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IT TAKES COURAGE TO HAVE HOPE.
11–12 IT TAKES COURAGE TO HAVE HOPE. LOUISE E. JOHNSON WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE DO Since 1951, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa has been providing confidential programs to women and young women who are, or may become, criminalized. We are a community-based, not-for-profit agency helping women and their families make changes… WHO WAS ELIZABETH FRY? Elizabeth Fry was a British Quaker who worked to improve conditions for women incarcerated in poorhouses in England in the early 1800s. Early in 1813, Elizabeth Fry visited the women’s section of Newgate Prison in London for the first time, and was shocked by the appalling conditions in which the female prisoners and their children were kept. Fry’s first innovation was the establishment of a school for the children of the prisoners. She and her lady-collaborators then introduced a system of classification …one step at a time. of the prisoners, prison dress, constant supervision by a matron and monitors (chosen from among the prisoners), religious and elementary education, and paid employment. The result was a remarkable transformation of the daily life, the outward appearance, and the conduct of the prisoners. To give the work a more permanent basis, in April 1817 the Ladies’ Association for the Reformation of the Female Prisoners in Newgate was founded, which extended in 1821 into the British Ladies’ Society for Promoting the Reformation of Female Prisoners. This appears to have been the first nationwide women’s organization in Britain. Inspired by her efforts, and encouraged by the Archambault Report which stressed the benefits of visiting people in prison, in 1951, five volunteers from the University Women’s Club of Ottawa began to visit women incarcerated in the Ottawa Jail. From these early beginnings, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa has grown, with the continuing assistance of funds from individuals, charitable foundations and the United Way, as well as federal, provincial, and regional governments. WE OFFER: > Transitional housing for women at J.F. Norwood House > Support, advocacy, court accompaniment and information to women during the court process, including domestic violence cases and assistance for those unexpectedly released from court > Public education and research > Advocacy initiatives with provincial and national Elizabeth Fry Societies > The diversionary-based Direct Accountability Program for eligible adults charged with minor offences > Volunteer-based programs, including court support and prison visitation > Individual and group counselling > Aboriginal Liaison > Crisis intervention > Peer Support Counselling > Anger programming for women and youth > Health Promotion Programming > Theft prevention programming for women, men and youth > Art/play therapy for children of incarcerated parents. > Addictions and relapse prevention programming > Housing support and eviction prevention > Community reintegration planning and programs at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre > Prison in-reach and support services to provincially and federally incarcerated women > Outreach support, group programs and referrals for sex workers > Programs and services for young women and their families 2 > Support for mothers and their children, in partnership with other community agencies ANNUAL REPORT 11–12 ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF EXECUTIVE Cat Baron Diana Majury Angela Peterson Maryse Lepage STAFF OF THE ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary DIRECTORS Tracy Engelking Harmony MacLellan Yolande Raymond Carmen Gervais Martha Troian Samantha Burton Operations and Programs Anjulee Baker Bryonie Baxter Nina Biancardi Giovanna Buda Bob Carscadden Sarah Davis Svjetlana Delic Stacey Dinelle Denise Doucet Lynn Dubien Debs Easton Jessica Golden Tania Hasbani The Board of Directors is comprised of community members who volunteer their time and bring their expertise to assist in guiding the direction of the Society. Their time is an immeasurable gift, greatly appreciated by all who touch, or who are touched by, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa. Tara Hicks Maarit Ikavalko Lui Kashungnao Deborah Kaulback Sheila Luktar Mia Maillet Yoshie Martinez Elise Orlando Samantha Rice Kelly Richer Cory Roslyn Elysia Sugden Chantal Surgeson Kerry Walsh Youth Reintegration Worker Executive Director Sex Trade Support/Housing Support Worker/ Manager of Residential Services Addictions/Relapse Prevention Counsellor Accountant Manager of Residential Services* Manager of Community Programming Youth Reintegration Worker * Court Support Counsellor/Volunteer Coordinator Executive Assistant Aboriginal Liaison/Peer Support Worker Interim Sex Trade/Housing Support Worker/ Community Liaison Worker Community Justice Worker (Parental Leave September 2011) Community Liaison Worker* Manager of Residential Services* Volunteers Coordinator* Manager of Youth Services Part Time Volunteer Coordinator* Theft Prevention Program Facilitator Anger Program Counsellor/Substance Abuse Diversion Facilitator Interim Community Justice Worker Assistant Manager of Residential Services Health Promotion Program Facilitator* Assistant Manager of Residential Services* Office Administrator Manager of Operations (Returned from Parental Leave February 2012) Executive Assistant* J.F. Norwood House Danielle Alarie Sarah Ashford Jessica Ayoub Anjulee Baker April Bissonnette Lydia Carson Jennifer Delisle Nadia Fezzani Relief Relief Relief Full-Time* Relief Part-Time* Relief* Relief* HELPING WOMEN PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER 3 Emily Finch Terri Lynn George Jennifer Guido Kylie Hamilton Shushanna Harris Caitlin Hawkes-Frost Kyrsten Howat Michelle Jackson-Brown Bianca Langille Debra Lavigne Nicole LeBlanc Hayley Lopes Solange Mattar-Rossignol Jennifer Milton Deborah Orton Jessi Ring Kelsea Schofield Patricia Seguin Melissa Simon Krista Taylor Rachel Taylor Stephanie Teoli Brynn Triol Erin Walsh Relief Full-Time Part-Time Relief* Relief* Relief Relief Relief Relief* Relief Relief Relief* Residential Support Worker *Summer Program June – August 2011 Relief* Relief* Part-Time* Relief* Full-Time *Passed away September 2011 Relief Relief* Relief* Relief Relief Relief *Left During 2011/12 SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO OUR SPONSORS, FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS: • Accurate Design & Communication Inc. • Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation • Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa • City of Ottawa • Community Foundation of Ottawa • Correctional Services Canada • General Mills • Human Resources and Skills Development Canada • Law Foundation of Ontario • MetLife Alumni Association • Ministry of the Attorney General • Ministry of Children and Youth Services • Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services • Ministry of Health Promotion • Ontario Trillium Foundation • Ottawa Food Bank • Rideauwood • The Properties Group • United Way/Centraide Ottawa • United Way of Greater Simcoe County ...and special thanks to all others who have generously supported the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa throughout the years, including Sybil Brake, Peter Beach and Charles Robb. 4 ANNUAL REPORT 11–12 ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO OUR SUPPORTERS The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa places a high value on our relationship with you, our donors. Without your support we would not be able to achieve our mission, which is as follows. “The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa is devoted to working with women and your women who have been criminalized as well as those who may become criminalized.” We thank you for your commitment to us. We believe that transparency and accountability are essential to our success. With this in mind, we have recently joined Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code Program. The Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code lays out a set of standards for charitable organizations to manage and report their financial affairs responsibly. By adhering to these standards, we are complying with generally accepted practices for soliciting and managing donor dollars. This is important because you, our supporters, are entitled to transparency and the greatest impact possible for your investment in us. If you have any questions about our adherence to the Ethical Code, please feel free to contact Julie Tang, visit our website, or download/request a copy of our financial statements. You can also download the Ethical Code itself by going to www.imaginecanada.ca. HELPING WOMEN PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER 5 VOLUNTEER INITIATIVE PROGRAMMING Adel Chemli Adele Bradley Airesse MacPhee Akada James Alanna Bingham Albertine Koko-Mpaka Aleksandra Czyzonska Alexandra Fottinger Alison Doherty Allison Conway Allison Medjuck Alyssa Cousineau Amanda Bettencourt Amanda Boyce Amanda Braithwaite Amanda Dam Amanda Rotondo Amanda Saulnier Amanda Swant Amber McDermid Amelie Chapedelaine Amélie Doyon Ami Charlebois Amy Campbell Amy Roesner Angela Lynn Severson Angela Taylor Angela Ziebarth Angelina Filip Angelina Ngandu Angie Yakub Anita Grace Ann Flindall Anna Nyiri Anna Principato Anne Gall Anne Girard Anne Harris Anne-Christine Asselin Anushka Rankothge Aranka Golphy Arielle Stockdale Arshina Kassam Ashlee Barber Ashley Eager Ashley Edwards Ashley Gladwish Ashley Harrison 6 Ashley Hepworth Ashley McConnell Ashley McCullough Ashley Steele Ashlin Kelly Baillie Koletar Beant Sidhu Beatrize Contreras Beatrize Elena Garcia Bethany Trudeau Beverly Orser Blair Anne Cooper Boutbaa Fatiha Caitlin Downing Caitlin Maxwell Caitlin Radmore Carolina Florez Caroline Cyr Caroline Gerbac Caroline Horsburgh Caroline Ostrom Caroline Vincent Carolyn Gerbac Caryn Zeesman Cassandra Khatchikian Catherine Berus Catherine Denis Catherine Giguere Catherine Maslowiec Catina Noble Cecile Boisvert Cecily Copola Celine Beaudoin Celine Courchesne Chantal Chaput Chantel Spade Charmaine Atrooshi Chelsea Sutcliffe ChrisAnn Alvarez Chrissy Payne Christie Holden Christina Roy Christina Sanders Christina Wright Christine Harrison Cindy Lefebrve Claire Bodelet Clara Mejia ANNUAL REPORT 11–12 ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA Clare McKennirey Claudia Bezold Colantha Welker Courtney Ostapiuk Courtney Schlattman Courtney Studiman Courtney West Cristina Martinez Crystal Dorion Cynthia Watson Dahlia Seligman Dalyce Cloes Damaris Ponce Perez Daniella Jones Danielle Bartlett Danielle Lepine Danielle McKeen Dawn Jones Dawn Potter Dayna Cross Debbie Cole Debbie Levesque Deborah Lempogo Denise Resnick Diana Rank Diane Cross Diane Dooley Dida Seminari Disha Phillip Diva Bortolussi Dominique Ponce Donna Richardson Donna Stainthorpe Dorota Salvail Dorothy Rogers Eileen Hawkins Elena Cote Elissa Leng Elizabeth Anderson Elizabeth Jones Elizabeth Lay Ella Heyder Ellie McFarlane Elyse Lasalle Emanuelle Bourbonnais Emily Hostland Emily Keilty Emily McGuire Emily Racine Emma Leroux Emmanuel Otchere Emmanuelle Marchand Erica Myers Erika Randall Erin McRae Erin Saucier Fatemah Ahmadpour Fatiha Boutba Fatima Daham Felicia Tse Fidelite Nininahazwe Fiona Wilkes Francine Hong Gabrielle Beaulieu Gaelle Jean-Louis Gladys Munoz Grace Hummel Gracia Ngandu Gwen Nimeroski Hannah Shaikh Hazel Gashoka Hazel Moore Heather Bell Heather Gray Heather Hughes Heather L McBurney Heather Michel Heather Wherry Heidi Smith Heidi Winters Hiba Yusuf Hishama Mohammed Fadil Isabell MacKay Jacqueline Benoit Jade McMurray Jana McCracken Janet Richardson Janie Papineau Jasmine Pickel Jeanelle Dundas Jeff Fisher Jemile Amador Jen Asselstine Jen Garley Jenn Kuntz Jenna Pilon Jennah Lewandoski Jennah-Lee Milks Jennifer Benedict Jennifer Farquharson Jennifer Macioca Jennifer Nolan Jenny Hanson Jerene Sutherland Jessi Casebeer Jessica Abi Abdallah Jessica Allen Jessica Barthelemy Jessica Radford Jessica Smith Jillian Osborne Jimena Bordes Joanie Roy Joanne Blackburn Jocelyn Kartes Jodie-Lee Primeau Joel Routliff Joelle Drouin Josee Lalande Josée Lalonde Joyce Cynthia Pierre Judy Williams Julia Halverson Julia Li Julia Mazani Julianna Cronk Julie Emond Julie Lalonde Julie Nguyen June Cummings Justine Villeneuve Kadene Massop Kainat Bashir Kaitlin Johnston Kaitlin Melendy Kaitlyn Webster Kaleigh Barnes Kari Parkhouse Karine Levesque Kate Duplessis Kate Grantham Katerine Parisien Katherine Cassidy Katherine Currie Katherine Lovett Katherine Manicom Katherine Quinn Kathleen Selkirk Katie Johnson Katie Lafleche Katrina Goed Katrina O’brien Kayla Lavoie Kayla Resnick Kayla Shabsove Keisha Morant Kelli Henessey Kelly Wilson Kelsey Burrow Kelsey Lockman Keri Davis Keshia Alleyne Keshia Huggins Khadije Joubaili Kim Cyr Kim Hunt Kimberley Veitch Kimberlin Mackey Kimberly Holness Kimberly O’Donnell Kimberly Sanders Kourtney Hall Krista Thomas Kristal Harrison Kristen Gandza Kyla Douthwaite Kyla Rafuse Kyrstan Howat Laura Aylsworth Laura Cunningham Laura Moffat Laura Monette Laura Webb Lauren Edwards Lauren Guest Leila Rami Lesley Ann Tarasoff Lianne Slaughter Lindsay Hinch Lindsay Jones Lindsey Quennell Lisa Bianco Lisa Cyr Lisa Gallant Lisa Holmes Lisa Scott Lisa Somerset Lois Kerr Lori Brooks Lucie Tremblay Lyndra Griffith Lynn Forest Maggie Embury Maggie Rafferty Mallory Lavin Mallory Reid Maloup Esnault Mandy Plassay-West Marci Beitner Maria Leocruz Marie Ange PaulineUmutoni Marlene Moreau Marta Albinowski Marta Kozolowska Mary Anne Carter Mary Anne Causyn Maryse Lepage Mathew Harding Meagan Pereira Meaghan Landry Megan Gareau Megan Grossett Megan Nesland Melanie Brown Melanie Cleroux Melinda Westgarth Melissa Dupuis St-Pierre Melissa Goncalves Melissa Supersad Melissa Thornton Melissa Villemaire Merveilles Kipuni-Muaka Mia Omara Michaela Alexis Micheline Mutoba Michelle Brown HELPING WOMEN PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER 7 Michelle Hennessey Michelle Lafreniere Michelle Segger Mindy Menard Mireille Etheir Mojdeh Ferdosian Monika Hajzer Myriam Ansoada Nabiha Khan Nadine Johnson Nadya Stewart Naketa Marshall Nancy Jolicoeur Nancy Mpoy Naomi Baptiste Narmeen Hashim Natalie Sache Natalina Dinardo Natasha Grewel Natasha Jaffer Nazgol Namazi Nesrin Terk Patricia Graca Patricia Wallinger Paula Hirshmann Paulette Ward Penka Trendafi lova Persha Baisden Rachel Herz-Fischler Rachel Meulmeester Rachelle La Salle Rami Leila Ramissa Hirji Randa Rihani Rebecca Comeau Reema Chawla Regina Behnk Ria Vaghani Rickie-Lee Doyle Roberta Delle-Picca Robin Brown Robyn Harrison Rosa Ondo Rosanne Wall Roshi Golrasan Rufi ne Mbog Ruth Gauthier Ryan Watson Sabrina Ottoni Sabrina Pasian Salma Ali Samantha MacKenzie Samantha Manning Samantha Srigley Samantha Turner Samantha Young Sandra Allen Sandra Leclair Sandra McLaughlin Sangeeta Sukumaran Santana Coyle Sara MacNaull Sara Pedroso Sarah Detre Sarah Deveau Sarah Galarneau Sarah Hennick Sarah Jeong Sarah MacLean Sarah Marchilon-White Sarah Mullen Sarah Murray Sarah Nourishad Sarah Peek Sarah Sanders Sarah Wilson Sekyen Gang Selina Basudde Shallon Varrin Shana Hickey Shanick Beaupierre Shannise Kleuskens Shannon Corkery Shannon Watson • Total number of active volunteers in 2011–2012 was 208 for a total of 1,827 hours. 8 ANNUAL REPORT 11–12 ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA Sharron Burnett Shawana Shah Sheila Steeves Sherese Hill Sherri Montone Skye Sullivan Sonia Canelon Sophia Sahota Sophie Somana Zunamu Stacy Illman Steacy Donaldson Steph Rilette Stephanie Fasaneau Stephanie Fortunato Stephanie Fradette Stephanie McCintosh Stephanie Plummer Stephanie Rilett Stephanie Zak Suzan Dorling Suzanne Waddington Suzie Kwasniok Sylvia Smith Tahmar Baptiste Tamara Rowe Tania Seguin Teodora Dinu Tessa Bell Theresa Ratneiya Tiffany Dagenais Tiffany Hong Tiffany Smith Tracy Lay Uchennah Samuel Valentina Politis Vanessa Abban Vanessa Reshitnyk Vani Govindarajan Vaughn Charlton Veronique Dagenais Veronique Paradis Victoria Dorey Victoria Mansour Virginia Dolinska Wendy Lee Whitney Cousins Yolanda Campos Yulia Samokish Zahra Hosseini PRESIDENT’S REPORT As I was sitting down to write this report with my iPod playing on shuffle quietly in the background, I was amused that the “Seasons of Love” song from the “Rent” soundtrack came on. One of the lines asks, “how do you measure a year?” Indeed…how does one measure a year? The song suggests that we do so “in daylight, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee…” and such. I think I will measure the last year at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa in funding cuts, resilience, creativity, collaboration…and perhaps also in a few cups of coffee (or tea if you prefer!). Funding is always a priority in the non-profit sector, but it is particularly important when funding bodies make decisions that impact an agency’s bottom line. We were certainly impacted this year by funding cuts, to the point of having the unfortunate task of laying off some staff. No money means no program…means no staff. The problem, of course, is always that the need still remains; just because a funding envelope closes or runs out doesn’t mean that services are no longer required. And that’s where resilience and creativity come in… CAT Resilience – anyone who has worked in this field knows that our clients can teach us all we need to know about resilience. Someone who is resilient faces challenges or adversities with courage and resolve, and ends up stronger because of the experience. Our