we can fight HIV/AIDS CASEY HOUSE NEWSLETTER FALL 2012
Ashley Abbott, Donor
Providing exemplary treatment, support and palliative care for people affected by HIV/AIDS, in collaboration with our communities. www.caseyhouse.com
IN THIS ISSUE: Delivering HIV care where it’s needed most * A Donor’s View * The Harold E. Ballard Foundation Art with Heart * The Casey House Rebuilding Lives Capital Campaign * Redevelopment News The 100 Campaign * Planning Your Legacy * Upcoming Events
YOUR GENEROSITY DELIVERS HIV/AIDS CARE TO WHERE IT’S NEEDED MOST A day on the move with a Casey House Registered Nurse Funded by the generosity of donors, as well as special events like Art with Heart, Casey House’s community programs provide a variety of health care services for people living with HIV/AIDS throughout Toronto. Our experienced registered nurses and social workers visit clients in the comfort of their own homes to provide treatment, support and care. The team also partners with other agencies to provide care and outreach support at several clinics and on board the Sherbourne Health Bus. These programs bring HIV/ AIDS care to some of our city’s most marginalized people. Thursday, 8:30 a.m. Casey House RN Katherine Burress arrives at a community agency that runs a drop-in program frequented by her first client of the day. He is surprised to see her, his cognitive impairment making it difficult to remember appointments. Gently laughing off his apologies, Katherine escorts him in his wheelchair to a quiet room at the agency. She gets to work changing the dressings on several wounds that are not healing well due to his compromised immune system. As she works, they chat, continuing the thread of a conversation that has developed over the course of their three-timesweekly appointments, built on his gradually deepening trust. Later,
Katherine reflects on his care needs. “There are several very serious health issues that he could be managing at any given time, not to mention all the other hardships in his life. He could be seeing a specialist every day of the week. When we talk, I encourage him to refocus on the most pressing issue, one or two each day. It’s slow going, but we take it one step at a time.” 9:30 a.m. Before driving to her next appointment, Katherine calls a case manager at a partner agency to discuss a client referral. Outlining the clinical concerns, she confirms the date of his admission to Casey House. 9:50 a.m. Katherine pulls up to an apartment building, the home of a female client who is a mother of three healthy children. The children do not know of her HIV-status and so Katherine is always careful to arrive when it’s safe to talk. The client learned of her HIV-positive status shortly after her husband was admitted to Casey House. Years later, she has built a relatively stable life for her family. Still, she is frequently beset by depression and recurrent respiratory infections. “People often compare their lives with HIV to what they had before,” Katherine later comments on the challenges facing this client, whom she sees roughly every two weeks. Continued inside
REDEVELOPMENT NEWS
Casey House receives approval from province to begin detailed design
Rendering of planned redevelopment at 571 Jarvis St. (Hariri Pontarini Architects)
On October 4, Casey House received approval from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to begin the next stage in the redevelopment process. This allows us to begin detailed design of the new building. Design work will now begin in consultation with staff and clients. A project schedule up to building occupancy will now be finalized. Key dates will be announced by December. “Casey House appreciates the ongoing support of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Our new building will address the urgent need for a new and expanded approach to HIV/AIDS health care in Toronto,” says Guy Bethell, Chair, Casey House Board of Directors. Look inside for news about the Rebuilding Lives Capital Campaign, supporting this exciting new home for Casey House.
