foreword
by executive director norah Kennedy
In January of 2024, I announced my intention to retire from my role as executive director. Having known this day was coming, I had been working actively with the board to create a “continuity plan” for the organization. When an ED or CEO retires, the focus is immediately on replacing that person. And while that is obviously an important part of the process, I wanted to focus my transition on ensuring that, regardless of who was hired into the ED role, staff and clients, as well as community partners and donors, could be assured that the mission, vision and the values of Family Transition Place (FTP) would continue to define and ground the work and the culture of the organization.
To make this happen, we identified gaps within the organizational business structure and focused on building up human resources, equity and inclusion work and admin functions. I restructured the leadership team so that senior leaders were able to take on more strategic responsibilities and then put supervisors in place to support client serving staff. I worked to mentor leadership staff who were interested in advancing into an executive role so that they could confidently apply for the position when the time came. The board respected the intent of the continuity plan, while conducting a fulsome recruitment process. By the end of that process, FTP leadership was prepared and ready to gracefully manage the transition.
In the selection of Lynette Pole-Langdon, our current Director of Counselling, Education and Mental Health Initiatives, as my successor, I know that the values and guiding principles of the organization will be honoured. With any new leader, leadership style, program priorities, and agency vision may (will) shift, as they must and should. But because of the work we have done as a team to prepare for this day, Lynette is steeped in the foundational values and principles of FTP and is a strongly values-driven leader herself. Under her leadership, the work will continue to be delivered with women and vulnerable individuals at its centre, and FTP will remain an organization that completes its work with compassion; where equity and integrity are not just words on a wall, and social responsibility is seen as a moral obligation. Lynette will not be alone in upholding the values and principles at the heart of FTP; she is inheriting a leadership team that is prepared, skilled and ready to support her all the way, as they have always done for me.
My gratitude, respect and love go out to directors Lyn Allen, Lynette Pole-Langdon, Lisa Goodison, Brennan Solecky, and Astha Handa. I have had the great privilege and pleasure of having these women as my colleagues and co-collaborators throughout all the ups and downs of this work; Lyn and Lynette have been my supporters, partners and dare I say friends(?), throughout my entire tenure at FTP; Lisa and Brennan are so integral to our success as an agency and to me, that I can’t imagine this work without them; Astha only recently joined our team and I am sorry I don’t have more time to work with her. Managers Kelly Lee and Jessie Humphries have made my job so much easier and pleasurable with their unparalleled commitment, creativity and attention to every detail. And, of course, Bonnie Waterfield, who has supported me, in so many ways, from day one.
I would also like to say a big heartfelt thank you to all the passionate and committed people who have sat on the board of directors—too many to name—but with special love to all those who occupied the Chair seat. The women (and the one man, our dearly departed friend Pete Renshaw) have each in turn become friend, confidant and great support.
A special thank you to this year’s team: Sheralyn Roman, Sharyn Ayliffe and Carrissa Burton who have walked me through my decision around leaving and generously assisted with the continuity planning. I love you all.
The frontline and admin staff are the real heart and soul of the agency. You are my heroes.
And finally, the women and individuals who continue to place their trust in us, share their stories and work so hard to put their lives back together. I have so much respect and admiration for the courage they find, day in and day out.
It has been my honour and privilege to lead this organization for the past 17 years. If I have done anything during my tenure that has contributed to making the life of even one person better, or to moving us even a tad closer to FTP’s vision of a community free of abuse— then I consider my work to have been worthwhile.
welcome message
As I sat to write this report and began to really reflect on the past year at FTP, I was incredibly humbled and grateful to be in a position to do so. This remarkable agency experienced a year of growth and transition and has continued to thrive through every challenge along the way.
Thanks to the unwavering commitment and advocacy of the leadership and staff, we saw an increase in grant funding to help support the ever-growing demand for services.
When unsuccessful in our Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) application to increase affordable transitional housing capacity, the agency rose to the challenge and initiated third stage housing in an to provide much-needed safe and affordable housing.
Staff lead the transition of our annual International Women’s Day event to a reinvisioned larger scale, resulting in record attendance, and an absolutely brilliant and inspiring experience.
On the note of staff achievements, we transitioned into a new cycle of multi-year accreditation. As I write this, we await the final results of the intensive process, and I am confident FTP will once again prove to set the benchmark of excellence for the sector.
However, the most significant ‘transition’ we embarked on started with the announcement that our current and longstanding executive director (ED), Norah Kennedy, will be retiring. While the board knew this day would come (thanks to thoughtful, long-term planning), the announcement sparked the initiation of Norah’s aptly named ‘Continuity’ (rather than Succession) Plan.
A recruitment committee for the new ED was quickly formed. During the extensive process, we had the opportunity and privilege to hear from both leadership and staff what they hoped to see in the incoming ED, and what we heard solidified everything we knew in our hearts to be true—FTP is a strong, healthy, and vibrant organization, comprised of individuals whose values wholeheartedly align with those of the agency. What we needed is an ED who will lead with Compassion, Equity, Social Responsibility, and Integrity.
Incoming ED, Lynette Pole-Langdon, (who brings 20+ years of experience with FTP to her new role), accepted the board’s offer to do just that, and we are thrilled to be looking ahead with Lynette, and excited to support her, along with the leadership and staff, through this transition. FTP will continue to be strong, healthy, and vibrant under Lynette’s care and leadership.
