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CARING SINCERESMART
INTUITIVE S T R O N G NURTURING
HELPFUL GIVING
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INTEGRETY
F R O M T H E H O M E AW A Y F R O M H O M E L E S S N E S S
PEACEFUL TRUTHFUL
BROTHER
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2005-06 Donor Report
Tribute to Shane
2 0 0 5 - 0 6 D O N O R R E P O RT
We offer the 2005 – 2006 Donor
Report as a tribute to a true friend of
Phoenix Youth Programs (Phoenix).
Shane Robillard died unexpectedly as a
result of an accident on Sunday, January
15, 2006 at the age of 33 years. He will
be forever remembered in the hearts of
Phoenix youth, staff and volunteers.
Shane first came to Halifax in 1995,
from Arnprior, Ontario. He was a
trained hair stylist and was starting a
new chapter of his life in Nova Scotia. Through this process in
a new environment he became a regular at Phoenix Centre for
Youth (PCFY). In accessing our services, Shane found a social
connection and a sense of belonging.
As the pieces of Shane’s life came together, he offered to volunteer
at PCFY and cut hair for the youth. He gave two hours every two
weeks, being paid only for the cost of his supplies, and offered
specialty haircuts favoured by the youth. This year would have
marked 10 years of his generosity and giving back to our youth.
Shane was an amazing friend to all that knew him. He always
had a smile on his face. Shane displayed a gentleness of spirit and
humour when working with clients. He had an innate ability to
not only be a hair stylist but a counsellor to the youth accessing
Phoenix. They found it easy to talk to him and open up to him.
Shane knew the importance of self-esteem in helping youth to
be successful and he knew firsthand the challenges facing young
people who have inadequate housing and resources. Most
importantly, he listened.
Shane was giving of his time, his friendship and his talent. To
our youth, he was a neat guy that was always there, that heard
them and listened. To them, he was a guy who made it, a real
person that they could emulate and who gave them hope.
It was our great privilege to know him and have his friendship.
We honour his memory on behalf of all of our youth with
this tribute.
Message from the Executive Director
A sense of belonging. A sense of usefulness and competence.
A sense of empowerment. You and I have one or all of these in
some measure.
Imagine having none.
That is the scenario so often facing homeless youth. We are
privileged to work with and support them. The youth that
courageously seek us out are amazingly resilient. They are keen
to acquire new skills and abilities and are eager to move forward
in their lives.
We work from a strengths-based perspective. Each youth has
ideas, creativity, abilities and positive energy to offer the world.
Our mission is to help them find and harness those strengths – a
vital first step toward reclaiming their lives.
The range of our programs is extensive because the need
is so great: prevention, crisis assistance, emergency shelter,
long term structured living, pre-employment training, life
skills development, employment skills, independent living
environments, parenting support, health services and followup care.
We share in, applaud and support every positive step forward.
It is because of our devoted Board of Directors, capable staff,
dedicated volunteers and generous donors that we are here for
our youth.
Thank you for caring. Thank you for your commitment.
Timothy Crooks
Executive Director, Phoenix Youth Programs
3
Program reports
Phoenix Prevention Program
Director of Programming, Barb Casey
Reaching youth early and preventing homelessness is
an important goal of Phoenix Youth Programs. Our
Prevention Program community educators and clinical
therapists selected two local junior high schools this year
in which to address youth issues and prevent homelessness.
Through workshops, counselling and various activities youth
learn that they have strengths, are capable and have the ability
to deal with important issues in their lives. The extensive support
that is provided extends to the teachers, parents and community
at large. These schools and communities deal with many issues,
pressures and demands with very few resources. Our therapeutic
and educational support helps to bridge that gap.
Everyone benefits from this collaborative approach. Teachers
are establishing a better connection with students. Families are
learning new strategies and enhancing skills of conflict resolution
with their children. This year, students prepared for a musical to
be presented in May 2006. The students have never before had
the opportunity to learn the skills required to produce such an
event or to express themselves in this manner.
Both of the schools
in which we have
a
presence
have
substantial difficulties
with class management,
attendance, poverty and
family violence. Success
is getting the children
in school every day.