A DONOR’S VIEW:
Ashley Abbott
HOW BECOMING A DONOR CAN SPARK OPPORTUNITIES Why did you start giving to Casey House? I knew and admired several board volunteers – people like Laurie Pawlitza, Brian MacDonald and Brian Shackleton. A number of us shared stories of the people we’ve lost to HIV. Watching these people who I respect and trust, who have a deep knowledge of Casey House’s work and who remain committed over many years – they really inspired me to step up and become a monthly donor. What has that experience been like? Over the years my monthly donations have gone up and down, as my work life has changed. Even when I’m only giving a little bit each month, it’s been a nice way to stay connected. I recently launched my own business and so had to scale back my giving a bit. When I called Casey House to let them know, there was no pressure, no sales pitch, only understanding. And this fits perfectly with what Casey House represents. I’m looking forward to the day when my gifts to Casey House will increase again. Do you feel part of the Casey House donor community? Whether through invitations to donor events or advance notice of fundraising events like Art with Heart, there are more opportunities than I can take advantage of on a regular basis. But I always feel welcome and invited. Why should someone consider becoming a donor to Casey House? Right now, it’s a special time for Casey House. Reading the annual report, it’s clear we’re facing a totally different reality from what was happening when Casey House was set up. Care is needed in a different way, and I like the way Casey House is responding with a bold move in terms of the redevelopment to increase capacity. When you’re talking about people who will live for many years with the disease, it’s obvious that they’re going to need support. I have been living near Casey House for many years and I like that it’s going to become even more visible with the new building on Jarvis. I can see that it will be something that we’ll point to and say “Yeah, excellent compassionate care is happening here, and I’m a part of making it happen.” I don’t know how many people realize that Casey House is so well known in the world. Perhaps many of us take it for granted, or try to avoid thinking about it. But it’s important that we have a place like Casey House. What do you recommend for someone making their first donation to Casey House? I’d say… start and see what interesting things happen as a result. Giving to Casey House – it’s not just anonymously throwing a donation into a donation box, or writing a cheque and getting a receipt in the mail. As a donor, you have the opportunity to get engaged, to attend events, to learn about the issue. Or not – it’s up to you. But you do have something to gain from the experience, and you don’t have to worry about being harassed for more money or pressured by a mountain of expectations. You just get great insight into an important cause, and develop a human connection to this special place that’s really making a difference for so many people. Just start with a simple donation and see what it sparks.
Katherine providing nursing care on board the Sherbourne Health Bus
Together, we’re bringing specalized HIV/AIDS care to where it’s needed most
working, and what’s not. Change is never simple but it has to come from the individual if it’s going to be effective.”
Continued from front
“They’ll say ‘I used to be so energetic, organized, healthy...’ I’m working with her to live in the present and value what she has accomplished; in this case, three healthy kids, a roof over their heads and the ability to better manage her health. My work includes helping her to focus on what she has achieved in spite of everything.” 11:05 a.m. Katherine arrives at her desk at Casey House, where she updates charts, checks in with the other nurses and makes more phone calls to clients and partner agencies, checking on the status of referrals and booking client appointments. She eats lunch as she works, and then heads out the door to the Sherbourne Health Centre.
care. “We’ll sometimes see a sign that a person is immune-compromised— maybe it’s a wound that’s not healing, or a longstanding sore throat or thrush, which can be signs of HIV. We’ll ask them if they’re positive and if they are, we’ll counsel them about what they need to manage right away because of their weakened immune systems. They may not be getting any care at all, so this is a first step.”
Two hours later, Katherine has seen the last client, tidied up, and consulted with the social worker on board as she entered records into the small laptop that is kept on the bus for electronic patient charts. These charts are maintained in the system at the Sherbourne Health Centre, so that when an individual returns, there is some continuity in follow-up. Thanks to donor support, Casey
Noon Katherine boards House registered nurses like the Sherbourne 2 p.m. Katherine care for some of our Health Bus, Katherine knocks city’s most marginalized people. on which she on the door of and the Casey an elderly client House community nurses deliver who was recently discharged from weekly care. Today’s stop is at the in-patient care at Casey House, People With AIDS Foundation. In where he recovered from aggressive a little under two hours, she treats chemotherapy for his cancer. Only eleven individuals, making contact a few months ago, his survival with over 40 more. The people she was in doubt. With a great deal of treats have a wide range of health support and encouragement from needs, from infected wounds to the interprofessional care team and unmanaged diabetes, heart disease, volunteers for his complex clinical dental infection and more. Treating