JIAS Toronto annual_report_2013_2014

TORONTO
Jewish Immigrant Aid Services
ANNUAL REPORT | 2013-2014
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REPORT FROM
JIAS TORONTO LEADERSHIP
— Steve Garmaise, Chair of the Board of Directors and Janis Roth, Executive Director
Immigration has always been an act of great foresight.
People leave one home to find another, where they can
forge a future for themselves and their family.
Like the people we are honoured to serve, JIAS Toronto is
also looking ahead. Even as we reflect on the achievements
highlighted in this annual report, we are reviewing and
renewing our direction.
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The end of 2014 will also mark the conclusion of our
most recent 5-year strategic plan. It’s a plan that has served
us well, centred around three service goals. 1) Welcome,
Information and Settlement 2) Employment and Economic
Self-Reliance. 3) Belonging and Social Integration. The same
JIAS Toronto Board of Directors First Row: Beatrice Traub-Werner,
Elena Aleinikov, Sharon Cohen, Paula Markus Second Row: Daphne Wagner,
Steve Garmaise, Chair of the Board, Deborah Wolfe Third Row: Elliott Peranson,
Janis Roth, Fourth Row: Eran Barlev, Alan Sandler, Brian Blumenthal
Absent: Terry Borer, Sharon Weintraub, Jenn Brodlieb
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goals will continue to shape our work and we’re developing
ways to strengthen our organizational capacity to meet them.
As the immigration environment continues to be dynamic,
JIAS Toronto must be even more responsive and flexible. For
instance, we’ve seen changes to Canada’s immigration policy
continue throughout this past year. Changes that impact
family reunification, work opportunities and requirements for
citizenship. Our staff have carefully studied the regulations
to understand how they affect our clients, so that we can help
them navigate the new landscape.
This has also been a challenging year from another standpoint.
The reported rise in anti-Semitism abroad, and other unrest,
has prompted more calls for assistance from Jews in European
countries and the Ukraine. In situations like this, and overall,
Canada is seen as a place of safety and opportunity. We are
reminded of the importance to always be ready – with the right
services and support – to welcome those in need. These are
Jewish values and Canadian values.
Part of staying on top of needs is examining how we deliver
services. The Miriam & Larry Robbins 1 Open Door: Jewish
Shared Services of York Region, now a year into operation, is
a prime example of revolving around client expectations. We
offer this shared service model with JVS, Circle of Care &
Jewish Family and Child where newcomers benefit from our
welcome and settlement services, as well as everything from
on-site employment counseling to support for seniors offered
through our partners. Perhaps the best testament to this model’s
success – clients often don’t even realize they’re dealing with
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
separate agencies; the services are that seamless. We’re
grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, York Region,
for its support that permitted the launch of this wonderful
collaborative model.
In addition to seeking newer and better ways of serving
clients, we continue to rise up to meet new challenges. For
example, beyond helping newcomers settle, we’re seeing
much more demand in the pre-arrival stage, to adequately
prepare clients for the realities on the ground after their arrival.
We’re also seeing an increase in newcomers who aren’t yet
eligible for government-funded services. While they wait,
they nevertheless require our guidance and other support.
That puts added pressure on our agency – and our
community supporters – to provide those necessary services.
We can’t afford to see these clients lost at a critical point in
their immigration and along the integration continuum.
Finally, while the number of new arrivals may have remained
constant over the past year and while the flow of newcomers
may be slowed by further immigration changes, the nature
of the work with immigrants who arrive to the GTA is
more complex, requiring an expert, comprehensive and
multipronged approach.
need additional funding. Especially if we’re to provide the
kind of assistance newcomers now need to successfully
integrate socially and economically.
This year, we launched our annual “Friends of JIAS Toronto”
fundraising campaign, with a focus on funding services
and programs for newcomers who could fall through the
cracks – youth at risk, family income earners who fall
gravely ill or seniors who are sponsored by their adult
children. We not only need to meet gaps in our annual
budget but to ensure funds that can be mobilized in
urgent situations to welcome and assist newcomers
needing care and refuge in the future. JIAS Toronto has
generous community supporters, and we’re counting on
that support to grow.
As we look for new sources of funding, we’ve also renewed
our commitment to best practices in our governance. This past
year, JIAS Toronto completed the continuance process under
the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. That meant
reviewing and updating our by-laws to comply with new
legislative requirements. This was an excellent exercise for
our Board, to reflect on how our by-laws support effective
day-to-day operations.
We appreciate the ongoing financial support from Citizenship
and Immigration Canada, UJA Federation, and the
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, for our core
settlement and integration services, while recognizing we
We want to express our sincere appreciation to our staff,
volunteers, Board members, funders and community
donors. All have played a key role in helping us to support
newcomers in a way that strengthens their future and the
future of our community.
In May 2014, Janis Roth, Executive Director of JIAS
Toronto received “The 2014 Gordy Wolfe Award
for Jewish Communal Professional Leadership” for
“inspirational, creative, innovative, and visionary
leadership that exemplifies [Jewish} values and has left
an indelible mark on the lives of the Jewish community
and all Ontarians”. Janis summed up her gratitude
with these words, “I have been privileged at JIAS
Toronto and throughout my career to build a life’s
work that reflects my personal values and brings
meaning to others. Along the
way, I have been most fortunate
to work with creative, bright
and caring volunteers and
professionals; Gordy Wolfe Z”L
among them. To be recognized
for work that I love to do
and receive an award in
Gordy’s name for it is a gift
I will always hold close”.
