APRIL 2023 - MARCH 2024
LETTER FROM THE CEO & BOARD CHAIR
Dear Community,
As we look back on the past year at Vecova, we are reminded of the power of community, the impact of strategic vision, and our unwavering commitment to inclusion. It has been a year marked by expansion, reflection and forging new paths, all made possible by the collective efforts of our donors, community partners, and consumers
Your contributions, along with investments from the Federal and Provincial governments, have allowed us to broaden our horizons to meet growing areas of need, like our Employment Program for Immigrant Women that saw 60 registrants last year, and our expanded services to the under served community of Airdrie that allowed us to support 12 new consumers in need We are deeply grateful for your trust and commitment, which enable us to pursue ambitious goals and drive systemic change.
Our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered remains stronger than ever, which was exemplified through the Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) work throughout the organization
Your choice to support Vecova underscores the value and quality we strive to deliver. Your trust in our programs and services, like our Recycling Services, YYC Airport Cart Retrieval Program, and our Housing Support Services, fuels our commitment to excellence and embodies belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that our offerings not only meet the community's needs but also reflect the pillars of our organization, inclusion, innovation and impact
Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the future and the limitless possibilities that lie before us. We will continue to innovate, grow, and advocate for a more inclusive world. Our strategic vision will guide us as we navigate new challenges and opportunities, guided by the needs and interests of the community we serve.
Thank you for being an integral part of Vecova’s success
Your support, passion, and dedication make all the differe Together, we will continue to build a more inclusive and equitable future.
With sincere gratitude,
Kelly Holmes-Binns CEO,
Vecova
Michelle McKenna Chair of the Board,
Vecova
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Vecova is based in Calgary and we acknowledge Alberta Canada and our centres are located on the traditional territories of First Nations Peoples of Treaty 7. The Treaty 7 Lands in Southern Alberta are home to the Kainai Nation, Piikani Nation, Siksika Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley (Stoney-Nakoda) Nations. Calgary is also home to Region 3 of the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Meet The Board
MICHELLE MCKENNA BOARD CHAIR
KELLY HOLMES-BINNS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
ROBERT MCKERCHER VICE CHAIR
DONALD DART TREASURER
CRYSTAL MULIK SECRETARY
KYLE BAKS
SEAN CRUMP
KAREN FINLEY
NEIL MACKIE
SYLVIE TRAN NANCY TOOMBS
TRACY GRAHAM GEORGIA LYKIDIS
Meet The Executive Team
YVONNE MARTODAM CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
DAVID WALSH CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
KEITH GEDDES DIRECTOR OF HOUSING
TOM NAESTEAD CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
DEAN DODGE CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
JENNIFER MCCOLL DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE & CULTURE
CAROLYN LONG DIRECTOR OF WELLNESS SERVICES
KRIS ROBIN DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Top 4 Achievements
1
Airdrie Expansion
In November 2023, Vecova expanded its inclusivity and extended its programs into Airdrie From scratch, Vecova added its Wayfinder, Employment Services and opened its Housing services to 10 new consumers in the Airdrie area who now have access to each of these encouraging programs With 2 more consumers joining Airdrie Services in August 2024, Vecova will be opening another centre to meet the community needs where consumers will have access to the same inspiring programs that Calgary’s centre offers Airdrie’s novelty means exciting chances for our consumers to explore the city and create deeper connections in the community
New Programs
Key examples of programs launched this past year include the Immigrant Women Program, Mixed Ability Sport, and Adapted Aquatics These initiatives, with a strong focus on disability inclusion, were developed through partnerships with partners like Calgary Adapted Hub and Provincial & Federal Funding
The participants in the Immigrant Women Program participated in Job Coaching, Employment, and access to other services.