agency is very resilient. I’ve seen it struggle through these difficult financial times with such tenacity…its staff braced together to ensure that the lack of funding would not affect its clients, its management endlessly searching for replacement dollars to ensure continuity of service. And I’ve stood with it through these troubling political times. While the country’s uninformed are wooed into thinking that crime is on the rise and “criminals” are all dangerous, our agency stands strong as it offers a different perspective…telling the truth about how women become criminalized. Creativity – I can’t count the number of times over the past year that I have been in awe at the creativity with which our agency seeks to offer much needed programs and services to its clients. Whether it is the efforts of staff who are resourceful and go above and beyond to meet the needs of criminalized women, or the ingenuity of management who think in such innovative and visionary ways to keep the agency healthy, creativity is definitely a measure I use to assess the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa’s year. And collaboration….working together to achieve a goal. Indeed, as I have already noted above in other terms, the agency’s staff and management are tremendously good at collaboration. Our agency has also excelled at collaboration with other organizations – seeking innovative partnerships to develop new program proposals, maintaining healthy connections with like-minded agencies to make the most of limited resources, providing support and leadership in local, provincial and federal circles to further the important advocacy work being done. HELPING WOMEN PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER 9 Finally, to that much needed cup of coffee…or tea. How many times have you said or heard someone say, “let’s do coffee some time”? To “do coffee” usually implies sitting together somewhere (Timmy’s perhaps) and chatting over a beverage of choice. This, I think, is where the agency can grow. No, I’m not suggesting that we all take more breaks and drink more coffee…I am saying that the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa needs to tell its story more often and more clearly…the story of its clients, its staff and volunteers, its efforts, its lessons learned, its achievements. Our agency has grown and evolved so much over the past several years. It has seen a lot of changes: in financial and human resources, in criminal justice processes, in political perspectives. It has experienced a lot of strife but also a lot of success. It has supported the most incredible women through the most trying times. Its story is important – it would no doubt inspire others and perhaps even entice new supporters. This measure of our year is a task that I call on the Board of Directors to explore further. The front-line efforts of our team and realities of the women they support provide me with such motivation and inspiration to do what I can to serve our agency. The efforts and skills of our Board members also make me grateful for the opportunities I have to do the work I do. As we continue forward into a constantly changing social climate with a financial picture that is inadequate at best, I hope to do my best to celebrate the resilience and support the creativity that is so characteristic of our agency. It is an absolute pleasure to serve you, and I thank you for the opportunity to continue as your President. Thank you. Merci. Meegwetch. Nia:wen. Let’s do coffee some time… Cat Baron President of the Board of Directors Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa 10 ANNUAL REPORT 11–12 ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE This has been another busy but fruitful year for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa. In spite of all of the challenges we have faced in this tough economic and political climate, we continue to do what we do best – serve our clients with integrity, commitment and resolve – with a clear vision and high hopes for the future. BRYONIE These are tough times for our clients. The global financial crisis has been having an impact locally and documentation of the results of that impact is starting to be released now. The number of families living in Ottawa Emergency Shelters went up almost 32% between 2004 and 2011, with the number of single people living in these shelters increasing by 26% in the same period. (Alliance to End Homelessness Backgrounder, May 25, 2012). The average bachelor apartment in Ottawa now rents for $727 a month or $8,724 annually, whereas a single individual on Ontario Works will receive only $7,188 annually. This means that the average rent for even a bachelor apartment would take up the entire income of a single individual on Ontario Works, leaving them short over $1,500 annually, and that doesn’t account for food or heating or bills or any other expenses. For a single parent with one child on the Ontario Disability Support Program, the annual income is $19,940 and yet the average cost of a 2 bedroom apartment in Ottawa is $1,086 per month or $13,032 per year. Breaking this down into real numbers, this would leave a single mom on ODSP with just over $6,000 a year or $575 per month to feed and clothe her and her child, not to mention pay for heat, a phone and all of the other bills accrued in the life of a typical family. Since we know that poverty is a major risk factor for the criminalization of women and girls, these numbers are of serious concern to us. There are other sad realities for our clients. 44% of all girls in sentenced youth custody in Canada are Aboriginal even though Aboriginal women and girls account for less than 6% of the female population of this country (Carrado/Cohen – Simon Fraser University). Thanks to some terrific research undertaken by the Native Women’s Association of Canada we now better understand the terrible links between the impact of residential schools not only on survivors, but on their descendents. We also better understand the correlation of this impact on increased criminalization of Aboriginal women and girls. In order to improve our agency’s level of service to Aboriginal women and girls, in January 2011 we hired an Aboriginal woman with lived experience to run an Aboriginal Liaison/Peer Support program with clients. Her mandate is to work with Aboriginal clients, connecting them to cultural beliefs and practices, as well as to run a peer support program for our clients, working from the perspective of a woman who has walked the path of incarceration. We are grateful for funding from the Law Foundation of Ontario for the delivery of this important service. The funding will allow us to continue to the program to March 31, 2013, after which time we hope to continue to provide Aboriginal-specific support services and peer support services through alternative funding sources. HELPING WOMEN PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER 11 Regrettably, in April 2011 we were informed by the United Way of Ottawa that we had lost funding for our Volunteer Coordinator position. Since we have over 200 volunteers a year, this was a serious blow to the agency. This put us at risk of losing our volunteers and certainly made it impossible for us to recruit, train, screen, and schedule new volunteers to the agency until such time as we managed to secure new funding, which in turn made managing very high client numbers an ongoing challenge. Since we received the news after the passage of the annual budget, you will see the cuts reflected in the financial results for the year also. I am pleased to report, however, that we were able to secure two year funding from the Trillium Foundation of Ontario and starting April 1, 2012 were able to have the program back up and running while we search for a more permanent solution. The Elizabeth fry Society of Ottawa continues to offer in-reach visits to women incarcerated at Joliette, Grand Valley Institute, Vanier and newly this year, to the Brockville Forensic and Secure Treatment Units when called upon to do so. We also continue to take an active role on a number of justice-related committees in Ottawa including the Adult and Youth Mental Health Court Stakeholders Committees, the Community Adult Justice Network, the Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committees of Ottawa, Pembroke and Cornwall, the Ottawa Youth Justice Services Network, the Ontario Half Way House Association, the Ottawa Coalition to end Violence Against Women, the Canadian Harm Reduction Network, the Ottawa Coalition of HIV/AIDS, the Sexual Assault Network and many more. January 2012 saw the start of a new program funded by General Mills of Canada. We now offer a counselling/health promotion group for children of incarcerated parents. As well as physical recreation, healthy