Success is measured
by finishing a session
without sending a child
to the principal’s office. This is the success that we are facilitating and
supporting. We also provide clinical therapeutic service to students
from many other schools in HRM as well as to youth across Phoenix
Youth Programs. The community educators respond to many requests
from other junior and high schools to provide workshops on dealing
with stress, conflict resolution, healthy relationships and much more.
This comprehensive support at all levels ultimately benefits the youth
and positively impacts every aspect of their lives.
Phoenix Centre for Youth (PCFY)
Coordinator, Wendy Fraser
Our Phoenix Centre for Youth (PCFY) is the first point of
contact for many youth seeking shelter from life on the street.
Their immense courage brings them to our door. Youth are
connected with a case manager on arrival and can access shower
and laundry facilities, food, counselling plus health care through
our on- site nurse.
By finding an advocate in our case managers the youth receive
the support they need. This support may be to find housing, gain
access to education programs, attempt family reintegration or
deal with histories of physical, sexual and/or substance abuse.
Community donations sustain the PCFY. Wendy Fraser, PCFY
coordinator, says, “I can’t imagine where we would be without
them. From personal care items and food donations from various
church groups to freshly baked muffins and $10 gifts dropped
off at our door, we are overwhelmed by the generosity extended
to us. Those moments and donations are significant.”
Phoenix Youth Shelter
Phoenix House
Youth who come to the Phoenix Youth Shelter leave behind a
wide range of dangerous and painful situations. Jamey Piedalue,
coordinator of the Phoenix Youth Shelter explains that these
youth have been “living lives without love. Timing is everything.
We need to reach out to our youth and provide the guidance and
support that will assist youth to attain increased independence.”
Phoenix House offers youth the safety net of a supportive
home. The life skills many of us take for granted are taught
here, including budgeting, laundry and cooking. Youth also
learn the skills needed to get along with teachers, co-workers
and employers. Youth leaving this program are graduating from
high school, finding stable housing and becoming productive
members of society.
Coordinator, Jamey Piedalue
Our youth are offered a room at the Shelter including access
to shower, laundry and kitchen facilities. Once here they can
connect with case managers, and the Phoenix Learning and
Employment Centre (PLEC). They can also start to overcome
the barriers that prevent them from finding employment while
living on the street – lack of address, access to shower, laundry
facilities and phone number.
For many of our youth, success is being in a stable environment,
maintaining housing and being supported in making plans for
their future. Moving on to longer term housing at Phoenix House
or the Supervised Apartment Program is often the next step to a
hopeful future.
Coordinator, TL Johannesson
Donors play a major role in the success of these youth. For
example, most Saturdays a gentleman drops by with a car trunk
full of fresh produce, bread, meats and a bouquet of flowers from
the local farmers market. We also receive regular donations of
clothing and household items.
As TL Johannesson says, “We can’t function without our kind
supporters. These youth are dealing with issues that most adults
would struggle with. But, they know that they have the love and
support of the community behind them.”
5
Supervised Apartment Program (SAP)
Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre (PLEC)
Our Supervised Apartment Program (SAP) provides an
opportunity for youth to live on their own with supervision
and support. Three youth live in a house with a live-in support
worker. They are all enrolled in a school, work or volunteer
program. The youth do budgeting, cooking and chores plus
learn other essential life skills needed for independent living.
Issues addressed include substance abuse, personal relationships,
violence in the home and anger management.
The Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre (PLEC) is the
place for youth to learn pre-employment skills, receive career
counselling and learn life skills.
Coordinator, Lisa Mader
Lisa Mader, coordinator of the SAP, affirms that, “young people
need love, support and guidance so that they can be healthy
members of society. They have not experienced this in their lives
thus far. The success of these young people is a shining example
of the benefits of providing hope for the future.”
Many people come together to offer hope to our youth. For the
past two years, employees of KPMG volunteered for one day
to do yard work and maintenance projects at all of the Phoenix
Youth Programs sites. The SAP youth were thrilled with the
results. It made everyone feel better. A group of Girl Guides
also committed some time, energy and resources to a wonderful
project for the residents in the SAP. They filled knapsacks with
personal care items, blankets, pillows and towels and gave them
to our youth. These gestures of kindness and support from the
community are great examples for our youth.