4 3
Giving Tuesday
The annual campaign, running from November 1st to November 28th, raised an impressive $58,002.51, meticulously crafted and overseen by the collaborative efforts of Vecova’s Fund Development and Marketing & Communications teams. This year saw an increase in donations compared to the previous year which allowed us to increase our impact across programs, services and housing. Strategic initiatives like the Limitless campaign along with, direct mail, digital ads, prizes, and email marketing, significantly contributed to this success Additionally, the presence of three matching donors played a crucial role in boosting our impact, and we are proud of how the community showed up
New Vecova Ambassador
To expand engagement and lead social change through community connection, Vecova has highlighted success stories from consumers, staff, and programs through a strategic advocacy strategy. One strong example of this is we worked with Ryan Straschnitzki as an ambassador to Vecova. Sharing his amazing strength and story, Ryan’s partnership with the organization is just one of many inspiring stories we hope to share with our growing community
122
CONSUMERS IN HOUSING
88
CONSUMERS SERVED IN WAYFINDER
127
WOMEN ASSISTED IN THE IMMIGRANT WOMEN PROGRAM
87
PDD ADULT PROGRAM ACTIVE CONSUMERS
63
NEW YOUTH INTAKE INTO THE YOUTH PROGRAM
600
600 VISITORS AT OUR CHARITY SALE
11,611
REGISTRANTS IN AHF REGISTERED PROGRAMS
31,447
DROP-IN ADMISSIONS TO VECOVA FACILITY
71,513
WALK IN IMPRESSIONS AT THE BOTTLE DEPOT
24
CONSUMERS IN BOW CORRIDOR AND AIRDRIE
"MY WIFE AND I CANNOT EXPRESS ENOUGH GRATITUDE FOR THE REMARKABLE SUPPORT AND CARE PROVIDED FOR OUR SON JOHN JR BY THE HOUSING TEAM AT BISHOPS MANOR. THEY PROVIDE A POSITIVE AND SAFE HOME ENVIRONMENT ALONG WITH CAMARADERIE EXPERIENCES WHEN HE PARTICIPATES IN PEER GROUP ACTIVITIES IN CALGARY. AT VECOVA, JOHN'S ABILITIES DON’T HOLD HIM BACK. THEY SUPPORT HIS LOVE FOR SKIING, CURLING AND GOLFING AS WELL AS MAKING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER RESIDENTS. THE VECOVA TEAM’S DEDICATION HAS TRANSFORMED ALL OF OUR LIVES AND WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL " -JOHN AND ANN S
13Million
DEPOSITED CONTAINERS
2.3
TONNES OF ELECTRONICS DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL
Impact Stories
“Vecova saved my son Rodney by providing the housing and care he needs to be successful, I am so grateful for their help. Rodney has faced homelessness many times; mental illness, cognitive impairment and very difficult behaviours that made him extremely difficult to house. At home, I was at risk of violence often and knew I needed help. Much of the housing available would reject him for his behaviours. He cannot read or do simple math, how could he ever function on his own? Without advocacy, he would be one of the many faces you see on our streets. Food, clothing and shelter need to be secure before anyone can thrive Today Rodney’s home is filled with boundless artistry that wows us all.”
-Lorita
“Every other Recreation Centre in Calgary accommodates us and tolerates us because that’s what’s required of them; that is the law. But Vecova welcomes us, embraces us, and wants us there. We feel like we belong here and are part of a community and that is absolutely priceless.”
-Anonymous Parent
“Without Vecova, I wouldn't have a home or a job or friends. It’s really awesome”
For more impact stories, please visit our Donor Report
Other Highlights
Two YYC Airport Cart Retrieval Associates were Semi-Finalists for the White Hat Awards
Haskayne School of Business MBA program students worked with Vecova staff on business planning & research in housing
Preparing for our upcoming CET Accreditation through Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS) completed every 3 years.
Joined Calgary Adapted Hub to promote recreation programs, sports and activities for youth with disabilities like Mixed Ability Sport
Vecova’s Bottle Depot has accepted the Depot Excellence Awards: BCMB Team Recognition and the Applaud a Depot Award (ABDA)
Ryan Straschnitzki became Vecova’s first Brand Ambassador in 2023 and was featured alongside Kelly Holmes-Binns being featured in the Calgary Herald with an excerpt on accessible housing
Financial Information
People & Culture
We persisted in our journey and commitment to fortify Vecova’s culture, ensuring that employees are actively engaged and have a strong sense of belonging. Our efforts are concentrated on implementing strategies across three key pillars: fostering connections, enhancing communication, and cultivating a culture of inclusion and recognition
Adopting a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) statement that reflects what we stand for as an organization and what we aspire to.
Creating a DEIA Strategy based on the recommendations from the DEI audit process we completed early in the year
Developing a resource guide based on plain language and universal design principles and applying these principles to several policies to improve readability and comprehension.
Assessing engagement through our annual fall survey and establishing benchmark indicators of success
Key Accomplishments
Strengthening our leadership capacity by prioritizing our learning and development on building leaders as coaches, effective communicators, leading high-performance teams and building a culture of accountability and trust
Celebrating the work of our employees through the annual holiday and length of service award party and Community Disability Services
Appreciation Week
People & Culture
DEIA STATEMENT
VECOVA IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR EVERYONE.