I would like to sincerely thank each and every individual board member, leadership, staff, volunteer, donor, and community partner alike, who have contributed to our efforts to help those who have experienced gender-based violence to find their way to holistic well-being and healthy relationships with dignity and hope.
Most of all, on behalf of the board, I would like to thank Norah, whose contribution to this agency over the past 17 years has been nothing short of outstanding. Norah has fearlessly led FTP through remarkable growth, and done so with unparalleled passion and determination. She has provided sound mentorship to all those who have sought it, and with her leadership team has set the groundwork for a seamless transition to new leadership. Her legacy will be known for the lifespan of the organization.
It is an honour and privilege to sit at this table.
With gratitude,
Sharyn
Sharyn Ayliffe Board Chair
our board
FTP is governed by a volunteer board of directors comprised of passionate individuals who bring a broad range of experience and perspective to the work. Directors volunteering with FTP’s board have a strong commitment to ending gender-based violence in our community and understand that as FTP board members, they act as ambassadors for this work throughout all aspects of their lives. Their strategic leadership supports the agency in meeting the objectives of the strategic plan, while ensuring that FTP’s mission and values are front and centre.
The board oversees and is responsible for the performance of the executive director. The executive director provides the board with fulsome reports on the activities, projects, and operations of the organization at monthly board meetings. The board is also responsible for recruiting and hiring for the position of executive director.
The board conducts an annual evaluation of their effectiveness to identify areas for growth and development. They are committed to continuous learning, and over the past year have engaged in ongoing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging training, in conjunction with the staff team.
There are two standing committees of the board: finance and governance; both contribute to a large part of the governance work. These committees do not have decision-making authority, however, they make recommendations to the board for approval based on their committee work and perspectives. New board members are recruited by FTP’s governance committee. Areas of skill, perspective and diversity currently missing from the board complement are specifically recruited for each year, as directors exit the board at the completion of their term. Terms are two years with a maximum of three terms allowed. Board meetings are held monthly at FTP’s Orangeville location, with hybrid and remote options available.
GOVERNANCE WORK
The Governance Committee of the Board of Directors is a standing committee that meets monthly. Its purpose is to oversee the efficacy of the board and ensure that the board functions within its parameters and has the training, skills and knowledge necessary to be a high functioning governance board. The governance committee is responsible for reviewing policies and bylaws to ensure the board and the agency are compliant with legislation and that policies are current and relevant. A major piece of work over the past year has been on the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA), which requires all not-for-profits to have reviewed their by-laws and articles by September 2024. We are pleased to report that this work has been completed and has been forwarded to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for approval. The committee also updated the skills matrix for the board in the past year and are utilizing that tool to recruit new board members. An annual board evaluation is developed and administered by the governance committee.
A major priority this year has been managing formal communication about the retirement announcement of long-time Executive Director Norah Kennedy and recruiting for her successor.
FTP’s Governance Committee Members: Sharyn Ayliffe, Carissa Burton, and Denyse Horner (Chair), Jennifer Innis, Rapinder Kaur, Laura Bryan Kirk, Tony Maxwell and Sheralyn Roman.
Tony Maxwell
Sheralyn Roman Christina Zurowski
Laura Cameron Treasurer
Denyse Horner Governance Chair
Jennifer Innis
Carissa Burton Rapinder Kaur
Laura Bryan Kirk
Vice Chair
OUR VALUES
COMPASSION :
The human quality of understanding a person’s strengths and vulnerabilities along with the authentic desire to offer acceptance and support. We show commitment to this value by actively listening to one another and by showing respect and care to all people, especially to those we serve and support.
EQUITY:
We recognize that in order to achieve equity, we must embrace diversity and recognize that creating an inclusive environment requires intent, self-awareness and investment in training, time, effort and energy. We aim to create a safer environment where everyone can belong.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
It is our responsibility to be actively involved in our community. We commit to working with partners and citizens to create a community that is welcoming and supportive of all. We strive to make a positive difference in our world through advocacy, leadership, coaching and mentoring, and intentional environmental practices.
integrity:
Upholding the fundamental ethical, organizational and institutional principles of FTP in a transparent, trustworthy, honest and consistent manner.
about us
For nearly 40 years, FTP has provided programs and services to women and their children who have experienced abuse, sexual violence or homelessness. Whether women or women and their families need a safe place to live, legal or housing support, or the services of a professional counsellor to help guide them on their healing journey, FTP offers a warm and welcoming environment of support.
Our housing program operates our emergency shelter in Orangeville for women and their children fleeing domestic violence or experiencing homelessness. We have 12 emergency shelter units, in which we can house and support up to 28 women, children and their family pets at any one time. We provide individual, family and group counselling services to our families staying in the shelter, as well as to community clients from our Orangeville location and our Shelburne and Bolton satellite offices. We also operate a 24/7 crisis/info line.
FTP also operates Second and Third Stage Housing programs in six houses throughout our community. The clients in this program are housed in independent homes while they continue to be supported by program staff and our compassionate wraparound services.
In addition to our housing portfolio, we offer addictions support, sexual violence and abuse counselling and workshops for women, men and children, as well as rural outreach, transitional support, mobile crisis and housing services. Thousands of youth also participate annually in healthy relationship education we deliver in grades 5-8 classrooms throughout our region.
