annual report 2014-2015

ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
1
REPORT FROM
JIAS TORONTO LEADERSHIP
— Steve Garmaise, Chair of the Board of Directors and Janis Roth, Executive Director
Immigration to Canada has been very challenging in recent
years. In an effort to reform Canada’s Immigration Laws, the
government made frequent and significant changes to the
immigration landscape. Programs like family reunification,
which brings senior family members to live with their families,
were put on hold and then reinstated with annual maximums,
new categories of immigrant were introduced and changes
to health care for refugees were made amongst a number of
other changes.
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It has not been easy to stay the course. All along the way, we,
at JIAS Toronto, have risen to the challenge to help our clients
and community to navigate the impact of these changes while
remaining true to our mission: to welcome, support, and
JIAS Toronto Board of Directors
Back Row: Barbara Bank, Deborah Wolfe, Eran Barlev, Terry Borer, Paula Markus,
Beti Poyastro Front Row: Sharon Weintraub, Sharon Cohen, Janis Roth,
Steve Garmaise, Chair, Elliott Peranson, Alan Sandler Absent: Elena Aleinikov,
Brian Blumenthal, Hart Heller
2
integrate new immigrants today to build a strong Canada and a
strong Jewish community of tomorrow.
Because no matter the circumstances that push or pull people
to leave everything familiar behind in their home country
and no matter how educated and prepared people are before
their arrival, the reality on the ground for newcomers is
vastly different. The first weeks and months are a time of
confusion, fear and extreme vulnerability. It is also a time
when the welcome, information and support of a caring
community is most needed and can be one of the single
greatest indicators of the newcomer’s successful settlement
and integration down the road. We know this. We have
evidence of it in all our program offerings.
While we are grateful for the ongoing support of Citizenship
and Immigration Canada, UJA Federation and the Ministry of
Citizenship and Immigration, we suffered important budget
cuts in CIC funding. We are seeing more people with greater
needs, including people who aren’t yet covered by government
services such as English language learning or health care and
seniors made even more vulnerable under the new longer 20
year parental sponsorship period. When the economy suffers,
newcomers are also among the first to be hit, making it more
difficult to find a job or to keep one. We need the support of
the community to not only maintain but to keep building on
our services that make the important differences in the lives
of our clients.
In a challenging environment, it’s vital to be certain about
priorities. We’ve reviewed our strategic plan with stakeholders,
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
and remain committed to our three pillars of client service
excellence: 1) providing a comprehensive welcome and
a range of settlement services; 2) ensuring opportunities
for newcomers to reach their employment potential and
economic self-reliance; and 3) supporting newcomers to
achieve social integration.
To excel in all three areas, we are also working to enhance
our organizational capacity, through fund development,
promotion and marketing, and program evaluation. So we
have clear goals, and plans to improve our ability to meet
them and measure them.
Success takes a collective effort. We see that at the Miriam
and Larry Robbins 1 Open Door in York Region. This
is a unique operation at the Joseph and Wolf Lebovic
Jewish Community Campus involving JIAS Toronto and
three partner social service agencies; JVS Toronto, Circle
of Care and Jewish Family & Child. With these agencies
under one roof, we are working to address the settlement,
social, educational, vocational and health needs of our
community in York Region. This past year saw other
important examples of collective learning and change. As
the Executive Director and Chair for JIAS Toronto, we
participated in UJA’s Joshua Institute for Jewish Communal
Leadership which, in addition to excellent speakers, on a
variety of relevant topics, offered unequal opportunities for
networking and collaboration between agencies.
With other agencies, and UJA lay and professional
representatives, JIAS Toronto is also on the steering
committee of a collective impact initiative to end
Jewish poverty. This is a vital effort, evolving within
a shared framework of change, to set concrete,
measurable and impactful goals to help our most vulnerable
community members.