WE WELCOME THIS JOURNEY OF CONTINUAL LEARNING WITH OUR DEDICATED EMPLOYEES AND COMMUNITY.
WE STRIVE TO OPERATE WITH AN OPEN MIND AND SEEK THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PEOPLE WITH DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS.
WE BELIEVE THIS ONLY STRENGTHENS OUR WORKPLACE CULTURE AND ABILITY TO ADVANCE OUR MISSION.
WE WORK TO INSPIRE AND INFORM THE COMMUNITY TO BE INCLUSIVEFROM OUR DAILY WORK SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS IN THE COMMUNITY AND IN LIVING ENVIRONMENTS, TO OUR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS.
JOIN US IN BUILDING A FUTURE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES WHERE EVERYONE IS VALUED, BELONGS, AND THRIVES.
Long Term Service
40 YEARS WITH VECOVA
Grace has been a valuable Team Leader at Vecova for 40 years Her dedication and passion are evident and deeply appreciated Loved by her employees and colleagues at Wayfinder, her consistent enthusiasm inspires everyone Grace has actively helped youths stay engaged and recognize their potential, encouraging community participation. Each spring, she brings flowers and vegetable plants for the adults to garden, adding a fun and rewarding element to their days. Watching their efforts grow into thriving plants is a highlight. Grace’s personal touch, such as gardening, showcases her commitment to Vecova and its community Her hard work and dedication continue to make a significant impact
Yvonne Steenveld
35 YEARS WITH VECOVA
Yvonne has held various roles at Vecova, from Community Living to Wrap Around Services and Day Services For the past 25 years, she has worked in Employment Services, initially through a contract with Vecova and the Calgary Board of Education, providing resources and work experiences for high school students with disabilities After 15 years, she became a Work Skills Development Specialist, securing job shadows, work experience, and employment for Vecova’s job seekers
Yvonne's most memorable moments are when consumers realize their potential, overcoming the fear of failure. She has stayed at Vecova for 35 years because of her belief in inclusion and the joy of seeing consumers succeed and believe in themselves.
Donors
Top Corporate Donors
ACTIVE INCLUSION CANADA FUND AT BENEFACTION
BIRD CONSTRUCTION GROUP
BIRDIES FOR KIDS SHAW CHARITY CLASSIC PRESENTED BY ALTALINK
BLUPLANET RECYCLING INC.
CALGARY FLAMES FOUNDATION
CAMP SUNFLOWER SOCIETY
CANPROM FOUNDATION
COBS BREAD COUNTRY HILLS
COBS BREAD UNIVERSITY DISTRICT
CORONATION PLACE
HILLHURST #16 REBEKAH LODGE
HYLCAN FOUNDATION / LA FONDATION HYLCAN
MELTON FOUNDATION
MORTGAGE CONNECTION
NORMAN MELDRUM HOLDINGS INC.
PETRO-CANADA
PRIMARY COLOURS
RELISH NEW BRAND EXPERIENCE INC.
ROTARY CLUB OF CALGARY AT STAMPEDE PARK
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
THE CANADIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY
THE CITY OF CALGARY
THE MCKENNA FOUNDATION
THE TUSCAN BENEVOLENT SOCIETY
WINNIFRED GRIFFITH LEGACY FUND AT CALGARY FOUNDATION
Top Individual Donors
RICHARD ANDISON
SHARON CAMRON
MIKE COLBORNE
KARIN FINLEY
GORDON HOY
SONJA AND IAN HUNTER
DAVID AND DIANE KAMITAKAHARA
ERIN LESLIE
MARILYN LETTS
GEORGIA LYKIDIS
JOHN MAYBERRY
NORMAN MELDRUM
MICHAEL MILUTINOVIC
LANA ROGERS
ROBERT SMART
JOHN AND ANN SPEER
Announcing The 2023-2024 Community Impact Report
Discover the difference our donors and supporters made in 2023/2024 in our donor report. In this report, you will see how gifts from our supporters have been making an impact and continue to guide the work we do today. We are so grateful to be able to celebrate the generous contributions from all of the individuals, foundations, and businesses who helped us to keep providing essential programs and services throughout 2023/24. Thank you to everyone who has supported us with financial gifts, volunteered their time, and given us advice as we move forward! For more ways to support Vecova, visit our donation page at www.vecova.ca/donate.