needs, he has been able to return the immediate symptoms, Katherine home. However, his reliance on pain will refer them to appropriate health medications has led to escalated agencies for follow-up. All will leave dementia and depression. Katherine the bus clutching a pair of clean gently chats with him, asking socks or underwear, vitamins, a bar of open-ended questions, listening soap or shampoo. These small basics reflectively and without judgement. can be powerful supports in securing The goal is to help him make his a measure of dignity and even own choices. “Lectures just make preventing serious infections. But people defensive,” Katherine later the most important benefit of these explains. “it’s much more useful to stops without a doubt is connecting acknowledge their struggles and deeply marginalized individuals to then help them to refocus on what’s www.caseyhouse.com
3 p.m. Katherine arrives back at Casey House in time for weekly rounds and intake planning. These meetings involve the full community team, including the nurses, social workers, chief nursing executive and clinical manager, as well as the recreation therapist and massage therapist. Additionally, the team meets with the consulting psychiatrist each week. Because clients at Casey House have complex and overlapping medical and psycho-social needs, these rounds are invaluable in planning effective care, including managing the intake of new clients. “HIV impacts all the body’s systems, and nobody can be an expert on everything,” says Katherine. “Rounds give us a chance to problem-solve and share across disciplines, drawing on our collective experience to ensure that the client is getting the best care possible.” 4:30 p.m. Back at her desk, Katherine updates charts, sets up appointments and checks in with clients for tomorrow. She knows it will be as busy as it was today, but there is more work to be done. She would have it no other way. “HIV is really hard to live with, and we’re always going to be supporting our clients through difficult times. But our whole team also celebrates our clients’ successes, no matter how big or small. We know that without the support of Casey House, many of the people we care for would experience a lot more illness and suffering. I go home tired, but every day, I know I made a difference.” Casey House Community Programs are funded almost entirely by our donors and special events. Each day, thanks to your generosity, Casey House nurses like Katherine bring specialized HIV/AIDS treatment and support to wherever it’s needed most in Toronto. It could not happen without you. From all of us at Casey House, thank you for supporting compassionate, excellent HIV/AIDS care in our community.
The Harold E. Ballard Foundation Deep roots in giving back
The Harold E. Ballard Foundation was founded in 1993 through the charitable legacy of the late Canadian business leader Harold Ballard. A philanthropic leader in his time, Ballard established the Foundation to address social problems at their roots. The Foundation recently made a generous campaign gift to Casey House, supporting the construction of Casey House’s new state-of-the-art home for HIV/AIDS health care as well as the implementation of the new Day Health Program. The new facility will include The Harold E. Ballard Foundation Physiotherapy and Exercise Studio, a light-filled space fitted with equipment and staff to support mobility and strength training, crucial for people living with advanced HIV/AIDS. Ballard’s daughter Mary-Elizabeth Flynn has first-hand knowledge of how important these programs will be for the people cared for by Casey House. She worked for many years as a physiotherapist and occupational therapist, specializing in treatment for people living with addiction and mental illness at CAMH and the former Addiction Research Foundation. It was her father’s urging that led her into this helping profession. “Growing up, I was really interested in music, and I told my father that I wanted to study music as a profession,” recalls Flynn. “He said, ‘If that’s what you want, fine, I’ll pay – but first you have to give back.’ He made it conditional,” she laughs. Flynn began work at one of the charities supported by Ballard, then known as the Ontario Crippled Children’s Centre (today Holland Bloorview). “I learned how good it feels to help people who are struggling,” she says. “But feeling good – that’s not why you do it. You do it as a responsible member of society.” Flynn is enthusiastic about the long-term benefits that the Day Health Program will bring. “When I was working at CAMH, the biggest challenge we had was keeping people on their medications, and keeping them to a routine. Without structure, and without friends or a network of support, people just don’t cope in a crisis. But having a place to build a life structure around, with day-to-day interactions and support for staying on your medications–that’s enormously important. It’s not about a crutch or a band-aid. It’s about giving people tools they can use to build their lives.”
CASEY HOUSE WELCOMES NEW CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Stephanie Karapita, CEO, is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Endicott as Chief Development Officer. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Steven comes to Casey House from the Shaw Festival, where he was Director of Development. “We’re thrilled (L-R) Steven Endicott, Stephanie Karapita and that Steven has joined our team at this Guy Bethell at the Donor exciting time for Casey House,” says Appreciation BBQ in September Stephanie. “We’re looking forward to employing Steven’s talents, particularly in stewarding individual donors and and solicting major gifts.”