An important area of development this past year has been
JUMPStart; our program that helps newcomers reach their
employment potential through volunteer, mentorship, coaching
and networking opportunities. We continue to build a wonderful
network of professional and business volunteers who willingly
share their time and knowledge through individual sessions
and workshops that get our newcomer clients connected to
community and the competitive edge they need in today’s
job market. Client and volunteer feedback is consistently
positive and the results of these employment connections
simply fantastic!
Another key development this year was JIAS Toronto’s approval
in December 2014 as a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH).
While JIAS Toronto has always served refugees, as a SAH, we
now have a mandate with Citizenship and Immigration
Canada to do private sponsorships, which is how about 60%
of refugees get here. There are 97 sponsorship agreement
holders in Canada, and JIAS Toronto is the only Jewish one.
At the time of writing this report, the plight of Syrian refugees
made headlines around the world and several dozen Jewish
community congregations, groups of families and friends have
come together to raise funds and volunteer, with JIAS Toronto,
to sponsor refugees.
Wherever they arrive from, and whatever their circumstances,
newcomers continue to rely on JIAS Toronto to be both the
bridge and the gateway to community life. We are experienced
and expert in all matters of immigration, settlement and
integration. It takes a whole community to build one. We
welcome your participation in our life changing work.
Steve Garmaise has played an essential role in the effectiveness of JIAS Toronto. From raising the bar
on fundraising to pursuing governance reviews to getting directly involved in helping clients, Steve has
been a force in ensuring that we remain responsive and true to our mission. As he steps down as Chair
of the Board, the JIAS Toronto family would like to salute and express deep appreciation for his deep
commitment and steadfast determination on behalf of the organization. Steve has clearly been all in for
JIAS Toronto!
3
FINDING AN
OPEN DOOR
TO A NEW START
When Yulia and Vadim R. arrived in Canada with
their two young sons, it was like stepping into a
new and strange world. “I felt like Mowgli who
just came from the jungle,” says Yulia. “As soon
as we attended to the immediate tasks of renting
an apartment and getting our kids in school,
it was time for 1,000 other things. It was very
difficult to figure out what to do.”
Finding your way in a new community, let alone a new country, can be overwhelming. What do you
need to know, how do you begin, and where can you turn? JIAS Toronto helps thousands of
immigrants a year to feel embraced and included, with a variety of information, orientation,
support and counseling services.
We hold group information meetings on a range of
immigration issues, as well as one-on-one meetings to assess
and address newcomer settlement and integration needs.
Free computer access and community and government
resource information is also available, in multiple languages.
Meetings take place in Toronto and in York Region, where
an increasing number of immigrants are now choosing to
locate. In fact, York Region is one of the fastest-growing
Jewish communities in North America.
protection and refuge in Canada. Our first work with
refugees already started in the period covered by this report
and is setting the stage for work on the Syrian refugee crisis
which we will report on at a later date.
“
NAVIGATING THE CULTURE
Through a series of workshops – on everything from the
school system, to work culture, to Canadian systems – we
help newcomers to learn about the way of life here and meet
others who are sharing the same experiences.
SETTLEMENT
A JIAS Toronto settlement worker can assist with
immigration procedures, housing, schooling, employment,
English language training, child care, schools, community
integration, and much more. We also work with a variety
of agencies and professional services to help newcomers
adjust quickly.
REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP
In December 2014, JIAS Toronto entered into an
agreement with Citizenship and Immigration Canada to
be a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH). This gives us
the mandate to welcome and support individuals seeking
4
JIAS Toronto staff: Back Row: Inara Faerchtein, Dina Polyak, Joanna Sasson
Morrison, Lia Kisel, Victoria Koren, Larisa Gaber Front Row: Lea Soibelman,
Jodi Block, Etya Kanevsky, Janis Roth, Olga Freiman, Lisa Nerman, Olga Stovichek
Absent: Paulina Swartsman
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
I think they do much
more than just a job. They
see every person as a
unique individual, and deal
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WELCOME CENTRE ACTIVITIES
with their issues on a very
personal level.