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“
TO A NEW START
Travelling on any new road, you look for guidance – the signs that say you’re not lost.
Every year, JIAS Toronto helps thousands of immigrants, from all over the world and
all backgrounds, to find their way in their new community. Together, the information,
orientation and counseling we provide makes people feel settled and welcome, every
step along the way.
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WELCOME CENTRE ACTIVITIES
In Toronto and York Region, weekly group information
meetings on all matters of immigration as well as one-on-one
meetings to assess and inform newcomer settlement and
integration needs. Free computer access and community
and government resource information in multiple languages
is available.
SETTLEMENT
We work with a variety of agencies and professional
services to help newcomers get on their feet quickly.
A JIAS Toronto settlement worker can assist with
immigration procedures, housing, schooling, employment,
English language training, child care, schools, community
integration, and much more.
m
JIAS Toronto staff: Starting from bottom left, Nora Lipfeld, Inara Faerchtein,
Jodi Block, Lisa Nerman, Paulina Swartsman, Dina Polyak, Victoria Koren,
Lea Soibelman, Janis Roth, Larisa Gaber, Etya Kanevsky, Miri Ben-Dat, Lia Kisel,
Olga Freiman, Julia Giddens, Joanna Sasson Morrison, Olga Stovichek
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JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
“
MIRIAM & LARRY ROBBINS
1 OPEN DOOR
NAVIGATING THE CULTURE
A series of workshops on everything from the school
system, work culture, to banking – a great way to
learn about the Canadian way of life, and meet other
newcomers who are sharing the same experiences.
“
We immigrated to Canada two years ago. It
was a really hard decision. We wanted to open
horizons for our kids. We knew Canada is a
developed, democratic county. Soon after we
arrived, we found JIAS. Every time you have a
question, you have this phone number and you
can speak to someone who can help you. It’s not
only a job for them, you can feel it. In addition
to our settlement worker helping us to meet
our needs, through JIAS we were able to do so
much more: English classes with daycare for our
youngest, summer camp subsidies, a wonderful
Chanukah party, regular phone calls from a
volunteer to help us practice our English, and
a food basket that arrived at Passover. It’s the
small things that make life easier. We don’t take
it for granted. If we wouldn’t have met JIAS, we
cannot even imagine how it would be. Every step
of the way we were provided with help.
- E.S.
”
This collaborative effort on the Lebovic
campus provides our clients with a wide
range of services. In addition to those
provided by JIAS Toronto, our families
benefit from consultations, services,
and assistance from our on-site partner
agencies, Jewish Family and Child, JVS
and Circle of Care. The need to serve
the population in York Region is growing
quickly. In the past year, 200 newcomers
attended one of our weekly information
sessions and 450 immigrant families were
provided with ongoing settlement and
integration services through this new
shared service model in York Region.
Honouring the Robbins family at an event at the Miriam & Larry Robbins
1 Open Door. From left to right, Janis Roth, Shirley Worth, Larry Robbins,
Monty Robbins, Ali York, Sandi Pelly.
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THE FA C
A N I MMI GRANT
P R OF I L E
When Paulina Swartsman is assisting JIAS
Toronto callers or visitors, she can empathize. The
JIAS receptionist has herself gone through the
immigration process twice, first from Russia to
Israel, then eight years later from Israel to Canada.
Paulina understands what it’s like to grapple with
everything from paperwork to culture shock. She
knows too about the qualities that immigrants tend
to share.
“They’re determined and brave,” says Paulina,“
and all of the difficulties make them strong.”
If JIAS embodies the community for thousands of
immigrants, then Paulina does the same for JIAS.
It’s just a function of the role she has held for 23
years, she says modestly. “I’m the first face in the
window. The first welcome”
She knows that many newcomers in the Russian
Jewish community in particular will walk around
with a simple scribbled referral from their network:
“Go see Paulina”. On many occasions, she says
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people approach her when she’s out. Long after
arriving in Toronto, they remember her face, voice
or name and want to express their appreciation.
“They’re very thankful, not only to me but to JIAS
Toronto for all we do,” she says.
She is like a one-woman customer service
department. Paulina can converse in English,
Russian and Hebrew, and also understands and
speaks a little Romanian and Yiddish.
Along with directing people to the right resource,
Paulina is a Notary Public. She puts her stamp on
birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas,
and other papers needed for immigration
purposes. She also notarizes documents for many
Holocaust survivors, so they can get their pensions
or restitution money from abroad.
Paulina’s own journey started with a move to Israel
at age 30, with her husband and baby boy. Two
more children, a daughter and son, were born
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
A CE IN THE
Window
there. In Israel, she taught English. After moving
to Canada in 1987, she lived in Burlington, Ont.
(where her husband’s cousin lived) and Hamilton.
One of the toughest adjustments? “The Canadian
winters,” she laughs. Although she’s from Russia,
“I forgot already, living in Israel.”
