Port Hardy Campbell River
Courtenay/Comox
Nanaimo
Victoria
2011-2012 annual report
Andrew Beckerman
James Boxshall
a message from our board chair & acting executive director
Looking back on the past year, we see the impact of strengthening communities, in five offices across Vancouver Island, covering a service area of 30,000 square kilometers. In Campbell River, we helped reduce stigma by ‘walking away from homophobia’ with an event to raise awareness about LGBT issues. In Port Hardy, our kitchen program served meals to our clients in need. In Nanaimo, our team strengthened partnerships with aboriginal communities in the area, particularly in Port Alberni with support of the Nuu chah nulth reserve. In Courtenay/Comox we marked World Hepatitis Day with an outdoor barbeque alongside many of our partners in the region. In Victoria, our Street College program helped build the leadership skills of people living on the street. These are only a very few examples of what we’ve achieved in a productive year for AVI. We hope you will take the time to read our 2011-2012 annual report, which provides a snapshot of our work in 5 locations across Vancouver Island.
14,000+ volunteer hours logged this year across vancouver island
While our work takes us to diverse urban and rural areas, we are tied together by a shared vision to create belonging, restore dignity and promote wellness for people living with, affected by and at-risk of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. Unfortunately, as we enter our 26th year of operations stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to achieving zero new infections across Vancouver Island. There is still plenty of work to do. Our dedicated and inspirational staff, continue to improve their education and skills, while serving our clients. This year, we faced staffing transition, with our executive director 1
AVI Annual Report 2011 – 2012
Katrina Jensen taking a one year leave, travelling to Ecuador and her native Australia. During this time James Boxshall assumed the role of acting executive director and Kristen Kvakic served as acting director of programs. We are grateful for their contributions and guidance during this time of transition. Despite a precarious global economic situation, the organization continues to see increasing support for our largest fundraising event, Dining out for Life, which raised more money for our programs and services than in any previous year, over $35,000. From fundraising events like the Rock your Awareness to the generosity of the United Way, MAC AIDS Fund and Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) our donors and funders remain vital partners in reducing the harm associated with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. While financial resources are critical, the dedication of our individual volunteers continues to inspire us. Last year volunteers logged 14,000 hours in support of our programs and services. In particular, we wish to highlight our former Board Chair and long time volunteer/supporter, Marilyn Callahan who is stepping down from our Board of Directors this year. Her leadership, insight, compassion and determination have been essential elements in keeping AVI on track, focused and resilient over the last decade. Thank you Marilyn.
Marilyn Callahan is stepping down from the board after more than a decade of service.
Looking ahead, the climate in which we operate is always unpredictable. Our clients, for the main part, live on the fragile margins of society and are among the most vulnerable. Our funding, mainly through various government programs, is ephemeral. The ongoing prosecution of people with HIV/AIDS, often contrary to scientific evidence further stigmatizes an already stigmatized population. We remain optimistic and hopeful, however, that through the ongoing support of our staff that we can continue to save lives, help clients recover, prevent the spread of illness and create dignified communities free from stigma. A place where people living with HIV are valued as the amazing survivors they are, and given access to safe living situations and 3 square meals a day.
Andrew Beckerman Board Chair
James Boxshall Acting Executive Director
2011 – 2012 AVI Annual Report 2
mission AIDS Vancouver Island serves the needs of people infected and affected by HIV and hepatitis C. We take evidencebased action to prevent infection, provide support, and reduce stigma.
vision Our vision is of a world free of HIV and hepatitis C. Until that time, those most at risk in our community continue to be marginalized - not only by their disease, but also by stigma and discrimination, poverty, and despair. As we fight these diseases, we join with those we serve to provide services based on consideration and respect and to provide visibility and a voice in the community.