”
The family, which settled in Newmarket, didn’t
have a single relative in Canada to open doors
for them. Fortunately, the R. family found 1
Open Door in York Region. This shared model
for service delivery includes four community
partner agencies: JIAS Toronto, JVS Toronto,
Circle of Care and Jewish Family & Child.
There, Yulia and Vadim obtained much needed
referrals and connections to the community,
including government programs and recreational
programs for their children.
The assistance continued. Yulia needed to
improve her English, and started attending the
JIAS York Region LINC School. Once her English
got better, she received a boost in her job
search from our JumpStart program.
As Yulia had experience working with young
children, she soon found a part-time job as an
early childhood education assistant at a day
care centre. She also began working as a supply
teacher at the child care program at the very LINC
School she had attended. Today, Yulia continues to
work there as a full-time teacher’s assistant.
Meanwhile, Vadim began attending JIAS
Toronto’s volunteer-run Conversation Café,
geared to professionals. It was a chance to
practice his English. He then enrolled in a
program at Seneca College. Vadim received a
Shindman / ShaRna Scholarship (donor funded)
from JIAS Toronto to help pursue his studies,
following which he felt equipped to open his
own business.
Step by step, the R. family headed down the
path to community integration and economic
self-reliance. “JIAS Toronto was the solution for
everything,” says Yulia. “Every time when I said
thanks, they said it was nothing, they were just
doing their job. I think they do much more than
just a job. They see every person as a unique
individual, and deal with their issues on a very
personal level.”
5
“I have been in JIAS LINC school for 3 semesters. As
a permanent resident from China, my problem is how
to fit into the new situation. The first thing is I must
grasp the communicating tool – English speaking and
listening. So entering this school was a very important
step. After 3 semesters of classes, now I have much
more encouragement to speak. I have learned how to
do shopping, how to speak with my neighbors, how to
withdraw and deposit money in the bank, how to do
daily living activities. We have interesting discussions
about the news, culture, history and science, which
helps extend my knowledge area. There are many
interesting activities organized by the school that help
us know more now about the diversity of multi-culture
around the world. These activities help us make friends
among classmates, although we come from different
countries.”
TO LANGUAGE
elements into modules, with students divided according to
their individual levels.
Immigrant children in our Care For Newcomer Children (CNC) program while
their parents study English
Every year in this school is a year of new knowledge.
This is my favorite place in Toronto. It is my second home.
I don’t feel lonely when I think about Toronto because
of this wonderful school…. Coming here helps me to
understand this country.
— Larysa
CITIZENSHIP PREPARATION
ENGLISH CLASSES
To help people upgrade their written and conversational
English, JIAS Toronto offers Citizenship and Immigration
Canada’s LINC program (Language Instruction for
Newcomers to Canada). LINC is offered at several locations
in Toronto and York Region.
To get around obstacles to participation, JIAS Toronto can
help cover transportation costs, and also offers care for the
children of adult language learners. In addition to LINC,
JIAS Toronto offers ESL (English as a Second Language)
classes through partnerships with the Toronto District School
Board and the York Region Catholic School Board.
JIAS Toronto uses a blended approach, featuring face-toface instruction and technology that enhances learning.
To suit the needs of different students, classes use either
integrated or skill-focused approaches. Integrated language
learning involves listening, speaking, reading and writing
all delivered as a whole. Skill-focused learning breaks these
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JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
“I didn’t know
English when I
came to JIAS LINC.
Now I study at
level 4-5. Here we
study together,
immigrants
from all over the
world…There is a
settlement worker
who helps us solve
many problems.
We are introduced
to the laws, culture,
traditions and
celebrations in
Canada.”
— Inna
— Inna Kurtsfeld
In addition to our regular language offerings, we hold
citizenship preparation classes at the Lebovic campus.
