446 McLaughlin Road North, Unit # 1 Brampton, ON L6X 4H9 Phone: Facsimile: Regan Road, Unit H & I, Brampton, ON L7A 1C5 Phone: Facsimile: Queen Street East, Unit # 2, Brampton ON L6W 2B5 Phone: Facsimile: Charity Business No: RR0001 A United Way Funded Agency

And lastly, we strive to be a strong voice to support and promote volunteerism through advocacy, community outreach, public and media relations.

And lastly, we strive to be a strong voice to support and promote volunteerism through advocacy, community outreach, public and media relations. 2012 Annual Report Who We Are: Volunteer MBC is the local volunteer centre serving the cities of Mississauga and Brampton, and the Town of Caledon, by raising awareness of the power of service. Our centre