OUR COMMUNITY. OUR FUTURE. the journey so far...

Transcription

1 OUR COMMUNITY. OUR FUTURE. the journey so far... annual report

2 our chair ~ sunny delaney-clark 35 years ago, Margaret Chisholm ( ) co-founded Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS), to which she dedicated much of her life. She believed strongly in building community with a practical approach to meeting real needs. This commitment and wisdom started us on our path. Today, CCIS has evolved, but continues to embrace her founding values, by working in partnership with the community to help immigrants and refugees settle and strive to become independent members of Canadian society. During the past year, with a sudden surge of refugees arriving in Calgary, CCIS responded by delivering what was expected, and more. While the obstacles have been many, CCIS was able to accommodate nearly 850 refugees, expertly adjusting to the logistics of managing cultural differences and expectations. It is worth noting that CCIS carried on without compromising our regular programs and services to other newcomers while assisting the Syrian refugees, and continued to provide support from arrival, to orientation, to moving them all into their new homes. Saying it was tough would be overstating the obvious. It would have been impossible without a CCIS-wide collaboration of staff coming together with shared sense of purpose and values. Our CEO, Fariborz Birjandian, and his management team, were vigilant about the work at hand, while the Board, through their engagement during regular meetings and committee work, provided oversight. I would like to underscore the national recognition CCIS received as one of the leading immigrant serving agencies in Canada. Both the Calgary Foundation and Canadian Community Foundation chose Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Centre (MCRC) to roll out their funding support for the Syrian Resettlement initiative. The Honourable Minister John McCallum chose MCRC as the key venue to host round table discussions with the community and to announce his National Refugee Program commitments on behalf of the federal government. I am proud to announce that our audit results this year indicates our strong and healthy financial situation, based on securing resources and increasing self-generated revenue. The audit also recognizes strong internal controls. I wish to recognize the Board Finance Committee for their dedication and commitment in providing guidance. The Board Governance Committee oversaw the addition of three new board members and identified the need to create a Human Resources Committee. The newly formed Committee provides insight to the Board to keep us current. The Building Committee continues to oversee the MCRC s kitchen renovations. Thank you to Andrea Czinkota and Gary McKelvie, who are leaving the Board this year, for your time and efforts. We are currently in the process of developing our next 5-Year Strategic Plan, with the Board undertaking the direction to expand our capacity and further enhance partnerships within the community. We intend to become more self-reliant and expand on our commitment to help everyone who walks through our door, especially the most vulnerable. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our community, government and corporate partners for continued support and the trust they place in CCIS to carry out its mission to assist newcomers. Like many of us, they too will share their journey with pride; from strangers in a new land, to becoming valued citizens of Canada. I am grateful as Board Chair to be able to work alongside such esteemed colleagues. Looking to the future, the Board will continue to embrace preservation of the integrity and commitment of CCIS, and the communities we serve. We run like a business with a huge heart. Author unknown

3 our chief executive officer ~ fariborz birjandian We have launched the celebration of our 35th year of service in the field of resettlement and integration in Calgary and Southern Alberta. Our organization was created in response to the influx of Vietnamese refugees arriving in Calgary in 1981 and now, 35 years later, we are addressing the needs of a new group of newcomers through our active involvement in the settlement of Syrian refugees in our community. Our leadership and resourcefulness in the sudden resettlement of high numbers of Syrian refugees in Southern Alberta has been recognized by governments nationwide. As a result of our years of experience and expertise, and our spirit of collaboration, we have helped to make the initial settlement of 1,400 Syrians in our community a positive experience for refugees and host communities alike. The changes in Alberta s economy have created additional challenges for recent immigrants and new arrivals. As a first step in mitigating the impacts of the downturn, we diligently examined the new economic environment and its effects on our clientele. We used this information to review our program design and delivery, and to ensure that our services remained client-centered and relevant. During the past year, many newcomers, who were ineligible for government-funded programs, and who were facing financial crises, turned to CCIS for support. We were very glad to have the capacity to provide the required services, relying on our own resources to offer shelter, food, and other necessities, while enabling clients to develop plans, overcome their challenges, and move forward. Based on our assessments of the needs and priorities of our clients, our community, and our organization, we utilized internal and external expertise to design and deliver a number of innovative initiatives in this fiscal year. Assumed active leadership in national, regional and local planning to prepare for the arrival of 1,400 Syrian refugees in the Calgary area. Conducted community engagement in 10 smaller centres within a 150km radius to raise awareness about immigration and resettlement, and to create partnerships to promote the settlement and retention of newcomers in these communities. Launched the process of developing the CCIS Strategic Plan. Expanded our childcare services to include evenings, which has elicited a positive response from both clients and the community. Conducted outreach to privately sponsored refugees and their sponsors to ensure that they access settlement and integration services. Launched the CCIS Accreditation process. Secured record-levels of revenue from all external funding sources, as well as self-generated fee for service programs. Completed additional renovations and upkeep at all of our facilities. Expanded our services in rural Alberta by providing assistance for the resettlement of refugees in a number of non-traditional settlement communities. The number of new arrivals in the Calgary area this past year clearly show that the economic downturn has not dissuaded newcomers from choosing Southern Alberta as their new home. Our province has still undergone a 0.4% population growth, primarily due to immigration. As an agency and as a community, we have to continue creating welcoming environments wherein these newly arrived immigrants and refugees can settle, succeed, and play an active role in all aspects of community life. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our funders, donors, volunteers, community partners, my colleagues at CCIS, and especially our Board of Directors, who have provided us with unconditional guidance and encouragement. Last but not least, thank you to Bishop Fredrick Henry for his ongoing support. The successes we achieved in the past fiscal year could not be possible without the support and commitment of those listed above.

