2022-23
ANNUAL REPORT South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre
Table Of Contents Mission, Vision, Values & Board of Directors
1
Neighbourhood Support Services
10-11
Message from the Board Chair and Executive Director
2
Youth Services
12-13
Our Team
3
Newcomer Settlement Services
14-17
2022-23 Year in Review
4-5
Statement of Revenue & Expenditures
18
Family Centre Westminister & EarlyON
6-7
Funders, Partners & Donors
19
Families First Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)
8-9
OUR MISSION To empower and enrich the neighbourhood in an inclusive environment.
OUR VISION Providing opportunities that engage and empower residents to achieve their personal potential and a healthy quality of life.
OUR VALUES Welcoming, Strong, Resilient, Diverse, Collaborative, Creative, Responsive.
SLNRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Gary Williams Treasurer: Wes Veenstra Staff Liaison | Secretary: Arlene Thompson Designated Community Seat: Angie Wilson, Northwest London Resource Centre Wes Veenstra, Neighbourhood Resource Assoc. of Westminster Park Director's Community Member: Majd Radhaa, Community at Large Matthew Koopman, Community at Large Rick Wang, Community at Large Wael El Said, Community at Large Non-Voting Member’s Aliaa Alkhodari, NWLRC Youth Council Billie-Jo Wilkinson, Special Populations Expert Nancy Needham, Executive Director of SLNRC/ NWLRC
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LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
As we reflect on the past year we are fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and interact with a great many wonderful people! Some come from our neighbourhood, some from across the city and still others from countries far from Canada. Here to greet and help them are a dedicated group of caring individuals, both staff members and volunteers. Through all of the greetings, meetings and programs, we remember to treat everyone as an individual, to help them grow as a person, as a neighbour and as a friend. In today's dynamic society, it isn't easy to be either the student or the teacher, trying to learn the ways of our community, our city and indeed, our governments. But succeed we do, with understanding, patience and help from each other. At each annual meeting we get an opportunity to tell some of our stories and reflect on past activities. We get to meet with friends, associates and partners. As important, we try to look into the next year to see the new challenges on the horizon and how we can adapt to
meet them. The residents who have participated in programs and accessed services in 20222023 in many cases have travelled through a very difficult year with life changes, loss of income stability, housing instability, academic struggles and career shifts. We have also seen people stabilize and give back as a thank you for the help they have received over the past year. No matter where an individual is on their personal life cycle we are pleased to support your journey and welcome you back as a future volunteer and community participant. We thank everyone for your support as we look confidently to the future and embrace new opportunities.
Gary Williams Board Chair SLNRC | NWLRC
Nancy Needham Executive Director SLNRC | NRAWP | NWLRC
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OUR STAFF The following list reflects employees of SLNRC and NRAWP as of March 31, 2023. Name
Work Title
Years of service
Nancy Needham
Executive Director
39
Gerri Catherwood
Project Manager
21
Mohamed Al-Adeimi
Director of Settlement Services
21
Michelle Barkley
Supervisor of SWIS
19
Tayiba Nasr
Volunteer services - Adult, Facilitator
18
Donna Stevenson
Finance Manager
16
Fawzie Hamze
Friday Soup Facilitator
16
Lana Salih
Settlement Counsellor
14
Heather Molen
Manager, Neighbourhood Community Development
13
Saira Lopez
Community Engagement Facilitator
13
Edith Moreino
Childminder
13
Rajaa Al-Abed
Settlement Worker in Schools
11
Mudrika Hamou
Settlement Counsellor
10
Malalei Amiri
Childminder
10
Aseel Al-Bakos
Settlement Worker in Schools
7
Lamia Itani
Settlement Counsellor
7
Bisan Hussein
Settlement Worker in Schools
6
Kelly Clark Emery
Manager Neighbourhood Community Development - Westminster & Youth Services
6
Cristina Munoz Giraldo
Settlement Worker in Schools
5
Jennifer Lam
Youth Community Connector
5
Kelly Castenada-Morales
Settlement Worker in Schools
5
Manal Abou Zaher
Settlement Counsellor
5
Sahar Al-nuaimi
Settlement Worker in Schools
5
Samia Alnahdi
Information and Orientation Facilitator
5
Edgar Yanez
Settlement Counsellor
4
Hana Moussa
Settlement Worker in Schools
4
Hanan Abdullah
Settlement Program Support
4
Ann Smallman
CAPC Facilitator
3
Ameena Hamad
Community Connector
3
Melissa Johnson
EarlyON Facilitator
3
Rajaa Al-Absi
Settlement Worker in Schools
3
Vincent Tao
dministration Coordinator
3
Eman Al-Sayyah
Program Operations Manager
2
Khalida Naso
Case Management Coordinator
2
Kimiko Boon-Owens
EarlyON Coordinator
2
Maria Villamizar
Settlement Counsellor
2
Wonder Hiadzi
Canada Connects Coordinator
2
Nada Hashem
Settlement Worker in Schools
2
Aliyu Lawan
Settlement Support Worker
2
Debra Howard
Community Connector
2
Dalia Elbargisy
Settlement Counsellor
2
Adrienne Macleod