— Jueyuan
CONVERSATION CAFÉ
Newcomers have a chance to practice their daily
conversational skills in an informal environment, together
with English-speaking volunteers. Conversation Cafés take
place throughout the GTA.
TELEPHONE LANGUAGE
COMPANION
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Working, studying, socializing and simply
getting about day to day, with some degree
of comfort, are all part of a rewarding
new life in Canada. None of that happens
easily without English language skills. JIAS
Toronto helps newcomers to break down the
communications barrier and feel more
at home.
By talking with a JIAS Toronto volunteer on the phone once
or twice a week, newcomers become more comfortable and
confident about their English skills.
JIAS Toronto LINC School Staff Back Row: Yury Kaganovskiy, Ashot Vardanyan,
Alina Olshenitsky, Jenny Keselman, Iryna Alexeev, Jim Vazirov, Marina Glizer,
Nik Vlasichev Middle Row: Ella Boroda, Yulia Ossipov, Sharon Robinson, Lia Kisel,
Jenni Aviv, Victoria Blyuss, Rima Spojniqov, Ada Sergeyeva Front Row: Katsiaryna
Ratskovich, Yulia Rivkin, Zoya Kurtzman, Sheila Berenstein, Sharon Bean, Myra Manly,
Polina Rofman, Tamilla Zeinalov Absent: Elana Winer, Perla Riesenbach, Bella Tarlo,
Susie Dayan
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TO EMPLOYMENT
AND ECONOMIC SELF RELIANCE
A critical stage for newcomers is the transition
into the workplace. How can people take
care of their families, contribute to their
communities and thrive in their careers?
It takes the appropriate education and
meaningful employment. JIAS Toronto offers
a range of services in this area, ensuring
opportunities to help newcomers reach
their potential and supporting them all
along the way.
EMPLOYMENT ASSESSMENT
AND ORIENTATION
To inform and guide their employment search, newcomers
undergo comprehensive needs assessments and can tap
into expert advice, referrals and career orientation
interviews.
SHINDMAN/SHARNA
SCHOLARSHIPS
Eligible clients can use scholarship funds to pursue
post-secondary education, obtain professional training,
or re-certify and upgrade their skills.
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JUMPSTART
How can newcomers get ahead in finding meaningful
employment that matches their education and experience?
By getting a JumpStart. Through volunteer, mentorship,
co-op, coaching and network opportunities, our JumpStart
program connects newcomers to the people and resources
of our community that can lead to work.
We start by learning about our client’s work history,
education, employment goals in Canada, resources, gaps
to meet Canadian requirements, and barriers to success.
Then services can touch on everything from furthering
education, to improving language skills, to rebuilding a
local professional network.
JumpStart relies on community business people and
professionals, who volunteer their time to share
their experience, expertise and encouragement with
our clients. Some workshops include former clients,
who can share with newcomers how they successfully
networked and sought information interviews. New
participants can see themselves reflected in these
former clients, and that in of itself can be an inspiration
and motivation.
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
A new element this year was the JumpStart Conversation
Café, targeted to clients with a higher level of English
and focusing on the language of the workplace. These
newcomers get a chance to hone their English language
skills as they’re seeking employment. The support offered
and contacts made through JumpStart continue to play a
big role in the ability of newcomers to seize employment
opportunities that can change their lives.
JUMPSTART Testimonials
“I joined JumpStart when I was only a month in Canada. I had a lot of questions and concerns as to how
to start a new life here. JumpStart provided me with a mentor – an amazing person and a great advisor.