Paulina became a travel agent in Hamilton and
Toronto. That job was all about helping people
from here to see different parts of the world.
In contrast, the job she was destined for at
JIAS Toronto was just the opposite – helping
people from all over the world to discover a new
home here.
“Being a travel agent is about entertainment and
fun,” she says. “Here, it’s about life.”
Eventually, Paulina was laid off and looking for
work. She bumped into a neighbour in her elevator.
The neighbour worked in the same building that
housed JIAS, and heard they needed someone.
Paulina quickly applied and landed the job, never
imagining she would still be here 23 years later.
“The executive director at the time always said the
budget is tight, so if you happen to find another
job, think about it,” says Paulina. She never did.
Her husband, who was a superintendent in a
medical building, is retired now. Her children,
like the families of so many immigrants Paulina
has helped over the years, are spreading roots.
Paulina’s sons live in Vancouver (“There wasn’t
enough space in Toronto,” she jokes), and
her daughter lives in the Toronto area and has
three children: “I’m like every Russian Jewish
grandmother – I visit every day,” says Paulina.
After 23 years at JIAS Toronto, she has seen many
changes in immigration policies and patterns, and
a greater variety of programs than ever. But the
fundamental needs around welcome, settlement
and integration remain. What makes for a good day
for Paulina? “Every day is a good day,” she says.
“I just love helping people.”
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TO LANGUAGE SKILLS
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Language skills development is one of the keys to unlock
opportunities. JIAS Toronto helps newcomers to strengthen
their English language skills, in order to work, learn, socialize
and function day-to-day. These skills break down the
communications barrier, allowing people to adjust to and
participate more fully in their life here.
ENGLISH CLASSES
To help people upgrade their written and conversational
English, JIAS Toronto offers Citizenship and Immigration
Canada’s LINC program (Language Instruction for
Newcomers to Canada) at several locations in Toronto and
York Region. For just over a year, in addition to our regular
language offerings, we have held Citizenship Preparation
classes on the Lebovic campus. This year, we were able to
open one more LINC class at the Lebovic campus and we
received funding to update our computer lab in our York
Region LINC School. Settlement Services were offered, once
a week, on-site at each LINC location.
Students attending our full-time programs in Toronto
and York Region had the opportunity to participate in a
Holocaust Education Workshop funded by CIC and offered
by the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education
Centre. The workshop offered a brief historical context,
overview of days of commemoration, and survivor
testimony through the I Witness Internet platform.
JIAS Toronto LINC School Staff Back Row: Iryna Alexeev, Jenni Aviv, Jim Vazirov,
Yulia Ossipov, Julia Giddens, Jenny Keselman, Alina Olshenitsky Middle Row: Nikolay
Vlasichev, Victoria Blyuss, Marina Glizer, Rima Spojniqov, Lia Kisel, Susan Dayan,
Zoya Kurtzman, Ashot Vardanyan Front Row: Adelia Sergeyeva, Sharon Bean, Myra Manly,
Sheila Berenstein, Nora Lipfeld, Yury Kaganovskiy, Polina Rofman Absent: Bella Tarlo,
Elana Winer, Ella Boroda, Perla Riesenbach, Tamilla Zeinalov and Yelena Musin
Students learned how to properly write recipes and during
our multicultural picnic day, there was a feast of homemade
delights and accompanying information about students’
native cultures and traditions as well as great appreciation for
living in Canada.
In addition, our partnerships with the Toronto District
School Board (TDSB) and the York Region Catholic School
Board (YRCSB) to offer ESL (English as a Second Language)
continued to flourish.
As a way to teach English for everyday application, students
in our York Region LINC School compiled recipes from all
over the world that showcased their favorite native foods.
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JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
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ly,
“My first priority was to find a job, and I knew that the
only way I would be able to do that is by improving my
English. The teachers gave me so much more than just
the language of my new country. We learned about the
culture and the way of life here. While I studied, my son
was in the daycare. I was immediately impressed
with the warmth and professionalism. It was above my
expectations. You cannot overestimate the importance
of this type of help for new immigrants with young
children. The children are treated with heart.”
- M.S.
SKILL-BASED LANGUAGE
TRAINING PILOT
Traditionally, LINC and ESL classes have an integrated skills
approach where listening, speaking, reading and writing are
all delivered to learners as a whole. With the support of CIC,
JIAS Toronto was one of three agencies selected to develop
and implement an innovative skill-focused delivery model in
York Region. This new language training approach schedules
class time into modules that focus on the instruction of
specific skills, which allows students to be placed in different
levels according to their individual Canadian Language
Benchmarks for each area.
After a very successful implementation, the following are
some of the most important changes observed through a
preliminary program evaluation:
•
•
•
•
The skill-based focus approach allows for a more balanced instruction time amongst the four skills
Individual students’ learning needs are better addressed
Students are more satisfied with the allocated time for
each skill
Students’ progression in certain skill areas seems to be faster
A final pilot evaluation is now in progress. The results are
expected by the end of December 2014.
CONVERSATION CAFÉ
Newcomers have a chance to practice their conversational skills
in an informal environment, together with English-speaking
volunteers. Our three conversation cafes take place throughout
the GTA and cater to the language needs of the participants.