OUR VISION AND MISSION
our VISION
FTP primarily provides services to women and children who have experienced abuse. We know that abuse has wide ranging impact on peoples’ lives in the community and society in general, so we aspire to:
• A community free of abuse where all individuals are treated with compassion, equity and respect, and live their lives in healthy relationships.
our mission is to support the holistic well-being of those affected by gender-based violence and promote healthy relationships and community, through education Therefore, we commit to:
Providing SAFETY :
• Providing a safe shelter for those identifying as women and their children.
• Providing referrals and options to help ensure the safety of all individuals who reach out to us for help.
• Creating safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces.
Providing SUPPORT :
• Providing respectful and compassionate counselling and supports to those who have experienced trauma and/ or abuse so that they are empowered as they move forward on their life journey.
Inspiring HOPE :
• Educating to promote healthy relationships and end the cycle of abuse.
• Advocating for systemic change; always learning and innovating to create positive impacts on the lives of the diverse individuals we serve.
• Living and promoting the values of integrity, compassion, equity and social responsibility at all times (within the agency and community).
• Providing responsible stewardship of resources and our community’s goodwill through accountable and transparent processes.
strategic plan (2023-2026)
STRATEGIC PLAN VISION STATEMENT
FTP is an agency built on caring and compassion. Rooted in strong agency values, we are a family of compassionate, dynamic and diverse professionals, progressive in our thinking and collaborative in our actions. Guided by our personcentred approach and commitment to service excellence, we are determined to unlearn and learn ways of knowing, being and ultimately, supporting. Our culture is one that nurtures belonging; by asking ourselves to bring our best, most authentic selves to each interaction, whether with individuals we support, with colleagues or with community partners. With this strategic plan, we are laying the foundation for the FTP of the future while building on the foundation of the past.
CARING CULTURE - Given that people bring their best selves to their work when they feel valued and respected, FTP will continue to foster a culture of caring that nurtures equity, belonging, connection and well-being to cultivate engaged and empowered staff, volunteers and board directors.
EXAMPLEs:
• Hired a People, Equity and Culture Director to focus on intentional hiring.
• Developed and implemented a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging strategic plan.
equitable and empowering services - Given the diversity and complexity in the needs of the people we support, FTP will provide safety, support and hope through responsive and upstream skill-building services that address the whole person and the evolving needs of the community.
EXAMPLES:
• Received additional funding to hire a mobile outreach counsellor to support those who are unhoused or are insecurely housed.
• Continued delivering healthy relationship and sexual violence awareness education programs in schools.
Community connectedness - Given FTP’s commitment to our vision of a community where everyone lives with respect, equity and healthy relationships, FTP will continue to intentionally partner and collaborate in open and meaningful dialogue to affect positive change in our community.
EXAMPLES:
• Delegations to town and county councils to have gender-based violence declared an epidemic.
• Woman Abuse Prevention Month activities and Wrapped in Courage campaign.
• Ensuring the issues of GBV and homelessness are spoken to in the Community Safety and Well-Being Plans.
balanced growth - Given the increasing needs for FTP services in the community and continuous evolution and growth within the organization, FTP is committed to developing foundational, equitable and sustainable Agency infrastructure that will maintain our level of excellence and provide stability to best serve both FTP and the community.
EXAMPLES:
• Conducted an organizational structure review and implemented recommendations to ensure that our structure provides a solid foundation to support the staff and future operations of the organization.
accreditation
In line with FTP’s strategic vision for supporting service excellence, we began our journey to becoming a fully accredited organization in 2013. Our research indicated that FOCUS Accreditation was the best “fit” accreditation body for FTP and we began working with them. Through their external peer-reviewed process, FOCUS evaluates FTP’s policies, practices and services against established standards of excellence. Coupled with feedback from people we support, staff, funders, the community and all stakeholders, FOCUS determines if we are meeting standards.
In 2016, we were proud to be accredited by FOCUS with a score of 100% - the first organization in FOCUS’ history to do so. In 2020, we were re-accredited—again with a perfect score of 100%.
Given the significant changes to our programs and services because of the pandemic and an entirely new set of standards, our most recently completed re-accreditation process was much more challenging than the previous two. Despite these challenges, having just completed our third accreditation review cycle, we are thrilled to share that we have been re-accredited with a score of 100%! With this remarkable third successful accreditation, we have also been awarded the Seal of Sustainability. When sharing this exciting news with our team, FOCUS also shared that in its entire history, 100% has only been awarded five times—and three of the five perfect scores belonged to FTP! We are grateful to share this news, and this incredible success with so many people that contributed to this result. The accreditation process is long, detailed and sometimes daunting!, but the support and professionalism of the FOCUS team is unmatched. Without the time and dedication of our staff and board of directors, this achievement would simply not be possible.
VALIDATION FEEDBACK
“The organization stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in the fight against gender-based violence. Led by an exceptional executive director with a profound commitment to the cause, the organization thrives under the guidance of a strong leadership team, each member driven by a shared vision of empowerment and advocacy. Supported by a dedicated staff, they tirelessly work to provide a lifeline for those affected by gender-based violence, offering support, resources, and a safe space for healing and empowerment.”
“The investment in relationships and the buy in from all levels of the organization with our mission vision and values. There is a deep sense of love and solidarity throughout the organization and a culture of caring. This is a unique organization.”