EarlyON Program Facilitator
1
Areeg Tafish
Library Settlement Worker
1
Delveen Al-Naamo
Community Connection-Yazidi Family Facilitator
1
Hoda Zeiny
Settlement Worker in Schools
1
Justin Arios-Dela Cruz
Youth Community Connector
1
Kelbyann McKenzie
Neighbourhood Support Services Worker
1
Madison Loder
Youth Community Connector
1
Ruth Androsiuk
Library Settlement Worker
1
Silvia Volodko
Library Settlement Worker
1
Tassia Nantais
Youth Supervisor
1
Dima Hawi
Program Support
1
Yana Kovalchuk
Settlement Program Support
1
Leila Hamad
Childminder
1
Alex Lane
Youth Worker
1
Natalia Parra
Youth Worker
1
Hanan Alhosair
Community Connection Family Worker
<1
Rita Singh
EarlyON Assistant Program Facilitator
<1
Umair Ahmad
Community Connection Family Facilitator
<1
Wafaa Anani
Digital Support Worker
<1
PAGE 3
2022-23 YEAR IN REVIEW
36
8,559
service locations
hours of services
46,367
136,883
unique clients served
visits recorded
South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre & Northwest London Resource Centre join together to support the resident outreach in London
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FAMILY CENTRE WESTMINSTER & EARLYON
FAMILIES FIRST COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN (CAPC)
6,030
509
visits
referrals
12,405 social media reaches
5,494
1,512
visits
referrals
NEIGHBOURHOOD SUPPORT SERVICES 108,434 food items distributed
3,379 community meals
3,002 virtual visits
8,279 basic needs supports
11,683 non-food basic needs items
YOUTH SERVICES 5,880 visits
54 youth programs & services
1,987 hours of youth programs
22,621 services provided
1,919 settlement plans created
4,114 permanent residents served
NEWCOMER SETTLEMENT SERVICES
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FAMILIES CENTRE WESTMINSTER & EARLYON Our EarlyON programs and community partner programs at the Family Centre Westminster supported families with children ages 0-6 as well as provided programs and community resources for the whole family. Our Early Childhood Educators collaborated with families to support positive parenting skills, strengthen childhood development, enhance health and wellness and build children’s social, emotional and cognitive development. One parent encapsulated the supportive environment by saying “Some days as a parent it’s hard, but coming to the family centre I feel so supported. Everyone is always so accepting, positive and patient.” --- EarlyON Program Participant
Facilitators created engaging child-led environments using How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years as the foundation for the playgroups at the Family Centre Westminster, at our outreach locations, as well as through our virtual programming. Our virtual programs have continued in order to reach isolated families with a focus on literacy development, a parent shared the way our virtual literacy programs have created a space for connection; remarking, “I enjoy the one on one time they create with my child and so appreciate all the time and creativity that goes into preparing the kits.” --- Family Centre Westminster Participant
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We had a busy year full of community events, daily playgroups and supportive
Our social media presence though Facebook and Instagram reached 12,405 people and
specialized programs and services offered with a total of 6,030 visits to the Family Centre Westminster. Through our Community Connector staff, we continued to support our community with 509 referrals. Parents expressed their gratitude and sense of empowerment from advice they received from the resources and from
families were able to see themselves through our social media with campaigns, such as our Little Moments of Literacy campaign. Families shared their sense of belonging, with one mother stating: she “this feels like a second family when I came to these programs.” --- Virtual program participant
these staff. One parent commented “It gave me the confidence to have a successful meeting with my child’s teacher.” --- Family Centre Westminister parent
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FAMILY FIRST COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN (CAPC) Through our Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) programs, we supported children 0-6 and their families in the White Oaks and Westminster neighbourhoods through 5,494 visits to our programs. Our Little Learners program was dedicated to strengthening the social and emotional development and early learning for children soon to be entering school. Parents expressed their appreciation for this program in creating a positive association with early learning sharing: “He is so excited for school and isn’t scared anymore. Thank you all for everything you do; we’ll miss you!” --- Little Learner Parent Our Let’s Chat and Play program provided a space for parents and children to connect and for parents to feel empowered from enhancing their parenting skills. One family shared how the program helped them strengthen their child’s healthy development by saying: “This program is important to me you know; your topics helped me a lot when my child was having a really hard time with the biting and hitting. You helped me so much.” --- Parent participant Families with young children cooked and ate together at our Collective Kitchen program. Participants imparted to staff how the program provided more than food security commenting: “You know this really helps me learn more about how to cook and how to get my children to eat vegetables more.” --- Collective Kitchen Participant