These innovative volunteer lead language learning experiences
provide newcomers with the much needed practice to improve
their day to day English.
TELEPHONE LANGUAGE
COMPANION (TLC)
By talking with a JIAS Toronto volunteer on the phone once
or twice a week, newcomers become more comfortable and
confident about their English skills.
“JIAS School is an essential part of my immigration
life. This school for me is worth more than a school. It’s
like a second home - a place which gives self-reliance,
support, which helps to keep you abreast and eases
my adaptation. My teachers have inspired me to
improve my skills. I became more thirsty for knowledge.
I have been studying for two years. Many events have
happened since I started and have to say that this
school changed me, my attitude to people and finally,
I don’t feel myself in dismay anymore.
The daycare deserves separate gratitude of mine.
Professional staff makes the parents feel comfortable
leaving their children, and they become more
independent.
This school is place of vital importance. Each staff-member
is ready to help, whatever information and need. I won’t
forget this asset. No doubt, if I have a huge opportunity
to contribute significantly, I’ll do it.”
- D.P.
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TO EMPLOYMENT
AND ECONOMIC SELF RELIANCE
Education and skills commensurate employment are still
the best strategies to ensure a successful social and
economic integration for immigrants. Towards this goal,
JIAS Toronto has a range of services from its community
funded “safety-net” financial supplemental program
through to supporting newcomers to advance their
education or start their own business. Every newcomer has
the right to meaningful employment; where meaningful is
defined as “having a serious, important or useful quality or
purpose”, provides a living wage and reflects the education,
skills and/or training of the job seeker. JIAS Toronto
supports immigrants through their transition into the
Canadian workforce by connecting them with people and
resources in the community, rebuilding the network they
left behind, helping them improve language skills and/or
providing them with assistance while they get on their feet.
working with them to develop their employment and/or
educational goals.
EMPLOYMENT ASSESSMENT AND
ORIENTATION
Newcomers have access to the expert advice, referrals, career
interviews and orientation to the Canadian workplace they
need to inform and guide their employment search.
LEVELLING THE PLAYING FIELD
For youth and adults to join community programs, mark
lifecycle events or return to school, money is often an issue.
Think of the costs of things like after-school programs, a
tallis for a Bar Mitzvah or the cost of university textbooks.
FINANCIAL SUPPLEMENTATION
PROGRAM (FSP)
Assistance to newcomers to bridge the hard times as
they rebuild their lives in their new country, including
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JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
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With funds to offset some of these costs, newcomers can
participate on a level playing field.
ANGEL GUARANTOR PROGRAM
For newcomers who want to start their own business
or advance their education, JIAS Toronto helps to find
angel guarantors who can secure loans – and in turn help
newcomers to secure their future.
SHINDMAN/SHARNA
SCHOLARSHIPS
This opportunity provides scholarship funds for eligible
clients of JIAS Toronto to pursue post-secondary
education, obtain professional training, or re-certify and
upgrade their skills.
“
There are so many priorities for us,
finding a place to live, finding a job,
getting all the necessary documents,
adapting to a new culture, doing
everything possible for our kids. It
seems as soon as we take care of
one thing, there is always something
else. I made the decision to work as a
massage therapist in Canada. I realized
that one of my priorities would have
to be taking the appropriate courses.
One more thing to add to the list. How
would I find the time and the money
to do this? I learned that I could apply
for a scholarship from JIAS. So I made
a bargain with myself. If JIAS will help
with the money, I would find the time.
Receiving the scholarship has made
it possible for me to think about a
future with a good job to help support
my family. ”
- V.L.
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TO EMPLOYMENT
AND ECONOMIC SELF RELIANCE
JUMPSTART
It is a challenge for newcomers to find meaningful
employment, commensurate with their education and
experience, in Canada. Through volunteer, mentorship,
co-op, coaching and network opportunities, our JumpStart
program helps newcomers connect to the people and
resources of our community towards employment.
Services are designed through the lens of the immigrant
and with attention to the unique barriers of language,
culture, “Canadian” experience and opportunity. We
tailor our services to the individual circumstances of the
immigrant adults we serve whether they need to further
their education, take courses for accreditation, improve
their language skills, start their own business or recreate
a business or professional network here in the GTA.
JUMPStart relies heavily on community business people
and professionals who volunteer their time to share their
experience and expertise with our clients.
The primary goal of our JumpStart program is to ensure
employment related opportunities for newcomers towards
meaningful work and economic integration. And we start
by learning about our client’s work history, education,
employment goals in Canada, resources, gaps to meet
Canadian requirements, and barriers to success. Experience
has shown that a critical indicator of success is helping
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newcomers rebuild the business or professional networks
that they leave behind when they immigrate. Toward
this end, JumpStart paved new ground this year by
holding multiple mentoring events with business people
and professionals from the UJA community. These
volunteers provided advice, encouragement and, most
significantly, opened up their networks to JIAS Toronto
participants. These events led to numerous introductions
and information interviews with a number of newcomers
finding jobs in their field as a direct result of these
contacts. JIAS participants all report being inspired by
the warmth, welcoming and support they received from
these community members. The other innovation this
year was an inspiring gesture of giving back and paying it
forward with former clients sharing their experiences and
successes in networking with newly arrived immigrants
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
seeking work. Newcomers appreciated the immigrant
lens of the workshop and said the program helped
them better understand how to network in Canada from
those who had walked in their shoes. They reported that
the telling of personal experiences; challenges and all,
motivated them to begin networking.