4 our numbers BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICES clients served 11,038 trades training applicants for training programs language instruction workshops/presentations given programs/services offered 4,080 instruction hours 2,923 27,425 hours I am better prepared for my move to Canada after taking the SOPA online course on Professional Communication. This program has opened my eyes and exposed me to the different and diversified culture of Canada and how to easily adapt to it. - Joshua, Nigeria COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATION SERVICES clients served documents notarized/certified families that enjoyed free tickets to city amenities workshops/presentations given programs/services offered service locations A colleague met one of our students in CCIS main office coming to the Seniors ESL Class. She asked Do you have a class today? and the senior replied, Yes! If no class, then no life! - Iuliya, Russia 4,

5 FAMILY AND CHILDREN S SERVICES clients served 5,217 developmental screening for children families that enjoyed free tickets to city amenities industry/community partners workshops/presentations given service locations Jorge s family became involved with Child and Family Services (CFS) as a result of his parenting style that led to child safety concerns. Our Cultural Brokerage program was requested by CFS for support and cultural intervention. The cultural broker recommended a Multicultural Men s Group, after listening to Jorge and the story of his family. I was able to share with others that were in the same situation as me, and we were able to support one another- not caring what country we were from. RESETTLEMENT AND INTEGRATION SERVICES clients served families that enjoyed free tickets to city amenities workshops/presentations given programs/services offered service locations 9, , The client arrived in Calgary three years ago and was advised by our Settlement Counsellor on how to achieve her dream of becoming a child care worker. With no English language skills, she attended our LINC classes as a full time student - the first time she had ever been in school. After graduation from LINC, she pursued her certificate in child care. Despite being a single mother, her hard work and dedication paid off and she has since obtained her certificate and secured full time employment as a child care worker.

6 our numbers ~ rural alberta BROOKS AND COUNTY IMMIGRATION SERVICES clients served industry/community partners workshops/presentations given programs/services offered translated documents As a lawyer in Tunisia, Beya was looking to secure the same employment in Canada. Her employment counsellor developed an action plan for her, including working with her to have her education papers assessed through the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS). We are currently awaiting a reply from IQAS. clients served FOOTHILLS COMMUNITY IMMIGRANT SERVICES 1,127 families that enjoyed free tickets to town amenities industry/community partners workshops/presentations given programs/services offered service locations As a new permanent resident, the client mistakenly registered for post-secondary education as a temporary foreign worker, where tuition is triple the normal amount. FCIS staff worked with the client to explain the difference and communicate the error to the educational institution. As a result, we were able to receive a $7,000 refund for the client.

7 our volunteers fu is a second generation immigrant born in Sudan to Eritrean parents. He eventually made his way to Calgary in search of a place to call home. AThrough his personal experience as a former refugee, and a volunteer in the settlement sector for 5 years, Afu gained valuable skills and knowledge in the area of refugee settlement. Now that he has planted his roots in Calgary, he uses his skills and experience to assist other refugee & immigrants as a Settlement Counselor at the Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Centre. total new value based on minimum wage 1,888 1,062 $529, J ohanne started volunteering with CCIS in 1996, when she took on the initiative of starting a Toy Lending Library for immigrant families. Over the past 20 years, she has seen the growth of the Toy Lending Library initiative into a permanent program at CCIS, assisting over 100 immigrant families to acquire suitable toys and books. She has accumulated over 1,000 volunteer hours for CCIS alone, and continues to give hundreds of volunteer hours each year to the community. Johanne is, in many ways, an inspiration and role model. The generosity and unselfishness Johanne shows in her volunteer work is humbling for all of us, and values that are truly Canadian. Her quiet and humble contribution to her communities over the years is something we can all learn from. She often promotes the value of volunteerism, and often persuades her friends to volunteer. The dedication and consistency she shows towards her work, despite it being on a volunteer basis, leaves our staff and clients feeling very thankful.