“I owe them my life. I will be forever grateful for their help. They have helped me in ways that are unimaginable, and they have helped me break the cycle of abuse.”
STATEMENT FROM FOCUS
“FOCUS Accreditation is pleased to announce that Family Transition Place has achieved a four-year re-accreditation valid from June 2024 to June 2028. In addition, Family Transition Place has received their first Seal of Sustainability Award. This award recognizes organizations who have been accredited for three or more cycles and for their commitment to ongoing quality improvement. Family Transition Place received a 100% rating. This recognition signifies Family Transition Place’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in the human services sector.”
DEIB WORK
FTP’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and belonging (DEIB) Journey
Over the past fiscal year, FTP has made significant strides in advancing our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives. Building on the three-year DEIB strategy plan established last year, we have identified various goals, set timelines, and outlined expected outcomes to guide our efforts. The formation of dedicated subcommittees, which meet monthly, has been instrumental in ensuring continuous progress and accountability towards achieving these goals.
One of the key accomplishments this year has been the successful launch of the “Run To The Monster” training program. This initiative is designed to educate all staff on essential DEIB topics such as intersectionality, privilege, social identity, and inclusion. Through a combination of online training modules and group discussions, we have fostered an environment of learning and unlearning. This program has enabled staff to gain a deeper understanding of DEIB concepts and apply them in their daily interactions, thereby enhancing our organizational culture.
Additionally, after thorough research and assessment, we have implemented a cultural calendar mechanism. This tool helps us acknowledge, educate, and celebrate the diverse faith-based and cultural practices, and significant events of our staff and clients. By doing so, we aim to promote a more inclusive environment where everyone feels recognized and valued.
Accessibility has been another critical focus area for us. We have undertaken various initiatives to make FTP more accessible for both staff and clients. This includes updating furniture across the agency to better accommodate individuals with different needs and ensuring our physical spaces are welcoming and functional for everyone. Furthermore, we have conducted a comprehensive review of our documents, practices, and procedures to ensure they reflect our DEIB values. This review process has led to the implementation of more inclusive language and practices, thereby aligning our operations with our commitment to equity and inclusion.
In our efforts to create a more representative and accessible online presence, we will be making significant updates to our website. These updates aim to ensure that the website is not only more user-friendly but also visually and contextually representative of the diverse community we serve. This includes the use of inclusive imagery and language, as well as enhanced navigational features to support users with varying abilities.
Moreover, we have continued to engage in community partnerships and outreach initiatives to strengthen our DEIB efforts. By collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders, we have been able to share resources, insights, and proven approaches, thereby amplifying our impact. These partnerships have also provided opportunities for staff and clients to participate in broader community DEIB events and activities, fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to advancing our DEIB goals and will continue to leverage the dedication and expertise of our subcommittees and strategy team. We plan to introduce new subcommittees to address emerging DEIB priorities and ensure that our initiatives are responsive to the evolving needs of our community.
In conclusion, the progress we have made over the past year is a testament to the collective efforts of our staff, subcommittees, and community partners. As we move forward, we will continue to build on this foundation, striving to create a more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment for all members of the FTP family. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our DEIB journey.
RURAL RESPONSE PROGRAM
Since 2016, FTP's Rural Response Program (RRP) has reduced barriers to service for women living in the rural communities of North Dufferin. The RRP strives to decrease identified obstacles to service (i.e., transportation, isolation, technology, childcare, and access to after-hours service), develop a crisis response strategy for responding to rural needs, and increase collaboration, presence and awareness across existing services and community members.
community awareness through purposeful outreach. There is much evidence to show that the RRP added significant capacity to meet the needs of GBV survivors in Dufferin County:
• Served 396 unique clients and managed 486 total cases—indicative of clients returning for service.
• Clients reported positive outcomes and a very high level of service experience and reported that the program provided GBV services they couldn’t otherwise access.
• Averaging the last four years of the project, every year, the RRP served 60% more GBV survivors compared to baseline.
A five-year grant from Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) in 2019 enabled the RRP to provide expanded services, including developing and testing a promising practice model for gender-based violence (GBV) services in rural areas. Rural women are at particular risk of violence and face geographic, social, economic and rural livelihood barriers to accessing services. The rapidly growing, diverse, and rural communities in Dufferin County, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted additional intersectional barriers to accessing the already limited GBV services.
Based out of the Mel Lloyd Centre in Shelburne, a satellite office of FTP, the RRP allows for up to six crisis counselling sessions, ongoing counselling, safety planning, and community referrals. The service delivery model allows our counsellors to offer virtual, in-person, and mobile services— meeting women where it is safe and convenient.
This innovative program also focuses on reaching and addressing barriers to GBV services for populations who have traditionally been underserved by GBV services, including newcomer and immigrant populations (to Canada and to Dufferin County), women working/living on farms, women 55+, Indigenous women, and women from isolated communities (e.g., Old Order Mennonites).
The RRP’s promising practices transformed rural GBV service delivery by meeting survivor needs outside of a main service centre, while growing referral networks and
• Over the last two years of the project, there was a decrease in service access time, but the time spent with clients would suggest more complex crisis call needs.
• Health, social sector and broader rural sector partnerships have created a referral and awareness network that helps connect survivors to appropriate supports.
• RRP counsellors have been requested to present at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference for the last two years, providing integral awareness for both this program model and the disproportionate impact on women in agriculture across Canada.