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Our Women’s Support Group provided a safe space for women with young children to reduce isolation and promote health and wellness. A participant remarked how the program has reduced isolation by sharing: “this program has been so helpful to my mental health. I feel welcomed and supported every time I walk in.” --Women’s Support Group participant Mothers under age 24 were welcomed into our Young Moms group for a meal and group activities encouraging positive parenting. A family shared how they felt accepted in a judgement-free space stating: “I like this program, even if I didn’t have my kid I would love to come here. You guys are nice and I don’t feel judged.” --- Young parent participant
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All families through our CAPC programs were welcomed into a wraparound supportive environment which offered 8,279 Basic Needs supports such as: weekly grocery cards, bus tickets, Harvest Bucks, Good Food Boxes, Produce Boxes, craft kits, hot meals as well as hygiene items. They were also connected and empowered through 1,512 referrals and community resources such as: Toys for Tots, our Emergency Food Cupboard and Baby Food Bank.
NEIGHBOURHOOD SUPPORT SERVICES In the past year, the need for food remained high, with a total of 7,557 clients and 18,892 visits to our neighbourhood food bank. The high cost of food, inflation, unemployment and other social factors directly impacted the need for this service. Families and individuals are often connecting with staff in regards to other basic needs and supports that has reduced the number of return visits to our Neighbourhood Food Bank from last year. Our Adult and Senior Social Lunch has turned the South London Community Centre into a boisterous hub every Friday. Last year, 375 unique clients came to enjoy a deliciously healthy lunch cooked by our staff and a team of volunteers. An increasing number of seniors preferred to purchase an extra meal to take home with the cost of groceries being so high and also the convenience of a meal already prepared. This weekly lunch gathering has been an important occasion for our residents to
connect and socialize with other community members. Our centre has been a safe, welcoming space in the South London community where people have become friends and look forward to coming out for a weekly meal. Another milestone in 2022 was the return of the Seniors Social. Due to the pandemic, funding and the intention to keep our seniors safe, the program was put on hold until October. For some seniors, the isolation had taken a toll on them. In just two months, there were 108 visits to the program, as seniors were excited to come out and socialize with old friends again, sharing healthy snacks and adding some normalcy to their lives. Through the Tax Clinic program, we supported 432 low income residents to ensure they continue to receive the benefits to which they are entitled to.
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SOUTHCREST OUTREACH The Southcrest Resource Hub opened its doors at St John the Divine Catholic Church in June 2022 so the neighbourhood of Southcrest could access resources within their community on Wednesdays afternoon. This site included a mobile food bank that came three times a month to provide faster and accessible site for people to access food resources.
prices, rent and the cost of living. We also able support them with: Good Food Boxes, toys for tots and boots; also with gift cards and Harvest Bucks.
This neighbourhood has no direct bus route to the Main Food Bank site. A playgroup was also offered during this time for children between the ages of 0-6 and their families. It was a great opportunity for many newcomers that reside in the area to be able to speak to a settlement councillor who was on site on these days.
The facilitator at this site connected with schools in the area: Kensal Park P.S., Westminster S.S., St Rose of Lima C.S. Westmount P.S., Saunders and also with the Westmount Family Centre, and businesses in the area to inform them of the new Mobile Food Bank nearby. We advertised with post cards to clients through the City of London’s Life Stabilization Program.
Many clients mentioned the increase in their monthly food needs due to increasing
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This closer location made access to these services more feasible in their neighbourhood, with a free playgroup and settlement worker to support newcomers.
YOUTH SERVICES Over the past 2022-23 year there has been an increase in youth; ages 11 yrs+, participating in our after school programs at SLNRC. With COVID restriction lifted, many were feeling more comfortable coming to the centre and being in their neighbourhood but anxieties were still high for some. We have gently supported, encouraged and celebrated their 2,902 visits from 556.5 hours of programming offered.