I want to support ongoing HIV/AIDS health care and services at Casey House. n One-time donation
n Monthly donation
n $500 n $250 n $100 n $50 n $25 n $15 n Other $_________ This donation is being made on behalf of: n A business n An individual
First Name
Last Name
Address City
Prov
Telephone (Residence)
Postal Code Telephone (Business)
Email n I do not wish to receive correspondence from Casey House. Does your employer match your contributions? n Yes
n No
n I would like my gift to remain anonymous. n I have remembered Casey House in my will. n Please send me information about legacy gifts.
Credit Card Information n Visa n MasterCard n Amex
Card No.
Exp
Cardholder Name Signature (My signature indicates that I have read and understand the disclaimer below) For one-time donations: A charitable tax receipt will automatically be issued for gifts of $20 or more, or upon request. For monthly donations: I would like to give monthly to Casey House and I understand that my donation will be deducted from my bank account or charged to my credit card on the 15th of each month. A charitable tax receipt for the full year of donations will be issued at the end of the year. I understand that I may change, pause or cancel my monthly contributions at any time by notifying Casey House Foundation in writing. I may revoke my authorization at any time, subject to providing notice of 15 days. To obtain a sample cancellation form, or for more information on my right to cancel a Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) Agreement, I may contact my financial institution or visit www.cdnpay.ca. I have certain recourse rights if any debit does not comply with this agreement. For example, I have the right to receive reimbursement for any debit that is not authorized or is not consistent with this PAD Agreement. To obtain more information on my recourse rights, I may contact my financial institution or visit www.cdnpay.ca.
You can also make a donation online at www.caseyhouse.com
Steven will be focusing his attention on reaching out to current Casey House donors in the coming months. If you have any questions or ideas, or would simply like to say hello, he welcomes your call at (416) 962-4040 ext. 230.
PROVIDING CARE TOGETHER
OPENING DOORS TOGETHER
I want to support the $10 million Rebuilding Lives Capital Campaign to build a new home for Casey House. n One-time donation
n Monthly donation
Casey House is raising $10 million for our capital campaign as part of a historic $36 million building project. The Rebuilding Lives Capital Campaign will expand current services and programs, and introduce the Casey House Day Health Program—to be the centrepiece of excellence in HIV/AIDS care and treatment.
n $500 n $250 n $100 n $50 n $25 n $15 n Other $_________ This donation is being made on behalf of: n A business n An individual
First Name
Our new home will be ready for occupancy in 2016. The “Grey Lady,” a heritage-designated house located at Jarvis and Isabella streets, will be restored and adjoin a three and halfstorey new health care facility that will consolidate patient care spaces and programs under one roof.
Last Name
Address City
Prov
Telephone (Residence)
The impact will be significant. With your help, we will: • Serve twice as many people living with HIV/AIDS daily • Help clients achieve optimal health and reduce hospital visits, through ongoing care and more accessible services • Help clients in the community develop social networks through a broad range of programs, thus reducing stigma and isolation • Strengthen clients’ immune systems by providing them with daily nutritious meals • Provide better access to medications that are needed to prolong life and reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS
Postal Code Telephone (Business)
Email n I do not wish to receive correspondence from Casey House. Does your employer match your contributions? n Yes
n No
As the Rebuilding Lives Capital Campaign approaches the halfway, $5 million mark, we thank those early donors who have demonstrated their leadership and commitment. Join us as Casey House once again revolutionizes HIV/AIDS health care. Honour those who lost their battle to this terrible disease, and help rebuild the lives of many more people living with HIV/AIDS.
n I would like my gift to remain anonymous. n I have remembered Casey House in my will. n Please send me information about legacy gifts.
Credit Card Information
To discuss your campaign gift, please contact Pat Hetherington in the Campaign Office at 416-962-4040 ext 235.
n Visa n MasterCard n Amex
Card No.