JUMPSTARTTestimonials
“The workshop was a great idea. Gathering information from newcomers who already work in Toronto was
extremely beneficial. Networking and exchanging information are so important to all of us for success in a
new country. I also will remember you as my first mentor in Canada. You are part of my success here.”
- L.K.
From a client who successfully got the job he applied for:
“Yesterday I had my interview. They said they are going to let me know about their decision next week,
whatever that means. Hopefully I did well. I was relaxed, confident and most importantly I was myself. I did
not stumble and I smiled. I was well prepared and I had stories and examples for every possible scenario.
I got quite a few nods of approval and they were impressed by my critical care experience so I really hope I did
well. All the work I did with JumpStart, the mock interview, the workshop I attended really helped to prepare
me for this important step. Best case scenario... I’m hired, worst case scenario... I had the best job interview
practice a nurse can get.”
- P.V.
“I arrived in Canada. New country, new language, new rules. Somebody told me about JIAS services. Friendly
and professional advice in my native language was the key piece in the puzzle. Since that time JIAS become
for me a “Go To” organization. JumpStart helped my wife to find her first professional job in Canada, which
was a jump start for her career. It was a tough time when I started my own IT consulting business to gain
customers and their credibility. A couple of years later, business is taking off and I am running on my own.
The minute I decided to hire my first employee it was a no brainer where to go to seek for the right person –
JIAS. JIAS helped me and my family and now I’m returning back to the community by helping newcomers to
start their Canadian career. JumpStart helped me find the right fit for my growing business.”
- V.Z.
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TO COMMUNITY
Newcomers want to participate in and contribute to the fabric
of their new home. In providing opportunities for important
connections – to people, organizations, city and Jewish life – JIAS
Toronto helps children, youth, adults and seniors to feel welcome
and become engaged in all aspects of community life.
YOUTH-TO-YOUTH
In this teen group, newcomers get a personal welcome from a
peer who speaks his/her language, and can enjoy a safe and
comfortable setting where they can make friends, participate
in our city’s uniquely Canadian attractions and explore
opportunities to get involved. This past year our teens were
again guided by former immigrants; one of whom was a Youth
group participant when she first arrived in Toronto and the
other interned with JIAS Toronto. Two of many immigrants
who, every year, give back, with generosity, hope and skill, to
JIAS Toronto and the community.
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JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
From the leaders of our Youth-to-Youth Group:
“Both of us are immigrants ourselves who came
to Canada in our teens, so we understand what
the youth we work with are experiencing, we went
through many of the same things ourselves. That’s
why this group is so important to us; it is not just
a job. Our Youth-to-Youth group brings together
newcomer high school students to meet twice a
month, for various fun events. This year, our most
memorable day was volunteering at the Walk
with Israel. This event enabled the teens to feel
connected to Israel and to the Jewish community,
and meet more Jewish teens from Toronto. The
teens were cheering, singing Hebrew songs, and
proudly wearing the Israeli flag. For many of them,
this was the first time they held the Israeli flag or
sang in Hebrew since their immigration to Canada,
which made the day very emotional. It was
important for them to see how they can continue
to support Israel and affirm their Jewish identity
in a Canadian context. Another exciting event we
had was spending a day at Toronto Island. The
entire day was fantastic - starting from the ferry
ride (which was a first for all of them!), to biking
around the island, having a picnic and playing
soccer. It was a great bonding event, where the
teens strengthened their friendships and earned
each other’s trust, while enjoying the beautiful
Toronto skyline and the island. Another great event
was volunteering at J-Serve. This event gave the
teens a chance to connect to other Jewish teens all
around Toronto while making a difference in their
community. All of the events gave a chance for the
teens to bond with each other, form connections,
and make friendships in their new country.”
- Dalia and Lina
From a participant:
“I didn’t think I would ever find friends in Canada.
Then, I came to Youth-to-Youth. Immediately, I felt
like I could be myself. Everyone understood me and
I understood them. The starting point was sharing
our experiences as immigrants. That led me on a
path to real friendship. It’s not just about being
immigrants anymore. They are my real friends that
I share other parts of my life with to. The events
we have are great. My family would not be able to
afford to take me to many of the places we go, and I
get to see and learn new things about Toronto. And
all the while, I am becoming even closer friends with
everyone else.”
- E.P.
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TO COMMUNITY
FAMILY-TO-FAMILY
Newcomer and host families come together to share holiday
celebrations and lifecycle events. Host families also act as
guides in navigating Toronto and sharing their experiences
and resources, all to help new Canadians become a part of
their new community.
The M. and G. families were matched in the Family-to-Family
program in January 2013. The families have enjoyed outings
together in the city such as the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair,
Jewish community-wide events such as the Walk with Israel
and many Shabbat and holiday dinners, together with the
M family’s grandparents, as well as their brother and sister-in
law and their Family to Family match. Here is what they have
to say about the program.