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AVI Annual Report 2011 – 2012
by the
numbers 2011-2012
1,200
short-term counseling sessions with HIV and HCV + clients facing a myriad of issues including housing, treatment, relationships, addictions, mental health in nanaimo
4,000+
people educated in the central island region about HIV, hep C, harm reduction
9,028 60
meals in victoria served to people living with HIV and hep C
over 60 “street college” street-involved participants took part in a weekly curriculum on HIV and hep C basics, safer drug use, leadership and the impact of stigma and trauma in victoria
105
mentions in print, web, radio and television media across the island
2011 – 2012 AVI Annual Report 4
Above: Quatsino Youth Group in Port
reaching out to first nations communities
Achieving our mission with Aboriginal communities means building lasting partnerships, and building trust. This year, across the Island we: •
Educated aboriginal youth about HIV/AIDS on the Quatsino and Kwakiutl reserves in Port Hardy
•
Co-facilitated “Around the Kitchen Table” with the Cheemamuk program for STI/HIV prevention in Campbell River
•
Delivered monthly workshops with the Nuu chah nulth reserve in Port Alberni and Ucluelet
•
Strengthened partnership with Tillicum Lelum in Nanaimo as partners in the AIDS Walk and the World AIDS Day Candlelight vigil
•
AVI was the only non-profit community health org invited to Kwkiut’l District Council Treaty signing
•
Following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Hearings in Victoria last Spring, AVI worked with TsowTun Lelum Society to provide Healing Circles with support from their counselors and Elders.
5
Hardy; Below: Tillicum Lelum at the Nanaimo AIDS Walk
new partnerships developed new partnerships with island-wide aboriginal groups to raise awareness about the harms associated with HIV/AIDS
AVI Annual Report 2011 – 2012
integrating hepatitis c into our work
Awareness-raising has remained a key focus of our hep C work across the island over the past year with Courtenay, Campbell River and Victoria marking World Hepatitis Day on July 28th, with barbeques and community health fairs. In Victoria’s Positive Wellness Program, last year over 9,000 lunches were provided to hep C and HIV positive clients.
Poster for the 2011 “Love Your Liver” Health Fair held in
In early 2012, Courtenay/Comox launched their hep C kitchen which now operates once/month in cooperation with Lush Valley Kitchen. Participants of the hep C kitchen help educate clients about nutrition, food prep and safety.
Victoria
Former Courtenay mayor Greg Phelps receives a pin from Jeanette Reinhardt, Health Promotion Worker, as part of World Hepatitis Day
In Victoria, Hermione Jefferis, who coordinates AVI’s hep C program, has noticed a “marked increase in the number of people thinking about or trying access to treatment”. Fortunately, AVI’s location in Victoria is in the Access Health Centre, where treatment and medical care are available in the same building.
2011 – 2012 AVI Annual Report 6
“I attend a luncheon at the Transition Society [in Campbell River] every Tuesday that serves women and children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They have between 30-60 women each lunch. I provide education, support and advocacy services regarding HIV, hep C, safer sex and safer substance use. I bring harm reduction supplies and also have a private office to meet with people if they don’t want to chat in the drop-in area. It is a great way to connect with women, and I often have longer visits with female clients there”
7
addressing the needs of at-risk women
Our Women’s art group, in Victoria, provides an important and therapeutic space for women to connect, inspire and support one another through art. The demand for group participation was overwhelming, as we began 2011. However our annual ‘Rock your Awareness’ event on World AIDS Day contributed funds to help keep the program going.
In Nanaimo, our Positive Wellness Program has been an instrumental partner at the table of the Sex Trade Workers Safety Group, including the RCMP, and the Nanaimo Women’s Centre Haven Society. Together this group works to mitigate the harms associated with sex work in the harbour city.