snacks and education about dietary health, the group, which meets twice a week, also offers age appropriate art therapy/play therapy and a place for children of incarcerated parents to have their questions answered in a positive, non-judgmental way that affirms their experiences and allows them to meet and bond with other children with shared experience. This is a pilot project funded for one year only at the current time. Starting in the 2011-2012 fiscal year and now continuing for a second year, we began a rural homeless prevention program. This service is now added to our Housing Support program already offered in the Ottawa area through funding from the City of Ottawa. Serving the rural communities surrounding the Ottawa area we now offer housing loss prevention/housing retention and housing search assistance to rural women and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We are grateful to federal government funds administered through the United Way of Simcoe County for the continuation of funding to continue this important work. Last year we helped over 40 women with this service. The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa has had, as you can see, a very full and eventful year and, given the current financial outlook and recent legislative changes, we have every reason to anticipate the year ahead will be continue to see an increase in demand for our services. We are grateful for our funding and our community partners for ongoing support, collaboration and education around how to provide better services to our clients and look forward to continuing to serve our clients and our community in the year ahead. Bryonie Baxter Executive Director 12 ANNUAL REPORT 11–12 ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA IN MEMORIAM – PAT SEGUIN, 1957–2011 It is with sadness that we remember our colleague, Pat Seguin, who died September 16th, 2011; the day after her 54th birthday. Pat worked as a full time Residential and Community Support Worker at J.F. Norwood House. She began working for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa as relief staff in October 2006 and worked her way up to a permanent staff position at the residence. Deeply committed to the women who lived there and to the goals of the agency, Pat will also be remembered for her love of camping and nature, mystery novels, crosswords and her two black Spaniels – Rugger and Jaguar – who predeceased her. We are grateful to all who donated memorial contributions to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa in remembrance of Pat. When we picture Pat now in a Heaven of her choosing; we envision a picture of Pat lying in a hammock by a lake with Rugger and Jaguar at her feet, engrossed in a good paperback and completely at peace. She is dearly missed by staff and clients alike. COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 2011/2012 COMMUNITY COUNSELLING Funded by United Way/Centraide Ottawa and the City of Ottawa Our Community Counselling Program provides assistance to women and young women in the form of casework counselling, support groups, crisis counselling, legal and justice service information, advocacy, life skills, and referrals. There are three structured programs offered to women in conflict with the law: Anger Program (10 weeks), Theft Prevention Program (10 weeks), and Relapse Prevention Program (10 weeks). In addition, we provide one-on-one support as needed, including trauma and abuse counselling and relationship counselling. Referrals to our services are made by the criminal justice system, social workers, social assistance workers, lawyers, medical professionals, and self and community referrals. We continue to use an integrated case-management approach in all of our services. Our Public Education Program informs the community about unique gender-specific issues and realities regarding women’s criminal behavior and involvement with the criminal justice system. We promote this program through participation in community information events, college and university information seminars, and public speaking engagements, as requested. Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 706 individuals participated in this program. This number breaks down as follows: 381 participated in Community Counselling/Theft Prevention programming; 85 participated in Relapse Prevention programming; and 240 participated in Anger programming. HELPING WOMEN PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER 13 ABORIGINAL LIASON/PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM Funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario This Program began on January 1, 2011. The Aboriginal Liaison/Peer Support Worker offers peer support to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal criminalized women to assist them with reintegration, understanding conditions of their releases, understanding the Gladue Report for Aboriginal women, and provides assistance with grievance processes as needed. The Worker provides both individual and group counselling to women. There are 2 groups: a peer support group for all criminalized women and a group for Aboriginal women involved with the criminal justice system. The latter group focuses on re-connecting Aboriginal women with their culture. The Aboriginal Liaison/Peer Support Worker also works at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa office at the Ontario Provincial courthouse weekly to assist clients at court as well in cell-block at the courthouse and inform them of their rights. Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 178 individuals participated in this program. There were 51 Aboriginal and/or Inuit women who participated in the Aboriginal Peer Support Program. An additional 127 women were reached through in-reach efforts at the courthouse and/or federal and provincial institutions. HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM Funded by Ministry of Health Promotion, Province of Ontario The Health Promotion program is a multifaceted program, offering women and young women access to support and education around nutrition, physical recreation, self-esteem building, smoking cessation, addiction counselling and relapse prevention. The program has been operating since October of 2010, and has assisted 102 women and youth. The program offers both individual counselling, as well as several groups for both adult and young women. The groups, which last 10 weeks, offer women a non-judgmental environment where open discussions are facilitated. Groups also provide an opportunity for women to make connections with others to reduce isolation. The group allows for hands-on cooking experience and weekly visits to the gym for all participants. Between October 1, 2011, which is when the Program began, until March 31, 2012, 102 women and young women took part. SEX TRADE SUPPORT SERVICES – HOOKED UP AND GATEWAY Funded by United Way/Centraide Ottawa Hooked Up is a support program delivered by the Elizabeth Fry Society that offers non-judgmental support to adult women and transgendered individuals who are, or who have 14 ANNUAL REPORT 11–12 ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA been, involved in the sex trade. Hooked Up services include one-on-one counselling and support, weekly educational groups (Gateway), court support and advocacy, and life skills coaching. Gateway is a follow-up program to the Salvation Army’s three-day Sex-Trade Education Program (STEP) and is also open to women who have not participated in the STEP program. Gateway is both a community support group and court diversion option. The program is delivered in a safe, supportive environment, and includes light meals, guest speakers, and resource sharing. Participants have access to groceries, bus tickets, hygiene products, and harm-reduction supplies, including safer inhalation and safer injection supplies. Group topics include street safety, healthy relationships, sexual health, addictions, self-esteem and self-care, anger, and communication. Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 34 individuals participated in this program with a total of 142 visits. THE DIRECT ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAM Funded by Ministry of the Attorney General, Province of Ontario The Direct Accountability Program is an alternative to prosecution for individuals who have been charged with minor criminal offences. Eligible adults, over the age of 18, are referred to the Community Justice Worker who completes an assessment and assigns community-based sanctions. These sanctions may include: attending a program or seminar, restitution, an apology letter, community service or charitable donation. Using community-based sanctions is an effective way of holding individuals accountable for minor offences. By successfully completing their sanction(s), individuals have their charge(s) withdrawn by the Court. Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 721 individuals participated in this program. HOMELESSNESS PARTNERING STRATEGY – ONTARIO RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES INTIATIVE Funded by United Way of Greater Simcoe County The Rural and Remote Homelessness Partnering Strategy program has been in operation since August of 2011 and was developed to assist women with housing issues who have their base in Leeds Grenville, Brockville, Renfrew County, Pembroke & Cornwall. Our mandate is to provide housing support to women who are homeless or at risk of being homeless in these areas. This includes women who are living on the streets, living in a shelter, at risk of being evicted, in process of being evicted, couch-surfing, or temporarily staying with family or friends but with no fixed address. Since its inception, the program has served 40 women in the catchment area. The program has provided assistance by sourcing suitable apartments, accompanying and providing transportation to view potential residences, providing advocacy in dealing with landlords/tribunals, and offering education on tenant rights and responsibilities. Alongside these tasks, rural housing workers have provided emotional support to clients who often felt trapped in a difficult transitional period in their lives. With assistance from staff, many of these 40 women have been able to secure safe housing in their communities and regain a sense of hope and stability. In addition to finding housing, these women now have increased knowledge and familiarity with housing and tenant rights. Many clients have been able to avoid eviction due to a newly developed understanding of the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act. Some clients have become more confident in addressing important issues with their landlord. In other cases, Elizabeth Fry staff members have intervened and acted as advocates for clients with particularly challenging housing situations. HELPING WOMEN PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER 15 In its trial year, the HPS program has been extremely successful, not only in providing housing support, but in expanding the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa’s outreach to criminalized women in rural areas. It has also been successful in shedding light on an important, but often overlooked social issue: rural homelessness. Many of our clients have expressed feeling marginalized and isolated from their communities before coming into contact with our staff members. Once clients have accessed housing assistance through HPS, they have been more inclined to access other Elizabeth Fry services and connect with our long term counselling services. Clients who have done this have expressed this as being very positive in their lives. COMMUNITY JUSTICE INITIATIVES PROGRAMS Funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General, Province of Ontario In an effort to offer community-based programming to the participants in the Direct Accountability Program, the Elizabeth Fry Society received funding from the Ministry of the Attorney General to deliver the Community Justice Initiative Programs. Specifically, we offer programming in the areas of Anger Management for Women, Alcohol and Drug Awareness for Women and Stop Shop Theft for Women and Men. Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 297 individuals participated in these programs. The breakdown is as follows: 9 participated in the Anger Programming; 16 participated in Alcohol and Drug Awareness; 153 participated in Stop Shop Theft for Women and 119 in Stop Shop Theft for Men. COURT RELEASE PROGRAM Non-Funded The Court Release Program began in July 2009, operating out of the Ottawa Elizabeth Fry Society office located in the Ottawa Provincial Courthouse. This is a non-funded program, carried out by volunteers of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa, and is designed to help women and men upon their release from the Provincial Courthouse Cellblock. Every day, people are released from the Courthouse Cellblock without money, identification, wallet, keys, winter coats, or outdoor footwear. Many are in a state of shock and emotional crisis. The Court Release Program gives them the help they need, ranging from bus tickets and directions to the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC), so they can collect their belongings, use of the phone, a cup of coffee, toiletries and warm clothing. Volunteers also offer an empathic ear, crisis intervention and referrals to Elizabeth Fry Society programming, Salvation Army programming, John Howard Society programming and other community resources. When individuals are released unexpectedly, volunteers also help clients secure emergency shelter. Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 444 individuals participated in this program. 16 ANNUAL REPORT 11–12 ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA COURT SUPPORT PROGRAM Non-Funded The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa has continued to offer support to women in the criminal justice system through our Ottawa Courthouse office. Over the past year, visibility at the courthouse has increased based on the monthly statistics of clients, lawyers, social service providers and individuals seeking help. Volunteers have been consistently been present in first appearance court, bail court and sentencing court to provide support to women facing criminal charges. Clients have expressed appreciation for these services during a time of high stress, confusion and uncertainty. A hot cup of coffee, snacks, use of the phone, seasonal clothing, access to community resources, general court information and having someone to talk to have proven to be very popular services among clients with court matters. Volunteers have also provided court accompaniments to women who wish to have someone by their side when their case is being heard in court. This service has helped many women cope with the stress of court and has helped them navigate the intricacies of the criminal justice system. Requests for accompaniments increased by 30% in the last year, with over one hundred and twenty (120) women having benefitted from this service. It has proven to be particularly useful for women charged for the first time, who were largely unfamiliar with court proceedings. Finally, volunteers have provided support to women temporarily detained in the Courthouse by visiting the cellblock at least once a day. Through cellblock visitations, clients have been able to speak with someone about their concerns, connect with other Elizabeth Fry services, access shelters and treatment centres, and connect with their lawyers as well as other community resources. In total, 1,431 clients received services from the Court Support Program between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012. COUNSELLING SUPPORT TO ADULT AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH COURT Funded by the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health until June 2010. Programming Continued Non-Funded. Staff members participate in Adult and Youth Mental Health Court counsel pre-trials, whereby they advocate for clients, and provide resources to both crown and defense attorneys in order to assist clients. Referrals are made to Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa programs and services, as well as to external agencies. During pre-trial staff members routinely assist in creating treatment and community reintegration plans for clients and they also participate in the court proceedings for Youth Mental Health Court. This includes court accompaniment, providing updates on client progress, advocacy, and HELPING WOMEN PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER 17 promoting and facilitating access to our programs and services. Crisis intervention and practical assistance such as bus tickets and assistance with emergency housing, is also provided to clients at the courthouse following court appearances. Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 72 individuals were referred to Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa programs through adult and youth mental health court and pre-trial, and many more were assisted in the courthouse by way of triage, case management, and advocacy. IN-REACH TO GVI, JOLIETTE Funded by Correctional Service Canada & the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa The In-Reach Program has now been running for 3 years. The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa receives funding from the Correctional Service of Canada to provide in-reach services to women in custody at Grand Valley Institution for Women and Joliette Institution for women, both of which are multi-level Federal prisons. The Manager and Assistant Manager of Residential Services provided services to the women at Grand Valley and Joliette. Services provided to the women include, but are not limited to; information regarding counselling services available in Ottawa and through the Society, housing support, J.F. Norwood House information and applications, and other information about the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa and other community reintegration supports available in Ottawa. Funded by the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa, the Manager of Residential Services also visits Vanier Institution monthly. This institution is the Provincial Women’s Detention Centre for Ontario. The In-Reach Program has continued to increase our visibility within the institutions and is creating more fluid relationships with institutional staff, as well as an increase in support and reintegration services to Ottawa area women. Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 57 women participated in this program. HOUSING RETENTION AND EVICTION PREVENTION Funded by the City of Ottawa, under the Homelessness Partnership Initiative. Housing support is offered by the Elizabeth Fry Society to assist clients who are living on the street, in the shelter system, in temporary accommodations, and those who are already housed. In-reach services are also provided to women who are incarcerated at Grand Valley Institution for Women, Vanier Institution for Women and Joliette Institution for Women in preparation for their release into the community. Some of the services offered include: public education on landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities, providing information and resources to clients searching for affordable housing, assistance with landlord/tenant disputes, support and advocacy, and assistance with housing retention. Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 239 individuals and a further 204 households were supported by this program. 18 ANNUAL REPORT 11–12 ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA YOUTH SERVICES Funded by the United Way/Centraide Ottawa, the Ottawa Youth Diversion Program, the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, General Mills Canada Corporation, the Community Foundation and the City of Ottawa The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa helps young women, between the ages of 12 and 18, reduce the risk of conflict with the law through programming that is holistic, gender specific and client centered. Youth counsellors work with young women to develop individualized plans that target short and long term goals. Once referred, youth can access a wide array of services including individual counselling, anger management programs, the Theft Prevention Programs (male and female), family counselling, community outreach programs, addiction and relapse prevention counselling, and groups designed to increase resiliency. A Youth Reintegration Worker offers support to young women who are reintegrating into the Ottawa community from correctional facilities, who are involved in Mental Health Court, or who are otherwise involved in the Youth Justice System. Our ability to support parents and their teen daughters was also boosted by a one-time pilot funding from the City of Ottawa and the Community Foundation. Efforts to help parents and teens improve their relationships through increased understanding included A Parent and Teen Girls Group, workshops on topics of concerns such as Sexting and Theft, as well as Teen Parent Relationships. Individual and family counselling was also provided. Funding for this pilot ended in June 2012. The Elizabeth Fry Society contributed to improved community services for youth by participating in the Youth Mental Health Court, Trends and Issues Committee, the Ontario Youth Justice Services Network, the Ottawa Coalition for Children; now Growing Up Great and the Ottawa Youth Gang Prevention Initiative. Accessibility and continuity of service is emphasized with programs being delivered on-site at the Bronson Centre, at Talitha House, Sundance Correctional Centre, the Youth Services Bureau Young Women’s Drop in and other community locations. Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 282 parents and youth engaged in Youth Services at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa. VOLUNTEER INITIATIVES PROGRAM (VIP) Funded by the United Way/Centraide Ottawa There were 208 active volunteers who provided services to clients at the Ottawa Courthouse, the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre, J.F. Norwood House, in our housing support program as well as group co-facilitation. Some volunteers also assisted in the areas of research, administrative work and fundraising. This year, a key component of the volunteer program was to provide increased psychosocial training to volunteers working closely with our client base. New volunteers to the agency were given ten (10) hours of additional training, including non-judgmental active listening training and crisis intervention skills, helping interview techniques and training on the criminal justice system. A total of fifty (50) volunteers participated in these trainings, which were deemed a success by the individuals who attended. Volunteers reported that this hands-on training greatly contributed to their learning experience, their skill set, their confidence and their ability to address clients’ needs effectively. HELPING WOMEN PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER 19 A new training program was also developed to teach volunteers basic principles of group facilitation. Four (4) hours of groupspecific training was dispensed to prepare volunteers to assist Elizabeth Fry Society staff members in facilitating their various groups. Among others, topics such as group development, group stages, membership and clientele, different types of groups and techniques to run groups effectively were addressed. A total of twelve (12) volunteers participated in this training, which was evaluated to have been very helpful. Volunteers from different walks of life were pleased to acquire specific skills which would help them in their volunteer activities at the Elizabeth Fry Society and beyond. The Volunteer Program is continually striving to improve its programming to ensure a win-win partnership between the Elizabeth Fry Society, its clients and the volunteers. As more experienced volunteers are leaving to pursue their careers, new volunteers are recruited to fill the gap, as well as to provide assistance to the ever growing need of the community. COMMUNITY LIAISON SERVICES AT THE OTTAWACARLETON DETENTION CENTRE Funded by Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services The Community Liaison Worker offers advocacy, support, crises counselling, and housing support to women incarcerated at the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre (O.C.D.C.). Clients can meet one-on-one with a worker while they are on remand, to create a release plan that addresses their individual needs, while liaising with appropriate community supports to facilitate successful community re-integration. The agency’s Addictions/ Relapse Prevention Counsellor also attends O.C.D.C. weekly to provide substance use assessment for clients wishing to attend a residential treatment program. The Counsellor then refers the client to appropriate treatment facilities throughout Ontario and Quebec. The Counsellor also offers a weekly Relapse Prevention group self-funded through donations. The Community Liaison Worker also assists in release planning by accompanying some out-of-town women to the bus station and others to court appearances, community appointments, J.F. Norwood House and other agencies in Ottawa and the surrounding areas. Our agency is able to provide some women with the funds necessary to complete high school credits while they are incarcerated at the detention centre, as well as provide them with reading glasses. Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 310 individuals participated in this program. 