Since the WAGE funding ended this past February, we have successfully secured annualized funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) through their Rural Realities funding stream—recognizing the unique barriers to GBV services experienced by women in rural Canada.
Even with the annualized funding from our Ministry, the program requires an additional $110,000 to continue to meet the needs identified in the community.
Much work has been done through this pilot program to help eliminate the barriers and health inequities that women in rural Dufferin County experience, but we know more needs to be done. The RRP will continue to be a fundraising priority for us as the risk to the women who rely on this program is simply too great for it to end.
Meet our counsellors and learn more about the program’s impact by scanning the QR code on the Connect With Us page (page 23).
Within our twelve individual units, we can house up to 28 women together with their children and pets at any one time in our emergency shelter. As a congregate living setting, we must have proactive pest control measures and enhanced precautions across all programs, including specialized mattresses, pillows and bed bug covers. Thanks to onetime funding from the County of Dufferin, we purchased brand new mattresses, covers, pillows and bedding for each of our units, enhancing the health, safety and comfort of anyone staying with us.
client-centred
Locally run Stir the Pot hosts monthly events (excluding summer) inviting community members to prepare litres distributed to local shelters and the food bank. FTP is a recipient of these delicious donations giving us the provide hot and healthy soups to our clients on a regular
Spurred on by a generous quilt donation Sandra Small Proudfoot, FTP ran January–March 2024 raising funds personal-care items in support of and children we serve. With additional prize donations from the Bluebird and TJX Canada, this raffle raised and purchased a large number
Thanks to a grant from the Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation, we created videos featuring each of our programs and services. Given their shareable format, these videos have been effective in reaching those that need us, giving them the necessary overview of what we do and how we can help them directly. They have improved the accessibility of our service and program information and have enabled us to reach a broader audience.
As we continue our journey to improve our knowledge, understanding and integration of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) learnings throughout our agency, we concurrently evaluate where our spaces and services can be enhanced or changed to better meet the needs of our clients. Thanks largely to ministry funding, we were able to purchase new accessible furniture that can be easily cleaned for all our shared counselling and meeting spaces, improving both the comfort and safety of our clients.
Learn more about the program by clicking the QR code on the Connect With Us page (page 23).
client-centred support
(excluding the litres of soup to be fortunate to be opportunity to regular basis.
donation from ran a raffle from funds to purchase of the women additional raffle Bluebird Café and Grill raised over $3,000 number of items.
Our Support Within Housing Program offers weekly drop-in groups for FTP clients looking for ways to decompress, get creative and meet with others. These groups include activities such as playing board games, self-defense classes, somatic exercises, painting and various crafts.
We were thrilled to welcome both a Housing Support Counsellor and Community Outreach Counsellor to our Transitional Support team. Funded by the County of Dufferin through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, these counsellors work to permanently house Coordinated Access clients and provide ongoing support to keep clients of any gender housed. Working with community services and housing providers, they further develop and nurture relationships to improve access to housing for households at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
As the cost of living continues to rise across Canada, many people are forced to choose between feeding their families and buying menstrual products. FTP applied to take part in a Menstrual Product pilot project funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada and led by Food Banks Canada. As part of this pilot, we received three separate donations of feminine-hygiene products between November 2023 and March 2024, each to support approximately 100 women. These items were made available to females accessing our shelter, transitional support and counselling services.
FTP is grateful for the support of Club Coffee for their ongoing donations of coffee pods and coffee-makers. Each shelter unit has its own kitchenette, which includes a fridge, kettle, microwave and coffee maker. The donations help make what can be a challenging time more comfortable for the women staying with us.
our impact
Emergency Shelter 66 Women and 34 Children
Second Stage Housing 10 Women and 11 Children
Third Stage Housing 8 Women and 5 Children
Support Within Housing/Outreach 35 Women
Crisis/Info Line 4,296 Calls
Woman Abuse Counselling 246 Women
Sexual Abuse Counselling 146 Women and 25 Men
Child Witness Program 31 Women and 49 Children
Transitional Support Services 348 Women and 3 Men
Integrated Crisis Services 80 Women and 11 Men
Addictions Counselling 82 Women Rural Response Program 133 Women
Youth Education Program 1,962 Students
Caring Dads Program 8 Men
Housing Allowance Program 14 Women/Families
Community Homeless Outreach 11 Women and 7 Men
Service users with cats (housing programs) 19 Women/Families
Services users with dogs (housing programs) 16 Women/Families
For women in abusive relationships, one of the many barriers to leaving is their pet’s safety. Research has shown that abusers may use pets as leverage or to exert control by harming or threatening to harm them.1 Women staying with us have private and secure spaces for their children and their pets. We’re happy to report that this addition to our services has been successful and well received.
We will continue adapting our programs and services to accommodate the needs of our service users and our community to support lives free from abuse.
risks & challenges
The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) requires FTP's executive director (ED) to complete a standardized Risk Assessment to determine the level of organizational risk.
In the past year, MCCSS introduced an upgraded Risk Assessment for Violence Against Women funded agencies. FTP was part of the first phase of the rollout.
Through this new Risk Assessment, we are evaluated in the following areas, which include 41 separate categories:
CHALLENGES:
• Human Resources/People
• Financial
• Information & Information Technology
• Program Design & Delivery
• Legal
• Emergency Management
• Governance
• Reputational
AGENCY RISK: LEVEL RISK
FTP scored in the “Low-Risk” level for 36 of the 41 categories, as we have consistently done with previous editions of the assessment.