Right: a participant works on the Body Mapping Project
—Sarah Sullivan, Manager of Campbell River and Courtenay/ Comox offices
AVI Annual Report 2011 – 2012
connecting people who use drugs with supports & treatment
AVI shows its support for the Nice People Take Drugs campaign
AVI’s
as part of Anti-
Party
Stigma Week,
Safety
which happens in
brochure
February
Funding from VIHA, in Campbell River and Courtenay, enabled our team to hire extra staff to deliver dedicated harm reduction work in our offices in those areas. In Nanaimo, we worked closely in partnership with Nanaimo Mental health and Addictions Committee (NMHAAC)—John Howard, Salvation Army, Canadian Mental Health to address the issues relating to drug use, homelessness and poverty. The Mobile Outreach van, affectionately known as “The Ambo” to AVI staffers and volunteers
In Campbell River we distributed a safer party brochure which has been in high demand and successfully educating youth about the risks associated with drug use. Despite our efforts at deploying a harm reduction approach to safer drug use, combating the stigma associated with drug use and poverty has remained an ongoing problem that also fuels the HIV and hep C epidemic.
2,580
referrals made in victoria for clients in need of mental health, addictions services, primary health care, and social services
2011 – 2012 AVI Annual Report 8
engaging with men who have sex with men across the island
Right: New Men’s Wellness Project Coordinator Birch; Left: Birch at Pride 2012 Celebrations
This year, we hired Robert Birch as our Men’s Wellness Project Coordinator, to fill the role left by Captain Snowdon. Birch has brought a tremendous wave of energy and enthusiasm to the role. The Men’s Project interacts with over 100 men each month, across the island, to address issues relating to homophobia, safer sex, short-term counselling and community engagement etc. The beginnings of a strong, inter-generational series of programs were developed, including monthly potlucks, heart circles and weekend SHINE! events –one with the particular focus of bringing older positive men together with younger HIV negative men.
54,288 condoms given out in the central and south island—and not just to men!
In Port Hardy, our team, with community partners initiated the Port Hardy Allies Group (PHAG) who worked to address homophobia and the need for sex positive allies in the area as well as to revitalize the Gay Straight Alliance at the school in Port MacNeil.
Poster for the Campbell River Walk Away From Homophobia 9
AVI Annual Report 2011 – 2012
“I am a 23 yearold gay man. Prior to participating in the SHINE retreat weekend I held a lot of anxiety around being in the company of other gay/queer men, particularly those significantly older than me. With its many interactive workshops and activities SHINE allowed me the opportunity to meet, connect with, share, and be vulnerable and witness vulnerability with other gay/ queer men of significantly varying ages— ranging from 23 to 70 years.”
engaging in community-based research
AVI works with multi-disciplinary academic and community partners to explore the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and hep C through community based research. •
Safer crack use Research Project
•
Alcohol and Other Drug Monitoring Project
•
HIV, Health & Food Security Project
•
Positive Living Positive Homes -research on HIV, health & housing in BC
•
Canadian HIV Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS)
•
Rural Gay Men, Community, & Health
117
workshops delivered in Nanaimo to 3011 participants
—SHINE! Participant
2011 – 2012 AVI Annual Report 10
educating at-risk youth
Creatively engaging youth at-risk remains a priority across the island. Weekly youth groups in Port Hardy play board games and watch movies in an effort to educate youth on reserves about HIV basics and harm reduction. In Campbell River, the Youth-at-Risk program participates in education programs at the local alternative school. Nanaimo’s John Barsby gay-straight alliance produced collages related to HIV and hep C. In Courtenay training peer educators has proven effective in delivering HIV prevention messages.
886
community education workshops delivered across vancouver island
In Victoria providing sex positive, harm reduction education and support to street involved & incarcerated youth includes working in partnership with the Native Friendship Centre and other organizations to meet youth where they’re at.
“One of our youth who had taken overdose awareness training, ended up saving the life of a friend, by bringing him to well lit area, putting him in recovery position, asking someone to call 911 & telling dispatch “person was unconscious”. Our youth stayed until the ambulance arrived, telling paramedics which substances he may have taken. The young man was taken to hospital & survived” —Sara Gifford, Youth Outreach Worker 11
AVI Annual Report 2011 – 2012
strengthening communities through partnership People living with HIV/AIDS in the North Island no longer have to travel as far as Nanaimo or Victoria to get HIV/AIDS specific medical care. Thanks to the work of the STOP AIDS Collaborative Team, a partnership between AVI and North Island Liver Services Courtenay and Campbell River each have an HIV specialist clinic every other month.