20 ANNUAL REPORT 11–12 ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA J.F. NORWOOD HOUSE Funded by Correction Services Canada, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Ottawa Hospital – Mobile Crisis Team, and Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services – Adult Drug Treatment Court Program. J.F. Norwood House is a transitional housing program offering a supportive living environment for women. The purpose of the program is to help facilitate successful reintegration into the community by offering a safe and encouraging environment where women can focus on education and employment, and have access to other Elizabeth Fry services and wider community supports. Our beds are available to women who have been released from an institution on parole or probation, clients of Drug Treatment Court, a program offered by Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, and clients from the Ottawa Hospital, who are referred by the Mobile Crisis Team. As the J.F. Norwood House is staffed 24-hours per day, women can access well-trained and caring staff members for support at any time. Providing resources, acting as advocates and helping women through their challenges, while simultaneously empowering clients to achieve their goals, are all part of the role of staff. The funded In-Reach program is now in its second year. The Assistant Manager of Residential Services regularly visits Grand Valley Institution for Women and Vanier Centre for Women. The Manager of Residential Services also regularly visits Joliette Institution for Women and the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre. We are continuing to see an increase in women applying for residency at J.F. Norwood House, as well as an increase of women following up with community programs once released from custody. By being able to meet with the women in custody, we are able to develop relationships prior to their release and have the opportunity to get to know each woman personally. Clients have reported that, by being able to develop a relationship with Elizabeth Fry/J.F. Norwood House staff prior to their release, they feel that the reintegration process is less stressful, as they have community support. The women have also reported that they feel a lot more comfortable going from an institutional setting into the transitional home setting, as they are able to ask questions and discuss their residency with the staff during the institutional visits. J.F. Norwood House’s waiting list continues to grow by the day. On any given day, the waiting list can range from 40–60 women. We are the only women’s Community Residential Facility between Montreal and Kingston. We will continue to work toward the goal of having a larger residence in the future, where we can provide more services to women at risk. Our thanks go out to the Food Bank for its immense assistance to the J.F. Norwood House with their weekly provision of food, which is divided equally among the women. J.F. Norwood House would not be as successful without the help of our amazing staff, volunteers, students and our funders. Between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012, 79 individuals participated in this program. HELPING WOMEN PUT THE PIECES BACK TOGETHER 21 THE ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 THE ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 Contents Page Independent Auditors' Report 1 Statement of Financial Position 2 Statement of Changes in Net Assets 3 Statement of Revenue and Expenditure 4 Statements of Cash Flows 5 Notes to Financial Statements 6 - 10 Page 1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT To the Members of, The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa Report on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying financial statements of The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa , which comprise the statement of financial position as at March 31, 2012 and the statements of changes in net assets and revenue and expenditure for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditors’ Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Auditors’ Responsibility (continued) We believe that the audit evidence that we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Basis for Qualified Opinion In common with similar organizations, the Society derives revenue form fundraising and donations, the completeness of which is not susceptible to satisfactory audit verification. Accordingly, our verification of theses revenues was limited to amounts recorded in the records of the organizations and we were not able to determine whether any adjustments might be necessary to fundraising and donation revenues, excess of revenue over expenses, assets and net assets. Qualified Opinion In our opinion, except for the effects of the matter described in the Basis of Qualified Opinion paragraph, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa as at March 31, 2012 and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada. Licensed Public Accountants Ottawa, Ontario August 16, 2012 Authorized to practice public accounting by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario Page 3 THE ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA AUDITED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 2012 2011 INVESTED IN CAPITAL ASSETS $ Balance - beginning of year Purchase of capital assets Amortization Balance - end of year $ 20,682 0 (4,955) 15,727 $ $ 13,714 15,862 (8,894) 20,682 INTERNALLY RESTRICTED FOR FUTURE JFN RELOCATION Balance beginning of year Transfer from internally restricted for training and education Transfer from unrestricted net assets Balance - end of year $ $ 48,000 0 32,287 80,287 $ $ 0 48,000 0 48,000 INTERNALLY RESTRICTED FOR TRAINING AND EDUCATION Balance beginning of year Transfer to internally restricted for future JFN relocation Balance - end of year $ $ 0 0 0 $ $ 48,000 (48,000) 0 UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS Balance - beginning of year Net revenue (expenditure) for the year Amortization Transfer to internally restricted for future JFN relocation Purchase of capital assets Balance - end of year $ $ 293,098 (6,010) 4,955 (32,287) 0 259,756 (See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements) $ $ 273,922 26,144 8,894 0 (15,862) 293,098 Page 4 THE ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA AUDITED STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 REVENUES Government Contribution Correctional Service Canada Correctional Service Canada - In-reach program Correctional Service Canada - Forum Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and Sports City of Ottawa Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Service Canada $ Other Grants and contributions United Way of Ottawa United Way of Simcoe County Ottawa General Hospital Rideauwood Addiction Centre Boys and Girl Club Children's Aid Society of Ottawa Canada Post Foundation Community Foundation Ottawa Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation Law Foundation of Ontario Fundraising and donations Rental income from residents Investment income Ottawa Hydro Other EXPENSES Salaries and benefits Repairs and maintenance Professional development Insurance Rent Travel, meetings and conferences Fundraising Group programs House hold supplies Office and general Membership fees and subscriptions Professional fees Amortization EXCESS OF REVENUE (EXPENSES) 2011 2012 $ 340,998 7,652 0 117,731 60,000 123,000 34,440 132,021 2,682 4,031 $ 271,064 5,355 7,500 133,208 60,000 149,283 20,040 130,345 0 3,820 208,230 21,244 68,600 19,032 24,788 12,563 0 11,250 0 49,600 33,866 6,848 1,886 9,987 8,033 1,298,482 251,445 0 73,000 19,346 25,745 16,869 25,543 0 9,678 12,400 23,306 7,581 5,136 0 18,224 1,268,888 1,082,427 5,441 6,013 10,390 56,974 19,176 0 45,657 11,295 29,479 4,163 28,522 4,955 1,304,492 1,002,609 8,152 11,053 10,015 52,000 19,516 1,253 47,888 11,662 33,526 4,893 31,283 8,894 1,242,744 (6,010) (See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements) $ 26,144 Page 5 THE ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA AUDITED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 2012 CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Excess of revenue (expenses) for the year Amortization of capital assets $ Net Change in: Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses Accounts payable Deferred revenue (6,010) 4,955 2011 $ 26,144 8,894 (67,971) (693) (497) (1,268) (15,480) 3,241 (951) 14,232 (71,484) 36,080 33,155 0 33,155 (4,557) (15,862) (20,419) (38,329) 15,661 59,897 44,236 CASH FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net purchases of marketable securities Purchase of capital assets NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH Cash at the beginning of the year CASH, END OF THE YEAR $ 21,568 (See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements) $ 59,897 Page 6 THE ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA NOTES TO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 1. PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION The The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottaw (the Society) offers assistance to women who are, or may be, at risk of coming into conflict with the law. The Society offers programs and services to provide women with confidential and supportive living and learning environments The Society is incorporated under Part II of the Canada Corporations Act as a not-for-profit corporation without share capital and is registered as a charity under the Income Tax Act. 