“I had been looking for a volunteer opportunity and
both as a participant and a leader of the program I
could not be more thrilled. The program has given
me and my family new friends while teaching our kids
about other cultures and tzedekah. As a cochair of
the program, I get to see on a regular basis how the
program benefits newcomers while giving local families
opportunities to participate in community.”
- Family M.
“Our “shuddich” (match) family is the best! We enjoy
their company and communicating in English with
them, as well as professional networking, and Jewish
16
FAMILY-TO-FAMILY
holidays together with their family. This has been
such a positive experience for us and for our son,
Ron, who plays with their daughters.”
- Family G.
B’YACHAD
This program to promote newcomer student enrolment and
success in Jewish day and supplemental school programs
continues to surpass all expectations. Importantly, we are
now enjoying a reciprocal referral and support system with
the Jewish day schools to the absolute benefit of newcomer
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
MILY
students. By identifying the right education program,
providing support through the transition, arranging tutoring
and English language assessments, offering professional
teacher training and extra help through Homework Club and
Ready for School, B’Yachad serves newcomer students and
their families across the school system. Most importantly,
B’Yachad helps the child to fully integrate into the school so
that they no longer need our assistance.
SUMMER CAMP
Children from 2½ to 15 gain the chance to attend
Jewish summer camps at a subsidized cost – a wonderful
introduction for newcomer children to the local Jewish
community and to friendships that will last a lifetime.
From one of the resource teachers at a Jewish Day
School that has taken advantage of B’Yachad services:
“Both kids seem to be settling in and are doing really
well. The older daughter is speaking in small sentences
and understands quite a bit. She is reading a little and
copying dictated sentences. She has a few friends and
seems happy. Her brother is progressing nicely too. He
is very eager to come to the ESL lessons and is playing
on the soccer team at school. He plays soccer at recess
with quite a few boys from his grade. I know I can always
connect with B’Yachad and contact Kathy [B’Yachad ESL
consultant].”
- F.B.
B’YACHAD
SUMMER CAMP
“You made us feel welcome, and were ready to
assist with anything, always patiently and with an
everlasting smile. Our son had a blast at center
camp! We accompanied him on the first day, fearing
that he will have a hard time knowing only Hebrew.
We were at rest immediately upon meeting the
wonderful, experienced staff. Our son returned
every day loaded with new experiences, new friends
and newly acquired words in English. We would not
have been able to do it if it wasn’t for the support
and direction we received from the dedicated JIAS
Toronto staff.”
- L.G.
17
JIAS TORONTO BY THE NUMBERS: 2013-2014
566 new immigrant files were opened at JIAS Toronto.
451 additional newcomer families were carried over from
2012-2013.
70 group information sessions were held across
Toronto and York Region providing settlement and labour
market information to over 296 newcomers
of all backgrounds.
2380 individuals received immigration related information
in response to phone, email and walk in inquiries.
49 Jewish newcomer families received assistance through
JIAS Toronto’s Financial Supplementation Program (FSP)
funded by UJA Federation.
1,407 adults attended full or part-time LINC classes.
Of these, 55 received transportation assistance in
order to be able to attend.
12 clients received a Shindman / ShaRna Scholarship to help them
pursue post-secondary education or professional training.
86 campers received subsidies to attend Jewish camp summer 2013.
44 recently arrived newcomer youth participate in Ready-for-School
to prepare them for entry into the Canadian school system.
84 newcomers participated in our Conversation Café or Telephone
Language Companion programs which help improve conversational
English skills.
156 new clients benefitted from employment related counselling,
services and programs through our JumpStart program.
86 individuals were connected to employment opportunities in their
field through JumpStart.
124 newcomers were provided with networking opportunities.
217 newcomers participated in a variety of employment related
296 seniors took part in full or part-time LINC classes
geared specifically for them. Of these, 53 received
workshops through JumpStart.
467 adults were enrolled in full or part-time ESL classes, of
which, 212 seniors attended classes
12 new Jewish newcomer families were matched with local Canadian
transportation assistance in order to be able to attend.
geared specifically for them.
331 individuals enrolled in our newly offered Citizenship
preparation classes, and an additional 46 individuals
attended workshops to help them with the application
process.
75 children participated in our LINC child-minding program
while their parents studied English, of these, 10 received
transportation assistance in order to be able to attend.
12 workshops were offered on site to our adult LINC
students covering a wide range of topics such as housing,
the Canadian Health System, employment, education,
OSAP, government grants and bursaries, safety, tenant
rights, financial literacy and community recreation programs.
80 seniors participated in 2 Safety Education presentations.
18
80 newcomers attended one of our “Navigating the Culture”
Workshops.
host families this past year through our Family-to-Family program. An
additional 11 newcomer families continued with the connection made
to host families previously, for a total of 23 active Family-to-Family
matches
19 Jewish newcomer students and their families were served by JIAS
Toronto’s B’Yachad program to promote their success in the Jewish
Day and supplementary school system.
7 Jewish Day schools received B’Yachad services, including 3 schools
where JIAS Toronto’s ESL specialist conferred with teachers working
with newcomer students.
2 professional development workshops on teaching English language
learners were offered by B’Yachad for Jewish day and supplemental
teachers attended by over 25 educators in the Jewish school system.
35 newcomer teens participated in JIAS Toronto’s
Youth-to-Youth program.