AVI is a key node in the network of service providers across the Island. While we strive to develop programming in line with our organizational mandate we increasingly connect with like minded organizations across a much broader spectrum of activities: homelessness, poverty, injustice, social exclusion, food security to name only a handful. Through partnerships and connection we reach beyond our limited resources to more effectively engage with the issues that continue to undermine the health and wellbeing of those who come to us for service.
Above: Community partners come together from Downtown Service Providers to celebrate Rev. Al Tysick’s retirement; Below: Sarah Sullivan in her office
2011 – 2012 AVI Annual Report 12
volunteer engagement
AIDS Vancouver Island could not operate without the time, dedication and passion of our volunteers. Last year over 14,000 volunteer hours were contributed to the programs and services. Of the 20 volunteers who contributed the most hours:
“It’s not all about pickin’ up needles, it’s about being a part of the community, helping people to use drugs in a safe manner, harm reduction is a major part of what we do... When I came here nobody judged me...I was a psychiatric nurse and this gives me an opportunity to be back in my work”
•
12 were men / 8 women
•
10 were clients of AVI
•
253 most hours contributed by a single volunteer
Meet Sari. She’s a volunteer from our Campbell River office who has been volunteering with AVI for over 6 years. Since she started, she has gone over and above the call of duty. She has filled numerous volunteer positions from stuffing condom packs to reception, to harm reduction and needle exchange. She is a fixture in our community. Last year, Sari gave a presentation to the Rotary Club about her work with AVI to over 80 people. When she was finished, the Rotary Club gave Sari the first standing ovation in their history. Meet Brenda. Brenda has been a key participant on Victoria’s volunteer Rig Dig team for 5 years. The rig dig team goes out into the community and connects with people who use drugs and picks up discarded needles.
—Brenda, Rig Dig Volunteer 13
AVI Annual Report 2011 – 2012
volunteer engagement
50% of the 20 volunteers who gave the most time, 10 are or have been clients of AVI
Doug Jones, AVI Volunteer helping to promote World Hepatitis Day
dining out for life
For the seventh year, AVI held the increasingly popular Dining out for Life across Vancouver Island which was held on March 29th this year. We had more restaurants participating and raised more money than in any other year. We would like to thank all of the restaurants, diners and supporters who helped us raise over $35,000
Above: This year’s DOFL poster Right: The winner of the Dining Out for Life grand prize cruise with the staff of the Ledge 2011 – 2012 AVI Annual Report 14
Reception Volunteer, Robert Saariko
Campbell River mayor Cornfield
Harm
commemorates International Day to Walk away from Homophobia
port hardy
Volunteers at the Vancouver Island Music Fest
camp riv co c
Walk Away from Homophobia Poster
Lunch Program in partnership
Youth group in action
with the Family Place
Client post-lunch at Family Place
AVI’s Front Door in Port Hardy
Going away party for Captain Snowdon
Victoria Mayor a
June1st Harm Re 15
AVI Annual Report 2011 – 2012
m Reduction Worker, Holly LeCasse
Doug Jones, AVI Volunteer helping to
Dr. Julio Montaner visited in April 2011
promote World Hepatitis Day
‘HIV Treatment as Prevention’
pbell ver ourtenay/ comox
Partners Tillicum Lelum participating
Students making art, Youth At-Risk Project
in the AIDS Walk for Life
“Nanaimo’s Dynamic Trio”
nanaimo
Claire, Anita and Dana
victoria Expression through art—CATIE body mapping
and council voted to proclaim
Victoria’s lunch program served
eduction Awareness Day.
over 9,000 lunches in 2011-2012.