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES a) Revenue recognition The Society follows the deferral method of accounting for revenues. Restricted revenues are recognized as revenue in the year in which the related expenses are incurred. Unrestricted contributions are recognized as revenue when received or receivable, if the amount to be received can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably assured. b)Internally restricted net assets During the 2011 year, the Board approved that previous funds internally restricted for training and education activities be transferred to an internally restricted fund for the cost of acquisition of a new JFN facility. The current year allocation represents the surplus plus the current year donations received specifically for the new JFN facility. c) Short-term investments Short-term investments are recorded at fair value at each reporting date, with gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, recognized in the statement of revenue and expenses. d) Capital assets Capital assets are recorded at cost. Amortization is provided on the straight line basis as follows: Furniture & equipment 5 years e) Donated services Volunteers may donate their services throughout the year to assist the Society in carrying out its activities. Because the value of these activities is not readily determinable on an objective basis of financial measurement, no amount has been reflected in the financial statements. Page 7 THE ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA NOTES TO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) f) Estimates and assumptions The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. These estimates are reviewed annually and as adjustments become necessary, they are recognized in the financial statements in the period they become known. g) Financial instruments The Society's financial assets and financial liabilities are recorded on the "held for trading" basis - changes in fair value, both realized and unrealized, are recognized in the statement of revenue and expenses. h) Allocation of expenses The Society engages in programs consistent with its organizational mission. The costs of each program include the costs of personnel, premises and other expenses that are directly related to providing the program. The Society incurs fundraising and administration expenses that are common to each of its programs - including fundraising expenses, corporate governance, general management and general support. These expenses are allocated to each program area on an appropriate basis and consistently each year. i) United Way of Ottawa funding The Society is a member of and receives funding from the United Way of Ottawa. Under their arrangement, any deficit for the year may be received or any surplus may be required to be repaid. As potential adjustments to annual funding are not known until financial statements are prepared, any such amounts are reflected as adjustments to revenue in the year of occurrence. 3. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The carrying values of cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value due to the relatively short periods to maturity of the instruments. It is management's opinion that the Society is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from these financial instruments. Page 8 THE ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA NOTES TO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 4. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS Short-term investments are valued at fair value and consist of a two variable interest rate savings account, a cashable guaranteed investment certificates and a balanced mutual fund, in a mix of approximately 45%, 35% and 20% respectively. Interest rate on the GIC is 1.65%. 5. CAPITAL ASSETS Furniture and equipment - E-fry Furniture and equipment - JF Norwood House Cost Accumulated Amortization 30,912 $ (18,264) 16,756 (13,677) 47,668 $ (31,941) $ $ 2012 Net 12,648 3,079 15,727 $ $ 2011 Net 16,363 4,319 20,682 6. DEFERRED REVENUE These amounts represent funding received for projects that are expected to begin or continue during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. MHP Healty Community Fund Community Foundation of Ottawa - Community Project Funding Ontario Trillium Fund Law Foundation of Ontario - Peer Support/Aboriginal Liaison General Mills Canada Corp Other $ $ 2012 0 3,750 28,900 4,960 4,167 1,762 43,539 $ $ 2011 34,440 0 0 9,920 0 447 44,807 7. COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES a) Commitments The Society has renewed property lease agreement on May, 2012 for one year. The annual payment is approximately $47,387 plus utilities and parking until expiry. However, it should be noted that the leases may be terminated with 90 days notice. The minimum lease payments under office equipment leases are as follows: 2012-2013 2013-2014 $ 6,983 $ 4,691 Page 9 THE ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA NOTES TO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 7. COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES (Continued) b) Guarantees In the normal course of business, the Society has entered into lease transactions for premises and office equipment. It is common in such commercial lease transactions for the Society as the lessee, to agree to indemnify the lessor for liabilities that may arise from the use of the leased assets. The maximum amount potentially payable under the foregoing indemnities cannot be reasonably estimated. The Society has liability insurance that relates to the indemnifications described above. 8. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY The Society is exposed to various risks through its financial instruments. The following analysis provides a measure of the risks at the reporting date, i.e. March 31, 2012 Credit risk Credit risk associated with cash and short-term investments is minimized by investing these assets in cashable guaranteed investment certificates and a balanced mutual fund. An ongoing review is performed to evaluate changes in the status of investments under the organization’s investment policy. Credit risk associated with receivables is minimal since they consist of GST/HST rebates receivable which are expected to be fully collectible and grants receivable. The Society determines, on a continuous basis, amount receivable on the basis of amounts it is virtually certain to receive based on their estimated realizable value. However, the overall exposure to credit risk is considered to be low. The organization must make estimates in respect of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Deferred revenue represents sponsorships and subscription monies received in the current year that are related to the subsequent period. Liquidity risk The Society manages its liquidity risk by regularly monitoring forecasted and actual cash flow and financial liability maturities, and by holding assets that can be readily converted into cash. Accounts payable are normally paid within 30 days. Market risk The market risk associated with marketable securities is minimal since these assets are invested in cashable GIC's, a balanced mutual fund and an interest yielding savings account. Currency risk The Society’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar. The Society does not enter into foreign currency transactions and does not use foreign exchange forward contracts. THE ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF OTTAWA Page 10 NOTES TO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 8. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY (Continued) Interest rate risk The Society is exposed to interest rate risk with regard to its cash and short-term investments. The organization has no interest-bearing liability. Fluctuations in market rates of interest on cash do not have a significant impact on the Society’s results of operations. Balanced mutual fund units are not exposed to significant interest rate risk due to their limited exposure to long-term securities. 9. CITY OF OTTAWA - HOUSING SUPPORT PROGRAM The Society entered into a contribution agreement with the City of Ottawa whereby funding of $48,985 ($48,025 in 2010-11) has been provided for the Housing Support Program project and has been fully spent. The project is subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement. 10. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES The Society defines the capital that it manages as its fund balances. The capital management objectives of the Society include ensuring the ability to continue as a going concern and maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet its obligations as they become due. The Society is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