NEW GIVING OPPORTUNITY:
Exp
THE 100 CAMPAIGN
Cardholder Name Signature (My signature indicates that I have read and understand the disclaimer below) For one-time donations: A charitable tax receipt will automatically be issued for gifts of $20 or more, or upon request. For monthly donations: I would like to give monthly to Casey House and I understand that my donation will be deducted from my bank account or charged to my credit card on the 15th of each month. A charitable tax receipt for the full year of donations will be issued at the end of the year. I understand that I may change, pause or cancel my monthly contributions at any time by notifying Casey House Foundation in writing. I may revoke my authorization at any time, subject to providing notice of 15 days. To obtain a sample cancellation form, or for more information on my right to cancel a Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) Agreement, I may contact my financial institution or visit www.cdnpay.ca. I have certain recourse rights if any debit does not comply with this agreement. For example, I have the right to receive reimbursement for any debit that is not authorized or is not consistent with this PAD Agreement. To obtain more information on my recourse rights, I may contact my financial institution or visit www.cdnpay.ca.
You can also make a donation online at www.caseyhouse.com
The 100 Campaign is an important new initiative of the Rebuilding Lives Capital Campaign, recognizing philanthropic leadership within the LGBT community. One hundred business, community and social leaders from the LGBT community—and others who believe in our mission—will make a personal difference by investing in the future of people living with HIV/AIDS. The 100 Campaign’s goal is to raise $1 million of the $10 million needed to build our new facility. Join us with your pledge of a minimum of $10,000 (over a maximum four years). Become one of 100 caring philanthropists and showcase the leadership of the LGBT community. Donors who are part of The 100 Campaign will be recognized in a prestigious named space within the new building. For more information, please contact Tracy Hatten at 416-962-4040 ext 233. “Caring men and women have made Casey House the model for caring and compassion. The new Casey House must be built on these same principles. Raising these funds will ensure that our voices, dedication and belief in Casey House remain forever present.” -Stephen Brown, Chair, The 100 Campaign
UPCOMING EVENTS Art with Heart October 17, 2012
Making a planned gift to Casey House Why Llana Nakonechny is a Friend InDeed Why did you decide to remember Casey House in your will?
HIV & Mental Health Symposium November 16, 2012 World AIDS Day Memorial Luncheon November 30, 2012 Voices of Hope for World AIDS Day December 1, 2012 Casey House 25th Anniversary March 1, 2013 SnowBall March 23, 2013
For more about these and other events, visit
www.caseyhouse.com
for all of the professionals and volunteers at the House. I am pleased to know that I can make some small contribution to continuing that work for as long as it is needed.
I’ve lost a number of dear pals to HIV/ AIDS. My friend J. Barry was one of the first and the loss of his friendship and talent and sweetness was devastating for me.
Why do think it is important that people consider including a charity in their will or estate plan?
Most of my pals had great support networks of friends and family. But I know so many do not. I know the difference Casey House makes in the lives of clients and their families and friends. It’s something that needs to be preserved. I’ve had a long volunteer involvement with Casey House and it was at the top of my list of charities.
People may think that only a “big” gift is worthwhile, and not think to leave a charity a smaller amount. But think about the small gifts we give each other every day and how much they mean: holding a door, smiling hello, hugging a pal, making space for someone on the subway, sharing the last cookie, kissing our loved ones goodnight. These small things are the most meaningful things we give one another in our days.
For many years my will was handwritten on a sheet of yellow paper in my sock drawer. Before I’d fly overseas I’d call my brother and say “Remember, the will is in the sock drawer.” Finally he said to me, “Can’t you get a real will?” I realized I could and I should and I did. How did it feel? All of us who have been touched by HIV/AIDS hope for a cure. We hope that Casey House will someday be a great memory but no longer be required. But until then, the work needs to continue and it has to be funded. I have such great respect
If we can, we should help charities that are dear to us continue to do their much-needed work though estate planning. It’s a nice legacy to leave behind.
A gift of any size shows you care about the well being and comfort of others. That you appreciate those who work so hard to give that hope and comfort. Never hesitate to give whatever you can. Why is it important to let a charity know that it has been included in a will or estate plan? I understand why someone might not want to express their estate plan. But if you feel comfortable doing so, you should so that the charity knows it has community support.
9 Huntley St.
Tel: 416.962.7600
Toronto, Ontario
Fax: 416.962.5595
M4Y 2K8
www.caseyhouse.com To make a donation, volunteer, or for more information, please contact us at heart@caseyhouse.on.ca Charitable Registration #10687 8374 RR0001