From these participants, there is a strong and dedicated group of 26 volunteers that attended programs that specifically developed leadership skills and built confidence in themselves, such as employment workshops, certifications and mental wellbeing & resiliency tools workshops. These leaders then returned 56 times and volunteered 135 hours to plan and host special events (Halloween, Christmas, board game nights, etc.) for their community. They also organized a hygiene drive over the summer and created hygiene bags to give to 178 youth in White Oaks.
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Another volunteer opportunity came through a partnership with the London Arts Council. Every Thursday in July a live ‘Art Activation’ was held in the park with a performance by a local artist while our youth provided activities for the families in attendance. After giving 46 hours of their time our youth volunteers said they really enjoyed themselves, loved listening to the music and running the games for children and youth. The youth volunteers stated the most stressful part and the most learning experienced the nights offered them was learning how to handle a large number of children, some that are still catching up on their social skills such as waiting in line and taking turns. Other youth developed their cooking skills while making hot lunches every Tuesday for 5 weeks of the summer. These fed the youth attending our summer camp but was also a fundraiser. Staff and others purchased lunches so in addition to learning new recipes each week the youth practiced customer service. Overall SLNRC youth made the journey back and volunteered their time and participated in their community. We are proud of them and are amazed at all they gave!
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NEWCOMER SETTLEMENT SERVICES Last year, our Settlement Team provided a total number of 22,621 services to 4,585 Permanent Residents and over 2,120 other immigrants such as Refugee Claimants. Through our programs and services across South London at 32 locations, newcomer clients received information and support on health, housing, employment, education and everything that has to do with their global needs during their settlement process. The Newcomer Settlement Services of SLNRC stands out for its professional work. We strive to equip staff with the up-to-date means and knowledge to serve immigrants and meet
their settlement needs in a timely manner. Our settlement staff work by engaging and empowering newcomers in order to have a successful start of their new life in London and in a happy and mentally healthy community, where their children grow up in healthy environments. It is our pleasure to walk along with clients on their settlement journey. We do not see any obstacle as a limitation, but an opportunity. An opportunity is the doorway for our staff to help newcomers realize their dreams can become their reality.
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One-on-one, Family and Group Information & Orientation Services In the past year, our settlement team helped 1,919 clients create their settlement plans and meet their objectives. Newcomers feel empowered through the process of the settlement services that starts with assessing their skills and ending with the creation of a settlement plan to meet appropriately their settlement needs and achieve their goals. The settlement process is a comprehensive and holistic process in which we understand the family's needs, anxiety, and challenges. Our staff go above and beyond to support and guide clients to know their rights and responsibilities, in order to help them feel settled in the new life with a better understanding of their new community. In addition, Information and Orientation for groups cover important topics for newcomers to Canada such as: laws, rights, responsibilities, education, housing and health. Experts in different domains were invited to our sessions to provide professional insights to our clients. PAGE 15
“My settlement counsellor helped me to get London Housing. I could have ended up to be homeless.” --- Program Participant Number of clients served One-on-one: 3,125 Family: 1,963 Group: 715
Adults and Family Community Connection In 2022, one of our biggest achievements, also challenges, was the provision of off-site programs and services to Afghan refugees temporarily housed in Motel 6 in South London. Our staff worked diligently to engage 148 Afghan adults, youth and children who participated in different activities at their temporary resident. In addition, 256 newcomers participated in mental health and well-being programs. Meanwhile, 83 Temporary Ukrainian Residents also completed the Safe Food Handling Course. Our Community Connection programs were instrumental in engaging adults and families to strengthen their connections and networks with the community.
to volunteer and are empowered to develop leadership skills. Last year, 193 youth participated in leadership training. “I was reserved and shy when I joined the youth program. Now I have become confident. Now I started encouraging other youth to join the youth programs.” --- Program Participant Digital Support Program As part of the SLNRC strategy to integrate and create programs that address the current needs, our digital support programs empowered newcomers by improving their digital literacy. In the past year, 257 newcomers successfully completed the digital literacy course and 605 clients learned how to complete different types of documents online.
Youth Community Connection Canada Connect Program Relocating to a new country is a daunting experience to adults, let alone to youth. Last year, a total of 1,413 youth and adults participated in a number of activities. The newcomer youth attended programs about healthy eating habits, and the possibility to integrate with other cultures and share experiences, sports activities and home work support. They were encouraged
A total of 523 newcomers participated in Conversation Circles last year. “Volunteering with Canada Connects gives me a chance to get to know people from other cultures and support people. I've found it empowering and enriching because while I'm given the opportunity to give back, I'm also learning a lot about what matters in the world”. --- Program Participant
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Library Settlement Partnership (LSP) In 2022, our Library Settlement Workers at Jalna and Bostwick libraries served a total of 2,120 refugee claimants. On a monthly basis, clients receive from our staff information related to available homes and types of resources they can access in London. Weekly, our Library Settlement Workers deliver Citizenship Information Sessions for Permanent Residents who need help preparing for the Citizenship test. Thanks to the partnership with the London Public Library, the nature of LSP services allows us to provide services to newcomers, helping them to overcome barrier in their settlement journey, irrespective of their immigration status, which supports a greater South London demographics. Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) Apart from the regular school-based services during the school year, our SWIS Workers were active running programs outside of the school to help newcomer students practice their English, learn new vocabulary, and gain information and resources on life in Canada while networking in the community.