MEDIUM LEVEL RISK
Of the five remaining categories, FTP is expected to score a "Medium Risk" level in the Finance, Legal and Government categories as required scores by the ministry and determined by the new assessment tool.
In addition to completing the required ministry risk assessment, FTP’s ED presents a “Stoplight” risk assessment dashboard to the board of directors on a quarterly basis with all risk mitigation plans, ensuring the board is fully aware of areas of potential concern. Current areas for mitigation include having a current succession plan for the ED and senior leadership positions. FTP’s ongoing accreditation plan also allows us to examine policies and procedures with an in-depth focus to ensure that risk management is in place.
Increased staffing has made desk and counselling room availability a challenge. The hybrid model is utilized to make desk sharing possible.
Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) funding through the federal government that had supported the Rural Response Program (see more about this program on page 11) for the past five years, ended in February of 2024. Fortunately, Rural Realities funding from MCCSS was annualized for fiscal 2024/25, but not all program expenses are assured.
Equity and Inclusion work has continued to challenge all staff to learn and unlearn through agency provided training and personal growth.
Women and other clients continue to face challenges securing housing that is safe and affordable in our community. The shelter remains at capacity most of the time, as women residing in the shelter cannot find safe housing to move to. FTP’s application to CMHC for funding to build 22 long-term housing units at 20 Bredin Parkway was declined.
Announcement in January of 2024 of the ED’s intention to retire in the new fiscal year launched an executive recruitment process by the board of directors.
events & donations
FUNDRAISING EVENTS CAMPAIGNS
In addition to grants, provincial, municipal and federal funding, individual and legacy donations, FTP also receives generous community support through both third party and fundraising events hosted annually by FTP. Our two major fundraisers include a celebratory luncheon in honour of International Women’s Day (IWD) in March and Heidi’s Walk for Hope (formerly The Ferguson Memorial Walk third party event) in the fall.
Heidi’s Walk for Hope
On Sunday, September 24, 2023, approximately 150 community members supported our Heidi’s Walk for Hope event, which featured a picturesque 5k walk around Island Lake in Mono, Ontario. Presented by Lavender Blue Catering/Le Finis, the event’s 5k family-friendly walk was accompanied by a beautifully curated vendor marketplace presented by The Hometown Market Orangeville, as well as a silent auction, raffle and guest speakers. The day was energetically emceed by Theatre Orangeville’s David Nairn; food was on offer by Naydo’s Potatoes food truck; and guests were entertained with steelpan drumming by LoveSoundD. With additional revenue from our HOPE magazine (released in conjunction with the event) the 2023 Heidi’s Walk for Hope event raised $28,000.
International Women’s Day Celebration Event
Due to this event’s increasing popularity, we changed the venue to accommodate up to 400 guests. On Friday, March 8, 2024, we were excited to host an almost sold out event at Hockley Valley Resort featuring Serena Ryder—a platinum-selling Canadian artist who has received numerous accolades, including six JUNO awards. Serena sat down with FTP’s executive director, Norah Kennedy, for an intimate “fireside chat.” Guests were then treated to a performance by Serena, which featured two of her popular songs: Better Now and What I Wouldn’t Do . Guests were also treated to a pre-luncheon performance by the Orangeville Show Chorus—they performed one of Serena’s songs, Sing, Sing —and had the opportunity to shop through over 50 exclusive silent auction items. In addition to revenue raised through the silent auction, sponsorship, donations and revenue raised
through ad sales in our Celebrating Women magazine, this event raised over $105,000! This event continues to build momentum and we look forward to bringing another exciting event opportunity to this community in the coming year.
Our development team continuously evaluates the validity of our fundraising events; are they achieving our goals? FTP fundraising events need to raise essential funds to support our unfunded programs, and/or raise awareness about our work. We are already looking at other fundraising and awareness-building activities that may be featured in the coming year and possibly change the way we have presented things in the past. Regardless of the direction, we are confident that our community will help us support individuals who have experienced gender-based violence and continue to share information about our programs and services within their networks.
MONTHLY DONORS
Monthly donations provide us with a consistent and reliable source of income. We are continually working on ways to grow our monthly donor program. In 20232024, we were able to count on over $25,000 for the year in monthly donations. This amount includes donations by staff who also contribute to our monthly donation program, on a bi-weekly basis, through payroll deductions.
AWARENESS EVENTS
International Overdose Awareness Day
The Dufferin-Caledon Drug Strategy Committee—of which FTP is a proud member—hosted an in-person event to acknowledge International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31, 2023. The event was held at the County of Dufferin Paramedic Services building and featured a barbecue, guest speakers and health fair. This event provides the community with an opportunity to discuss ways to end overdose, reduce the stigma, and remember those we have lost.
Wrapped in Courage Campaign
FTP participated in the 11 th annual Wrapped in Courage campaign—an annual initiative developed by the Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses in recognition of Woman Abuse Prevention Month (WAPM). This
initiative emphasizes the ever-existing importance of ending gender-based violence. Two new Wrapped in Courage purple scarf designs were released—each scarf being unique and handmade with hand-felted Merino wool and integrated recycled saris. Throughout November, we also shared information and resources on our website and social media pages. Other community activities, such as flag-raising ceremonies and proclamations were organized with local municipalities.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Each year, FTP hosts a ceremony in recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (December 6th). The ceremony has historically been held in the parking lot at our Orangeville location. We invited guests to join together in a conversation circle, and welcomed the sharing of perspectives, reflections and experiences.