Because of the support provided, four of our youth moved into
their own apartments this year. Two of these youth are employed
and one is volunteering. Some of our other success stories include
one youth who has been accepted into the Human Services
Program at NSCC and another that has been accepted at St.
Mary’s University.
Coordinator, Claire Munroe
This period, 16 – 24 years of age, in a youth’s life is the perfect
time to make a positive and lasting difference. It is the best time
for investment in positive habits that will last a lifetime. Claire
Munroe, coordinator for PLEC, says “not only is it the right
time, it is the right place to do it. We support youth to challenge
themselves while offering a supportive environment. We support
youth to find a direction rather than a destination.”
Some of the most inspiring life changing success stories have
come from participants in the Phoenix Works! placement
program. This 28-week program allows youth to get on-the-job
experience with the complete support of the PLEC team. The
generosity and willingness of the employer contributes to the
success of this partnership.
Community development projects have also helped in life skills
development. Pat MacLean, of the Urban Farm Society, was
an exemplary mentor and role model for our youth during an
eight-week program at her site. These real life work experiences
combined with career counselling such as resume writing,
computer skills, interview techniques and academic counselling
help youth to develop the confidence needed to realize their full
potential.
Parent Support Program
Coordinator, Elizabeth Corkum
When an incoming youth is pregnant or is a parent, they are referred to
the Phoenix Health Service and to the Parent Support Program. Flexibility
and understanding is vital when working with young parents.
Parents have access to a small library of books and videos, donated
equipment, as well as a donated children’s clothing closet. Items such as
parenting magazines, diapers, food and gift certificates are also available.
Donations from corporations and individuals are very helpful.
A young father has volunteered to lead the first Dad’s Group. Attendance
is growing each week. Positive, supportive skills are taught. There is also
an opportunity to sit and have a coffee while sharing some of their
concerns. It is helping to form a stronger, healthier family unit.
Phoenix Follow Up Program
Coordinator, Wendy Fraser
Meaningful change takes time. That’s why we offer ongoing
support and crisis intervention to former residents of Phoenix
House and the Supervised Apartment Program. We want to
ensure that the youth have all of the core competencies required
to be successful in their lives.
We recently held a party for all of the youth turning 25 this
year - a celebration of all that they accomplished. It was also an
opportunity to reconnect and catch up on their lives. For many of
the youth, their peers become family and we want them to share
in each other’s success and know they are still being supported.
The Parent Support Program is also extended to these youth. We
want to ensure that they have access to information, support and
guidance to properly care for, nurture and raise their children.
Two essential services that support the seven core programs
Phoenix offers are the Parent Support Program and Special
Initiatives Program (SPIN).
The Parent Support Program also offers one to one supportive
counseling. Many of the parents prefer to meet individually in
order to discuss personal issues or to drop in on an as-needed basis.
We host several programs and focus groups with parents on child
development, nutrition, behaviour, recreation and cooking. Outreach
services are available on a scheduled, as-needed, or emergency basis.
Transportation is always a barrier so bus tickets are made available.
Special Initiatives Program (SPIN)
Our Special Initiatives (SPIN) Program provides opportunities that
reflect the interests, talents and skills of our youth. Youth learn essential
skills through visual arts, pottery, photography, theatre, music and
dance. Outdoor wilderness activities and sports provide another chance
for self-expression. We also offer courses in First Aid/CPR, WHMIS,
Safe Food Handling, public speaking, budgeting and cooking.
The programs offered through SPIN are available to youth that
are in any of our programs. It is a vital addition to the continuum
of care that we provide. The necessary skills and competencies
learned here can be applied to all aspects of a youth’s life.
7
Fund development report
Celebrity Dreamscape
The annual Celebrity Dreamscape fundraiser transports guests
to another world. The dedicated community volunteers that
organize and produce this event each year select a new theme
that tantalizes the senses. The theme is carried through all aspects
of the décor, costumes, dinner, entertainment and auction. The
2006 event was themed Bollywood Hollywood and was held on
Friday, May 26th at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel. It was our
most successful Celebrity Dreamscape event to date!