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
4
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS 2013-2014
HIGHLIGHTS FROM JIAS (JEWISH IMMIGRANT AID SERVICES) TORONTO
AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2014
13.
l
ir
an
n
ade
OPERATING BUDGET
Government of Canada:
CIC Toronto and York Region Settlement Programs Community Historical Recognition Program
Canada Summer Jobs
Government of Ontario:
Trillium Foundation
Newcomer Settlement Program (NSP)
Community Capacity Building Pay Equity
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto:
BLOCK Grant
Pension Liability
Financial Supplementation Program (FSP)
RAJET Program (formerly AMEINU)
Friends of JIAS Toronto Donations Other contributions
$2,191,468
$8,279
$3,280
$73,367
$86,920
$35,819
$27,190
$73,366
$86,920
$35,819
$27,190
$989,173
$117,652
$30,000
$941,693
-$154,007
$117,596
$30,000
$53,052
TOTAL
ols
JIAS TORONTO REVENUE
m.
$2,191,468
$0
$3,280
$73,413
AS
ge
REVENUEEXPENSES
$43,450
$3,681,334$3,405,054
Government of Canada
$2,194,748 61%
UJA Federation
$1,136,825 31%
Government of Ontario
$223,296 5%
Other Income
$126,465 3%
19
OUR DONORS AND FUNDERS
OUR WORK IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF OUR DONORS AND THE INVESTMENT
OF OUR FUNDERS, YEAR AFTER YEAR. WE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS.
OUR FUNDERS
Miri Ben-Dat
Inara Faerchtein
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Israel Ben-Ishai
Patti Fallus
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship
and Immigration
Donald Bennett
Karyn & Bernie Farber
Alexander Finkelberg
Trillium Foundation
Orit Berant
Elliot Berman
Michael Firestone
Dennis Bishev
Olga Freiman
Jodi Block
Sergiy Fomenko
Benjamin Blufarb
Boris Foursenko
Brian Blumenthal
Lawrence Fridman and
Susie Solnik
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
OTHER GRANTS
Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
OUR DONORS
Anonymous
(United Way donor directed funds)
Shai Abraham
Robert Adler
Elena Aleinikov
Joan Alexander
Oleg Alokhim
Erez Anzel
Natalya Asanova
Harold Ashley
Monica Auerbach
Roslyn Avery
Ruslan Baika
Marni Banack
Yury Baram
Benjamin Barankin
Eran Barlev
Barbara Beck
Earl Bederman
Lynn & Mordechai Ben-Dat
20
Linda & Leonard Borer
Sara & Terry Borer
Alex Bourloutsky
Fim Brenman
The Brondesbury Group Ltd.
David Wm. Brown
Leonid Brown
Brown-Nusbaum Family Foundation
Mikhail Brudny
Solomon Bubis
Liliane Budd
Arnold Cader
Gary Chapman
Lorne Chapnick
Alex Chernin
Dan Chitiz
Sharon B. Cohen and Elliott Peranson
Naomi Fromstein
Maria Garlinskaya
Steven and Sue Garmaise
Mark Gelman
Julia Giddens
Elijahu Glied
Rose Marie & Sheldon Gold
Liliya Grebenyuk
David Y. Green & Daphne Wagner
Moshe Greengarten
Larisa Grinberg
Mark Gryfe
Barb Gutstein
Harzahav Fund at the
Jewish Foundation
Iryna Havrylchyk
Alyssa Cohen
Helen & Aladar Gal Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation
Joel Cohen
Hart Heller
Stephen Cole
Eric Hoffert
Tanya Edher
Elderwood Foundation
The I. Gluskin & M. Granovsky Gluskin Charitable Foundation
Ellen & Martin Prosserman Foundation Inc.
Aleksy Iranov
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
kin Susan Jackson
H Paul Mendelson
Ed Segalowitz
Ruth & Ivan Joffe
David Merkur Holdings Inc.