THIRD PARTY FUNDRAISING
The generosity of our community and the effort to raise funds on our behalf through third-party events makes up a significant portion of our annual revenue. In the last year, third party events contributed almost $42,000 in support of our programs and services. This is a significant increase over last year’s third party event revenue, which was an incredible boost to our annual fundraising budgets.
DONATIONS
The communities we support are incredibly kind and thoughtful. Throughout the year, we receive donations from local businesses and individuals; a few of our many supporters are pictured below.
major donors
The following donors made significant donations ($5,000+) in the last year, which helped provide us with the means to support our essential programs. Fortunately, with these significant contributions and through ongoing support from other generous donors and funding streams, our services continue to be available to those who rely on us.
THANK YOU TO:
Airlie Foundation
Dufferin Community Foundation – Cedar Fund
E. Hofmann Plastics Canada Inc.
Morrell, Sarah and Wade
Morningview Foundation (The)
And three anonymous donors.
Royal LePage RCR Realty
Royal LePage Shelter Foundation
Sol Recycling
Wishart, Ken and Shelley
We respect the wishes of all of our donors and use donated funds responsibly. These significant donations—along with many more through the generosity of our community—have resulted in an unexpected year-end surplus. This surplus will be added to our Stabilization Fund to ensure the stability of FTP's programs and services.
Photo of E. Hofmann Plastics donation (L—R): Margaret, Diane Vandenberg (FTP) and Priyanka, December 2023
volunteers
We are fortunate to maintain the support of several dedicated volunteers through their work on our board, governance and finance committees, as well as through program development and our annual fundraising events. The commitment of these volunteers to the safety of the women and children we serve and the preservation of our essential programs and services has been remarkable. We are truly grateful to all who have done what they could to support us in these different areas of our work. The names highlighted below received milestone-service awards this year.
THANK YOU TO:
Sharyn Ayliffe
Amrita Baraya
Alison Brownrigg
Laura Bryan Kirk
Carissa Burton
Laura Cameron
Danielle Churly
Alexis Drake
Katie Greenley
Lindsay Gunn
Carter Hepburn
Denyse Horner - 5 years
Kristy Hunter
Jennifer Innis
Rapinder Kaur
Brenda Laird
James Loughran
Sarah Majeski
Tony Maxwell
Sara May
Matilde Morelli
Beckie Morris
David Nairn
Dana Ness
Lenora Netzke
Jessa Patterson
Kassey Phillips
Sheralyn Roman
Brian Rooney
Melissa Shea
Andrea Stewart
Judi Sullivan
Gillian Vanderburgh - 20 years
Kimberly Van Ryn
Debbie Van Wyck - 10 years
Jim Waddington
Karen Webster
Tabitha Wells - 5 years
Aleshia Wojdylo
Christina Zurowski
2023 Heidi’s Walk for Hope volunteers, Kristy and Dana—photo courtesy of J.A.W. Photography
collaborations
FTP is proud to participate on many committees and sits at multiple collaboration and planning tables in our community. Some key examples are:
HILLS OF HEADWATERS COLLABORATIVE ONTARIO HEALTH TEAM
The Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team (OHT) is a partnership of health and community organizations and providers working together to unify and improve the health and social care of Dufferin-Caledon residents. FTP, as a funded agency of Ontario Health, has been one of the partner agencies involved in the creation and implementation of the OHT in Dufferin-Caledon from its inception. FTP participated in the Collaborative Council, the Anchor Council, and in multiple committees of the Mental Health Working Group.
THE DUFFERIN COMMUNITY SAFETY AND WELLBEING INTEGRATION TABLE
This is a group made up of community services, police, and municipal government that is responsible for rolling out the legislated community safety and well-being plan. This plan has a focus on housing, mental health, addictions, violence prevention (with a focus on domestic violence) and equity/ anti-racism.
THE COMMUNITY CRISIS INTEGRATED TEAM (CCIT)
The CCIT is a group of community social and health care providers who work together to respond to calls for help from people who are at risk of having, or who are having, a mental health or addictions crisis. Staff from each of the partner agencies hold regular meetings to decide what community supports and referrals individuals need, and meet clients in the community, at their home or by phone.
SUNRISE CENTRE SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES
This is a long-standing collaboration between Headwaters Health Care Centre (HHCC), Dufferin Child and Family Services (DCAFS) and FTP to provide supports to those who have been victims of sexual violence. While HHCC provides the medical response through emergency department intake with specifically trained Sexual Assault Nurses, FTP and DCAFS provide the ongoing counselling support for both recent and historic assaults. FTP provides the support for adults while DCAFS is available to support children and youth. Through funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, FTP's Lotus Centre provides us the ability to serve more people who have experienced sexual violence, support loved ones, and provide important community education.
DUFFERIN CALEDON DOMESTIC ASSAULT REVIEW TEAM (DART)
Collaboration in Action
"I'd like to express my gratitude and appreciation to an FTP shelter worker for all the efforts they made to help us out [recently]. I assessed a client at Headwaters [Health Care Centre (HHHC)] who was homeless, not from the region, had no money, no place to go, and did not have a functional phone or any support. We [Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin staff] called every motel/shelter to find a place for them but were unsuccessful. We spent four hours at HHCC trying to figure this out. We were back and forth with the FTP staff member who consulted with their team and on-call manager, and were able to arrange a temporary cot for the client."