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During the 5-week-long Let’s Talk English program in the summer, newcomer adults practised speaking English in a small group setting. In a comfortable and safe environment, newcomers practised their English Language skills, as well as learned about practical topics to help deal with everyday situations and develop valuable life skills. The 2022 Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program was organized in conjunction with local partners and selected peer leaders with lived experience as a newcomer to Canada from each of the high schools to complete a 3 day leadership training. These experiences, with all their struggles and barriers, made them perfect seeds to be future leaders for newcomer students. “Without your help we will not be able to apply for Fanshaw College , OSAP, or Ontario college and apply for jobs too. Not only this, but also without this help we will not be able to register our kids at school and daycare. We are really thankful when you are always able to provide the help on zoom meetings or on the phone you are always answering us.” --- Program Participant
STATEMENT OF REVENUE & EXPENDITURES
For the year ending March 31
2023
2022
$3,651,695 $93,503 $37,575 $11,199 $3,793,972
$3,285,294 $84,870 $55,564 $1,753 $3,427,873
Revenue Grants Amortization of deferred capital contributions Donations and fundraising Interest and Other
Expenditures Wages and benefits Program costs and office supplies Rent and utilities Amortization of capital assets Professional and bookkeeping fees Telephone Travel Insurance Bank charges Fundraising expenses
$2,994,537 $345,435 $218,052 $99,780 $68,530 $35,168 $28,348 $9,258 $661 $775 $3,800,544 ($6,572)
$2,673,190 $289,137 $207,509 $86,288 $84,813 $46,612 $15,066 $7,172 $800 $3,410,587 $17,286
Excess of revenue over expenditures for the year
This financial summary is an excerpt from the complete financial statements of the organization, which were audited by BDO Canada LLP Chartered Professional Accountants, dated September 12, 2023 and as such does not contain all disclosures required under Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. A copy of the complete financial statements is available from the organization upon request.
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FUNDERS PARTNERS DONORS Amica London Anthony Michienzi ATN Access for Persons with Disabilities Inc. Canada Revenue Agency Canadian Mental Health Association Canadian Red Cross Child and Youth Network Church in the Oaks CIBC Mellon City of London Collège Boréal Community Council of White Oaks Compass Community Church Cross Cultural Learner Centre Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre Diane and Rob Elgin Audiology Eric Wood Fanshawe College - Child & Youth Care Fanshawe College - Social Service Worker Fanshawe College - Recreation & Leisure Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre Government of Canada - Employment and Social Development Canada - Canada Summer Jobs Government of Canada - Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada Government of Canada - Public Health Agency of Canada Government of Ontario - EarlyON Gwyneth Ann Wyatt Investing in Children IODE Eldon House Chapter, London Knights of Columbus Council 8339 Lenscrafters Libro Financial Group London Arts Council London & Area Food Bank London Children's Museum London District Catholic School Board London Heritage Council
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London Lawyers Feed the Hungry London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership London Muslim Mosque London Police Service London Public Library - Bostwick & Jalna Branches London Training Centre London Ukrainian Centre LUSO Community Services May Court of London Merrymount Children's Services Middlesex London Health Unit New Horizons for Seniors No Empty Bowls Northwest London Resource Centre Optimist Club of Westminster Park Pathways Employment Help Centre Paula Jesty | Crawford Insurance Ruby Siu Seniors Card Group Sharon Thomas Shirley Pearce Social Services - LEAP Program St. Justin's Catholic Church Starbucks - Commissioners & Wellington Storybook Gardens Summerside Church Thames Talbot Land Trust Thames Valley District School Board United Sikhs United Way Elgin Middlesex Vanier Children Services Western University - Faculty of Education Western University - Faculty of Social Science Western University - Pathways to Prosperity WIL Employment Connections YMCA of Southwestern Ontario YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin Youth Opportunities Unlimited
www.slnrc.org 519-686-8600 1119 Jalna Blvd London ON N6E 3B3