Waleri Semenov
The John Herbert Foundation (TD Waterhouse)
Aviva Millstone
ShaRna Foundation
Judith Teller Foundation
Lisa Morrison
Alex Shenderey
Georges Moyal
Dennis Sherbakov
Marsha Nadel
Goldy & Richard Sherman
Susan & Mario Napoleone
Elaine Slater
Lisa Nerman
The Smdl Charitable Foundation
Phil Newman
Saralee Smolkin
David Newman
Alexander Smolyar
Elena Kaufman
Orion Construction &
Management Company Ltd
Lea Soibelman
Bareket Kezwer
Annette Otif-Frommer
Alexandre Khoussid
Ludmila Parkhimchyk
Grigori Soummer
Lia Kisel
Gil Pasternak
Zina Kissin
Morris Perlis
Ion Kop
Miriam Plener
The Stephen Pincus Charitable
Foundation
Victoria Koren
Kyla Pollack
Daniel Stevens and Cheryl Avrich
Yury Kryzhanovski
Julia Polshuk
Paulina Swartsman
Nelle Lakien
Dina Polyak
Thorek / Scott And Partners
The Lawrence &
Frances Bloomberg Foundation
Yulia Povolocky
Mark Vainchtein
Kathy Lazarovits
Leonid Raizman
Arieh Waldman
Roman Rapoport
Mark Walsh
Edward Rechtshaffen
Rosalie Watson
Rhonda Richer
Sharon Weintraub
Nanette Rosen
Wilansky Family Fund at the
Jewish Foundation
Mihails Kaidanovs
Alexandria Kamailingos
Etya Kanevsky
Ron Kanter
Lynn Kauffman
Edward Kaufman
Michael Leese
Viacheslav Lenets
Bonny & Molyn Leszcz
Gary Levy
Lili Little
Living Rhythm
Arkadi Lykovsky
Gregory Lyubarsky
Yevgen Makarov
Wilhelm Markiewicz
Paula Markus
Alex Meizel
Julie Mendelson
Joanna Rotenberg
Janis Roth
Michelle Rothstein
Dmitry Roudman
Eugene Rubinstein
Hilton & Ellenor Sacks
Lorraine & Alan Sandler
Joanna Sasson Morrison
Murray Segal
Coby Segall
Seva Solomyanik
Alexander Spivakov
Nada Stekovic-Stikic
Deborah Wolfe
Linda Wolfe
Michael Zaidel
Oleg Zaika
Vitaly Zayler
Morris Zbar
Gabriella Zelazny
Anatol Ziller
Shraga Zlotnick
Moses Znaimer
21
A CIRCLE OF SUPPORT
WE THANK OUR NETWORK OF PARTNERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO HELP US
CREATE A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Jewish Information Service of Greater Toronto
Ameinu / RAJET
JVS Toronto
Antibes Community Centre, City of Toronto
Kehilla Residential Program
Association of Jewish Family and Children Agencies,
Canadian Office (AJFCA)
Kesher Employment Services
Baycrest
Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) - Toronto North
and York Region
Bernard Betel Centre
The Maytree Foundation
B’nai Brith Canada
National Council of Jewish Women
Canadian Jewish News (CJN)
Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
(OCASI)
Centre Camp
Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation
CIJA
Circle of Care
Community Care Access Centre
COSTI Immigrant Services
The Family Resource Centre
Hillel of Greater Toronto
Housing Connections
Ontario Jewish Archives
Reena
Toronto Board of Rabbis
Toronto College of Dental Hygiene
Toronto District School Board
Toronto Fire and Police Departments
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Unison Health and Community Services
Humber College
Ve’ahavta
The JCC’s of Greater Toronto: Prosserman JCC,
Schwartz / Reisman Centre (SRC) , Miles Nadal JCC
YMCA of Greater Toronto
York Region Community Services and Housing
Jewish Association for Volunteer Administration,
JAVA
York Catholic District School Board
Jewish Family and Child
Jewish Family Services, Ottawa
Jewish Federations of Canada, UIAJFC
Jewish Free Loan Toronto
22
York Region District School Board
SUPPORTERS AND VOLUNTEERS
B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Fund
Conversation Café Volunteers
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
Family-to-Family Hosts
SYNAGOGUES
Homework Club Volunteers
Annex Shul
JIAS Toronto Client Advisory Group
Beit Rayim Synagogue
JIAS Toronto Youth-to-Youth
Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto (BAYT)
JUMPStart Volunteers
Beth David Synagogue
LINC Program Volunteers
Beth Emeth Synagogue
Passover Seder Hosts
Beth Jacob Synagogue
Ready-For-School Volunteers
Shindman / ShaRna Scholarship Committee
Serve 4 Success Tennis Program Volunteers
Telephone Language Companions
UJA Federation Impact Toronto
UJA Federation Women’s Philanthropy
B’YACHAD: TOGETHER IN TORONTO
CONCIERGE PROGRAM
Participating Schools
Associated Hebrew Schools
Bialik Hebrew Day School
JRoots
Kachol Lavan - The Centre for Hebrew & Israel Studies
The Joe Dwek Or HaEmet Sephardic School
The Leo Baeck Day School
Netivot HaTorah Day School
Beth Sholom Synagogue
Beth Tikvah Synagogue
Beth Tzedec Congregation
Chabad at Flamingo
Chabad Romano
Chabad Lubavitch Community Centre
City Shul
Congregation Beth Haminyan
Congregation Bina
Congregation Darchei Noam
Har Tikvah Synagogue
Holy Blossom Temple
Jewish Russian Community Centre
Maon Noam
Neshamah Congregation
Pride of Israel
Sephardic Kehila Centre
Or Chaim / Ulpanat Orot
The Temmy Latner Forest Hill Jewish
Community Centre
Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School
Temple Har Zion
Robbins Hebrew Academy
Temple Kol Ami
Tanenbaum CHAT
Temple Sinai
Toronto Heschel School
Thornhill Woods Community Shul
The Village Shul
23
TORONTO
Jewish Immigrant Aid Services
JIAS TORONTO
JIAS TORONTO
4600 Bathurst Street
Suite 325
Toronto, ON M2R 3V3
1 Open Door
9600 Bathurst Street
Vaughan, ON L6A 3Z8
MAIN OFFICE
Tel. 416.630.6481
Fax. 416.630.1376
24
YORK REGION OFFICE
Tel. 905.881.6500
Fax. 905.303.5879
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
[email protected]
www.jiastoronto.org