DART is made up of a group of representatives from criminal justice, medical, child protection, and community service agencies. Each agency deals with domestic abuse—the victims, the children who have been exposed, or the perpetrators. Our purpose is to maintain a sensitive, effective service response to victims and children who have been exposed to abuse, while holding the perpetrators accountable for their behaviour and its effects. Our goal is to coordinate practices, review cases and provide training to address identified gaps.
Dufferin-Caledon Drug Strategy committee
The Dufferin-Caledon Drug Strategy Committee is a community group composed of like-minded agencies that are working together to support and coordinate the development and implementation of local, comprehensive, cross-sector strategies to reduce the harms related to substance use and/or addictive behaviours. This committee came together in 2017 after a number of local deaths by overdose affected several community partners who were working with those who were lost. The goals of this committee have always been to raise awareness about the resources available in the Dufferin and Caledon communities for those who are struggling with drug use; to honour International Overdose Awareness Day annually on (or around) August 31st; and to educate the Dufferin and Caledon communities about the stigmas associated with drug use.
PEEL COMMUNITY SAFETY AND WELL-BEING PLAN FAMILY VIOLENCE ACTION TABLE
A committee of family violence serving organizations in Peel Region.
SERVICES and Housing in the Province (SHIP)
In collaboration with SHIP, FTP’s Support Within Housing program has access to four units at the new housing space located at 236 First Street.
community partners
FTP is committed to collaboration and investment with community partners. Community agencies and businesses collaborate and work together to support the vulnerable members of our community who need support.
Our partners include, but are not limited to, the following agencies, and services and businesses:
Bethell Hospice
Caledon \ Dufferin Victim Services
Caledon OPP
Canadian Mental Health Association Peel-Dufferin
Catholic Family Services Peel-Dufferin
Choices Youth Shelter
Community Living Dufferin
Community Metamorphosis
Compass Community Church
County of Dufferin
Dufferin Area Family Health Team
Dufferin Child and Family Services
Dufferin County Canadian Black Association
Dufferin OPP
Good Friends Fellowship Church
Habitat for Humanity ReStore Orangeville
Headwaters Health Care Centre
Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team
Lavender Blue Catering
Métis Nation of Ontario
Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses
Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres
Ontario Early Years Centre
Orangeville Food Bank
Orangeville Public Library
Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services
Raising the Roof
Services and Housing In the Province
Stir the Pot
Theatre Orangeville
The Brave Canoe
The Salvation Army
Town of Caledon
Town of Orangeville
Victim Witness Assistance Program
White Owl Native Ancestry Association
Photo of Dufferin-Caledon Drug Strategy Committee at 2023 Overdose Awareness Day event.
financial report
Audited financial statements are available upon request.
*Due to an increase in donations and one-time emergency funding, we were fortunate to end the year with a surplus. This surplus will be added to our Stabilization Fund.
The Stabilization Fund has been established to ensure the stability of FTP’s programs and services.
If you have questions about our Stabilization Fund, please contact our Executive Director, Norah Kennedy: 519-942-4122, ext. 255 norah@familytransitionplace.ca
After July 31, 2024, please contact Lynette Pole-Langdon: 519-942-4122, ext. 234 lynette@familytransitionplace.ca
FTP’s program and service delivery is made possible by the stable funding and continued support of:
• County of Dufferin
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FTP THANKS OUR FUNDERS, DONORS, AND SUPPORTERS FOR ensuring THE ONGOING FINANCIAL VIABILITY NECESSARY TO DELIVER CRITICAL SERVICES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
connect with us
DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?
Do you need information about woman abuse counselling, shelter, or have general inquiries about how to help someone, including yourself?
Send mail to: 20 Bredin Parkway Orangeville, ON L9W 4Z9
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: @familytransitionplace
@family-transition-place
OUR crisis/info LINE IS AVAILABLE 24-HOURS A DAY 519-941-4357 | 905-584-4357 | 1-800-265-9178
Voicemail: 519-942-4122
Text: 519-278-5410
Email: support@familytransitionplace.ca
Text/email accounts monitored Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
SUPPORT OUR WORK
Are you interested in volunteering, donating, sponsorship or fundraising events?
Contact: Kelly Lee (she/her) Manager of Fund Development & Communication Strategies kelly@familytransitionplace.ca or ext. 243
AGENCY DEVELOPMENT AND Community Engagement
Are you interested in major giving or major project partnerships with FTP? Contact: Brennan Solecky (she/her) Director of Development & Community Engagement brennan@familytransitionplace.ca or ext. 240
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Do you want to join a progressive team of forward-thinking individuals? Contact our board representative board@familytransitionplace.ca
FEEDBACK ON OUR REPORT OR ANYTHING ELSE We would love to hear from you. Contact: Norah Kennedy (she/her) Executive Director norah@familytransitionplace.ca or ext. 255
After July 31, 2024 , please contact Lynette Pole-Langdon (she/her) lynette@familytransitionplace.ca or ext. 234
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our commitment
Family Transition Place will remain steadfast in the work we do to educate and advocate for healthy relationships and violence-free lives to help make our world a better place.