Holiday Campaign
It has been an exciting year in fund development at Phoenix
Youth Programs. We are thrilled to share with you that we have
a new, fully staffed fund development team. Brigid Savage is
our Director of Fund Development and our two Fundraising
Managers are Daphne Carter and Wendy Ackerley. The team
has hit the ground running!
The money we raise allows us to respond to the increased demand
for our services. Every gift that we receive offers hope for a
brighter future. The funds raised from our signature fundraising
events and mail appeal campaigns are used to provide basic
necessities, innovative programs and professional care to address
both the short and long term needs of our youth.
Nutcracker Luncheon
This wonderful holiday tradition doubled in size in 2005 to over 600
guests! This is thanks to the work of a group of new, keen committee
members that forged several partnerships in the corporate community.
Our partnership with Symphony Nova Scotia added elegant holiday
music and the wonderment of a live symphony orchestra on stage.
A sponsor generously provided the stylish holiday décor that set the
scene and the tone for a very special Luncheon. The 2006 event will
be held at the World Trade and Convention Centre on Tuesday,
December 12th.
Our 2005 Holiday Campaign was a tremendous success. Through
generous donations of money, personal care products, bus tickets,
retail gift certificates, holiday food items, children’s items, winter
accessories and stocking stuffers, the holidays were brightened for
more than 300 youth that are active clients. The joy that these gifts
bring to our youth is immeasurable. For many, it is the only gift
received during the holidays. Holiday dinners hosted throughout
our programs created a supportive, caring ‘family’ environment that
many have never experienced.
Annual Appeals
Our two annual residential appeals are essential and allow us
to provide support, options and hope for our youth. The two
appeals are sent near Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving Day – two
times of the year when we are grateful for the people in our
lives that nurture us and for the blessings of shelter, food and
clothing. Our donors that respond to these two appeals recognize
that there is need all year round for our essential programs and
services and help us continue providing those for our youth.
Corporate and Service Club Appeals
Each year, we appeal to corporations and service clubs in our
community and around the province to join the Phoenix team as
donors, volunteers and mentors. Each year, they answer our call
to action. We are always thrilled at the positive response we get
from these groups. They show us that they believe in our youth
and the tremendous potential that they have.
Other ways to give
Planned Giving
Planned Giving delivers a legacy of hope by offering the
opportunity to make donations through a bequest from a life
insurance policy, estate or a gift in a will. An increasing number
of our longstanding donors are including us in their estate
planning. These generous gifts ensure that our youth will always
have Phoenix Youth Programs as an alternative to life on the
streets and will receive the support needed to move on to self
sufficiency in a healthy, positive and safe environment. If you
are new to the Phoenix family of donors, please call us to learn
more about our programs and how your gift will sustain hope
for our youth.
In Memoriam
We receive numerous in memoriam donations each year. This
is a wonderful way to honour the memory of a loved one and
keep their spirit alive. We will send a note of condolence to the
family and recognize the special donation that you have made
on their behalf.
In Kind Donations
Our programs are also in need of items that are new or gently
used. We can use clothing for males and females 16 – 24,
footwear, furniture (beds, dressers, sofas, desks, tables, chairs,
night stands), televisions, microwaves, house wares, washers and
dryers, computers, baby clothes, baby equipment and more. We
are also in need of food donations and personal care items for
the youth as well as baby formula, food and diapers. There are
different needs at different times of the year. Feel free to call us
and ask if we are in need of something that you are parting with
and where you can drop off your donation. We will put it to
great use!
For more information, please contact us:
Phoenix Youth Programs
(902) 422-3105
[email protected]
9
Thank you to our donors
It is to you, our donors, that we owe a debt of gratitude. We
sincerely thank you for the many ways that you support our
youth. We are constantly staggered by your generosity. You give
in many diverse ways.
As an individual donor, you may give in response to one of
our appeals, donate items during the holidays, buy tickets to
an event or drop off freshly baked muffins at our door. You
may also donate monthly and have us included in your will.