8 government assisted refugees served privately sponsored refugees served blended visa office referrals 690 (105 family units) 600 (130 family units) 99 (22 family units) VOLUNTEERS applicants hours volunteered value based on minimum wage ,183 $125, HOUSING units number of people corporate partners/landlords LANGUAGE ~ ADULT LINC AND ESL full-time part-time WORKSHOPS ~ PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP sessions delivered number of attendees registered and on waiting list 145 waitlisted for future sessions 50+ waiting to be registered 32 MEDIA coverage federal announcements at ccis 52 2 website hits 24,000 COMMUNITY SUPPORTS & DONATIONS from calgarians from corporate canada (rent supplement) $300,000 $600,000 SYRIAN december march 2016 REFUGEE PROJECT

9 CCIS began addressing the developing Syrian refugee crisis in 2013, and with the support of the Catholic Diocese, and our community partners, CCIS sponsored over 400 Syrians, prior to the Canadian government's announcement that Canada would expand their sponsorship and support to 25,000 displaced Syrians. In early November, we took the necessary steps to implement a community mobilization initiative. As a result of funding provided by the Government of Alberta, a steering committee was developed and sub-committees were assigned to address the needs of the refugees. These sub-committees were: initial settlement, housing, community engagement, education, language, sponsorship, employment, health, and civic (government) support. This initiative became known as the City-wide Syrian Refugee Resettlement Project. Upon arrival of the first group of Syrian refugees in October, CCIS was ready to serve. In addition to securing temporary accommodations outside of our Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Centre (MCRC) at the Travelodge Southland, children s programming was established to introduce children to Canadian culture, including; field trips, winter sports and swimming lessons, and English lessons. Staff worked around the clock to ensure new arrivals were greeted at the airport, provided with basic necessities upon arrival at either MCRC or the Travelodge, attended orientation sessions on aspects of Calgary life, and received referrals to health services, education, and employment and settlement counselling. Families were often provided with permanent housing within days from their arrival. We have been overwhelmed and blessed by the support of the community in welcoming our new neighbours. As committed, 100% of community donations will go directly to Syrian refugees, with no administrative cost. Since May 31, 2016, $200,000 of all public donations have been distributed to our most vulnerable refugees to meet their financial needs.

10 our clients total served largest age group languages spoken 32, (62%) 229 * * top 3 countries of origin Syria Iran India our achievements service locations 61 staff 292 programs and services 95 media coverage 68 PROGRAM ANNIVERSARIES cross cultural children s centre millwright pre-apprenticeship training program brooks and county immigration services STAFF ANNIVERSARIES antoinette godbout ~ sponsorship coordinator diane fisher ~ advisor, special projects anh phan ~ employment counsellor *statistics are aggregate

11 Full financial statements available at: ALLOCATION OF REVENUES TO PROGRAM AREAS 8% 17% Business, Employment & Training Services Resettlement & Integration Services 3% 8% 22% Family & Children s Services Community Development & Integration Services 4 Rural Alberta Administration REVENUE BY SOURCE Health & Wellness Federal Programs Alberta Programs Revenue - Other 54% User Fees City of Calgary Alberta Health 2% 6% Donations 22% 13% EXPENSES BY TYPE United Way of Calgary and Area Wages & Employee Benefits Office & Others 13% Education Training 5% 4% 2% 2% 2% 69% Amortization of Capital Assets Rent, Utilities & Others Interest on Long Term Debt Professional Fees & Program Consultants Automobile & Transportation Conference & Staff Development Non-Recoverable GST We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Government of Canada Government of Alberta United Way ~ Calgary and Area Calgary and Area Child & Family Services Authority The Calgary Foundation Parent Link Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Alberta Law Foundation Calgary Learns Colleges and Institutes Canada Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council

12 CALGARY CATHOLIC IMMIGRATION SOCIETY MAIN OFFICE Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2R 0G5 T