World AIDS Day performance in Victoria
2011 – 2012 AVI Annual Report 16
thank you to our funders
We would like to express our gratitude to our funders and the many individual donors whose support help us to achieve our mission:
Our Community Supporters: • Harmless’ UVic • The Root Cellar
General Accountants
• VI Music Fest
• Comox Bay Care Society Care-A-Van
• Rhythm on the Rock Music Fest
• Wachiay Friendship Centre
• Sure Copies
• CV & CR Public Health
• Lush Valley Food Security
• Mud Sharks Coffee Bar
• Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
• Ann Vansnick
• Zocalo Cafe
• Discovery College (CR)
• Village of Sayward
• Red Cross
• Campbell River Multicultural Centre (CR)
• Helen Riddell
• Souped Up • Courtenay Seventh Day Adventist Church
• Grains Bakery • Edible Island • Jo Swallow • North Island College Human Service Workers Club • Everybody Deserves a Smile
• North Island College • World Community Development Education Society • CV Nursing Centre • Cumberland Village Works (Big Time Out)
• Ann Elmore Transition House • LifeCycles Fruit Tree Project • North Douglas/Sysco Foods • Thrifty Foods • Community Social Planning Council
• Presley and Partners 17
AVI Annual Report 2011 – 2012
financial statements
Statement of Financial Position March 31, 2012 Assets Cash Accounts Receivable Fixed Assets, Net Other Assets
453,908 151,385 1,754,484 9,250
Total Assets
2,369,027
board of directors 2011-2012
Andrew BECKERMAN, Chair Joan MACNEIL, Secretary-Executive
Liabilities and Net Assets Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Mortgages and Lines of Credit Advances and Deferred Total Liabilities
115,209 311,847 1,647,428 2,074,484
Net Assets Unrestricted Restricted Total Net Assets
287,040 7,503 294,543
Mike KALINKA, Director-at-Large Marilyn CALLAHAN, Director-at-Large/Past Chair Charlotte READING, Director-at-Large Dennis ANO, Director-at Large Bob SOCHOWSKI, Director-at-Large
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
2,369,027
Trish KUMPF, Director-at-Large
Statement of Operations
Charlene ANDERSON, Director-at-Large
April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012
Jason TEAKLE, Director-at-Large
Support and Revenue Health Authority Federal Government Provincial Government United Way
1,466,500 238,415 96,000 95,670
Donations and Sponsorship
71,346
Other Total Support and Revenue
145,576 2,113,507
Expenses Salaries and Benefits Rent and Office Expenses Program Materials Meetings, Honoraria and Travel Amortization Other Total Expenses
Frank BURUMA, Director-at-Large
Spencer ANDERSON, Director-at-Large James BOXSHALL, A/Executive Director
1,523,514 266,345 153,062 88.741 11,201 69,636 2,112,499 1,008
Net Operations from Joint Venture
(5,362)
Deficiency of revenue over expenses
(4,354)
2011 – 2012 AVI Annual Report 18
locations Victoria 3rd Floor – Access Health Centre 713 Johnson Street Victoria BC V8W 1M8 Phone: (250) 384-2366 Fax: (250) 380-9411 Infoline: 1-800-665-2437 Nanaimo 201 – 55 Victoria Road Nanaimo BC V9R 5N9 Phone: (250) 753-2437 Fax: (250) 753-4595 Courtenay/Comox 355 6th Street, Courtenay BC V9N 1M2 Phone: (250) 338-7400 Fax: (250) 334-8224 Infoline: 1-877-311-7400 Campbell River 1371 c. Cedar Street Campbell River BC V9W 2W6 Phone: (250) 830-0787 Fax: (250) 830-0784 Infoline: 1-877-650-8787 Port Hardy 7070 Shorncliffe Avenue Mailing: PO Box 52 Port Hardy BC VON 2P0 Phone: (250) 949-0432 Fax: (250) 902-2297
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AVI Annual Report 2011 – 2012