There are simply not enough words and actions to thank you for
contributing to the future of our youth. You are special friends
of Phoenix.
As a corporation, you may donate during our annual corporate
appeal. You may also buy a table or group of tickets to one of our
fundraising events and generously add a donation on top of the
cost of the tickets. You may be a sponsor of one of our signature
events and contribute to the growing success of these events each
year. Your affirmation and support of what we do is vital to our
work in this community, province and beyond. Thank you for
being a leader, ambassador and example for our youth.
As a Foundation, you answer our call for support. You invest
in the unlimited potential of our youth. You applaud their
resiliency and offer hope for the future. You provide funding
for our existing essential programs and services as well as new
initiatives. We are thrilled to have you beside us.
As a fundraising group, volunteer organization, service club or
group of students, the funds raised through your third party
events are astonishing. We give you a standing ovation for your
creativity, effort, organizational abilities and commitment. We
are honoured that you select us as your charity of choice each
year. You assist us by getting our message out into the community
and by raising a tremendous amount of money.
Each partnership we forge is very special to us. Thank you for
keeping our youth top of mind.
Community reports
St. Paul’s Home has supported us since our inception in 1984.
They have generously provided three buildings in which we are
able to offer support and service to youth in need. The vital
programming at Phoenix Youth Shelter, Phoenix Centre for
Youth and Phoenix House would not be possible without this
contribution. This is the largest individual donation that we
receive each and every year.
The Canadian Progress Club, Halifax-Cornwallis, produced
their 16th annual Progress Women of Excellence Awards.
They are one of the longest running supporters of Phoenix and
exemplify the spirit of giving in our community. The dedicated
volunteer efforts of these professional women helped to raise
more than $50,000 over the last year.
Royal LePage Atlantic has organized the Shelter Auction for 11
years. $14,000 was raised in 2005. The partnership between Royal
LePage Atlantic and Phoenix Youth Programs is invaluable. Jean
Crofts, along with her team, is a wonderful example to other
corporate citizens demonstrating involvement in social justice
programs. This, in turn has a huge impact on the community.
The Church Committee, chaired by Verna Munroe, is comprised
of devoted individuals that represent a variety of churches
in our region. The representatives work tirelessly with their
congregations to organize a yearly food schedule thus gathering
food & donations for the Phoenix Centre for Youth on Coburg
Road. Each Monday, the donations from a particular group are
dropped off at the Centre. Healthy snacks such as cheese,
milk, yogourt, bagels, crackers, granola bars, fresh fruit, muffins,
cereal, peanut butter and tuna are provided for the youth.
It is very important that we, at Phoenix Youth Programs, get
our message out in a clear, concise and consistent manner. Our
Communications Committee makes this happen. We need to
share our success stories and let the public know how they can
continue to contribute to the success of our youth. We are very
fortunate to have a committed group of individuals, chaired by
Jim Meek, that work with us to achieve this goal. Professionals
in the industry are crucial in this process and are a huge part of
producing this donor report. We can’t thank them enough!
11
Thank you to our volunteers
We celebrate our volunteers every day. You are an integral part
of what we do and our programs’ activities. You cook meals,
tutor, teach youth about gardening, fix our buildings, sit on
committees to raise money, sit on our Board of Directors, lend us
your communication and design expertise, work in our offices,
provide us with valuable leadership and much more. You offer
us your knowledge, time, talents and most importantly, your
selves. As a group, you certainly add character and pizzazz to the
organization!
We especially recognize those you live with because the people
volunteers are closest to are the invisible volunteers. They are the
ones walking the dog when you are at a meeting, feeding the
kids while you pick up supplies for an event, and keeping life
going while you are giving to Phoenix. Thank you to all of our
invisible volunteers. You are an important part of our success.
Thank you, volunteers. You are the backbone of our organization.
We salute your community spirit, generosity and humanity.
There are many ways to volunteer with us. We would love
to have you on our team. For more details, please call Karen
Damtoft, Volunteer Coordinator, at 405-3198 or email her at
[email protected].
You produce some of our best ideas, drive our creativity, and help
us develop new initiatives. You encourage others that believe in
our work to join us. The enormous investment we make in our
society’s youth must continue. We know that the road will be
long. We are here because we believe in change. We are also here
because we believe in the strength and resiliency of young people.
It is with enthusiasm that we embrace you into the Phoenix family
and ask you to stay a while.
Message from the Chair
Mark Donohue,
Chair of the Board of Directors, Phoenix Youth Programs
So many of us take for granted the life skills and lessons we
learn from our caregivers and mentors. The reality is that not
everyone has these opportunities. For many homeless youth,
Phoenix Youth Programs represents a chance to build self-esteem
and learn the competencies and skills required to live a healthy,
productive life.
Throughout my time as Chair I have been grateful to the
dedicated staff, volunteers and generous donors who support
Phoenix. Without their support we would not be able to pursue
the goal of ending the cycle of homelessness and despair faced
by youth.
It is hard to believe my two years as Chair of the Board of
Directors at PYP is finishing. I am truly honoured and feel
privileged to have served in this capacity. With ongoing support
from community and government, I am confident Phoenix will
continue its excellent work – discovering new and innovative
ways to continue offering our essential programs and services.
13
Treasurers report
Greg Simpson, CA
I have had the honour to be associated with Phoenix Youth
Programs for three years, two of them as Treasurer of the Board
of Directors. I am amazed by what Phoenix represents in the
community and proud of our commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Accountability to our donors is a priority for our organization.
We need donor support to continue the vital programming our
youth deserve.
The reality is that there is in an increase in the demand for our
services in HRM and we must raise money over and above our
government funding. We rely on the support and dedication of
many individuals and groups like St. Paul’s Home, Canadian
Progress Club, Halifax-Cornwallis, and Royal LePage Atlantic.
The enthusiasm and resiliency of the youth is incredible. I am
impressed by the appreciation and participation of the youth.
They understand that they are the key to their own success and
that is very exciting. The have unlimited potential and with the
support of staff and volunteers there is immense hope for the
future.
I am looking forward to my role as Vice-Chair of the Board in
the coming year. I am encouraged that we live in a community
that supports our mandate of social justice – where “we recognize
the value of all youth and strive for a world where they live with
dignity, free from oppression in a healthy, safe environment.”
Phoenix Youth Programs
Board of Directors 2005-06
Mark Donohue, Chair.................................................................................. Lawyer, Department of Justice
Chris McNeil, Vice Chair............................................................................. Deputy Chief, Halifax Regional Police
Greg Simpson, Treasurer............................................................................... Chartered Accountant, Partner KPMG
Lydia Bugden, Secretary................................................................................ Lawyer/Partner, Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales
Joe Gillivan, Chair, Major Gifts.................................................................... General Manager, Holiday Inn Select
Jim Meek, Chair, Communications.............................................................. �����������������������������������������������������
Journalist, Research Editor - Bristol
�����������������������
Communications
Mona Lynch, Director at Large..................................................................... Justice of the Supreme Court, Province of Nova Scotia
Ernie Buote, Director at Large...................................................................... Realtor, Domus Realty
Valerie Miller, Director at Large.................................................................... General Counsel, Department of Justice
Lorna MacMillan, Director at Large............................................................. Business Owner
Christine Kenny, Director at Large............................................................... Teacher, Dartmouth High School
Kerri Copeland, Director at Large................................................................. Social Worker
Scott Flemming, Director at Large................................................................ Vice President, Ocean Group of Companies
With your help, we are creating changes today and opportunities
for tomorrow. On behalf of the youth we serve, we sincerely thank you.
15
Administration
6035 Coburg Road, PO Box 60006 RPO, Professional Centre, Halifax, NS B3H 4R7
PH (902) 422-3105 FAX (902) 422-7656
[email protected]
Phoenix Centre for Youth
6035 Coburg Road, PO Box 60006 RPO, Professional Centre, Halifax, NS B3H 4R7
Phoenix Youth Shelter
1094 Tower Road, Halifax, NS B3H 2Y5
Phoenix House
2385 Hunter Street, Halifax, NS B3K 4V7