His support helped me to create a resumé and accomplish my main goal to find a job. I hope other new
immigrants can benefit from the same experience.” – Olga
“My husband found a position as an aircraft technician. He is the only one who supports our family due to the
fact that I am still a full-time student. I had to take courses to obtain my license as a registered nurse. After,
I was accepted to York University and enrolled in a two-year program for internationally-educated nurses. I
obtained a scholarship through JIAS Toronto to help with tuition. Recently, I met the qualifications for taking
the national exam. Without support from JIAS, I could not progress towards this big achievement. Overall,
JIAS has been very valuable to our family and our experience as new immigrants. Our settlement worker has
guided us through professional and emotional challenges, by offering beneficial resources and expanding
our networking skills. She constantly contacts me and inquires about all my family. Her warm and kind words
mean a lot to us.”
– Ekaterina
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TO EMPLOYMENT
AND ECONOMIC SELF RELIANCE
FINANCIAL SUPPLEMENTATION
PROGRAM
As newcomers pursue their employment and/or
educational goals in a tough environment with long
delays in finding meaningful work-financial vulnerability
mounts and hopelessness and fear prevail. By providing
a financial safety net during this period, using a dignified
process, we help bridge the gap for newcomers
struggling financially and see them through their
settlement plan to stability and promise.
LEVELLING THE PLAYING FIELD
Getting involved in school or community life is an
important avenue to integration, yet costs can be a
barrier. With funds to offset some of the expenses
of things like after-school programs or university
textbooks, newcomers can participate, on a level
playing field, like their peers, in the activities that
matter to them.
ANGEL GUARANTOR PROGRAM
For newcomers, starting their own business or
advancing their education can lead to a brighter
future. JIAS Toronto is working with Jewish Free
Loan Toronto (JFLT) to respond to the new
categories of immigrants now arriving and finding
angel guarantors who can secure loans that allow
newcomers to follow their path to self-sufficiency.
10
Testimonials from newcomers who have
been assisted through JIAS Toronto’s FSP,
funded by UJA Federation
“The program allowed me to spend more time
in ESL classes and get the language skills I
needed for the job opportunities I wanted to
pursue.”
“Thanks to the program we do not have to
worry so much about where to get food for the
children.”
“The program helps newcomers get through
and overcome the hardships of starting a new
life in Canada.”
“During the Jewish holidays my family feels
that we are at home... I now take part in
cultural activities and I am volunteering in a
program in the Jewish community.”
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
At 81, Mrs. M., a Holocaust survivor, still
enjoys taking care of her family. She came
here from Israel in 2014 to live with her
daughter (a widow) and her 19-year-old
grandson in North York. Every morning,
Mrs. M. wakes up to make them breakfast.
During the day, while her daughter is at
work and her grandson is taking classes at
Ryerson, Mrs. M. reads, goes to the library,
and takes an hour-long walk. When everyone
is home, Mrs. M. makes supper.
Mrs. M. is content here, yet highly anxious
too. After her initial sponsorship application
was rejected, JIAS Toronto re-applied on
her behalf for permanent residency under
humanitarian and compassionate grounds and
all are hopeful she will soon hear good news.
After her husband died and Mrs. M. could
not manage on her own, she came to
Toronto to be with her only daughter and
grandson. “I have nobody else in the world,”
she says. Her settlement worker says “To
survive, emotionally and physically, it’s
essential for Mrs. M. to remain in Canada.”
In Toronto, Mrs. M.’s daughter brought
her to JIAS Toronto. “I didn’t expect what
I saw in JIAS,” says Mrs. M., through her
settlement worker who translates. “Never
have I received so much attention, goodwill
and willingness to help. I can’t get over how
people treat me, how JIAS has helped.”
JIAS Toronto, through its Financial
Supplementation Program, has assisted
“
Never have I received so
much attention, goodwill
and willingness to help.
I can’t get over how
people treat me, how JIAS
has helped.
”
with Mrs. M.’s health related costs that
her daughter simply can’t afford with an
already tight budget. In spring 2015, her
grandson was awarded a Shindman ShaRna
Scholarship to help with his studies. “It’s very
difficult for the family financially,” says the
settlement worker.
Approval of Mrs. M.’s residency application
could take some time and is by no means
certain, so she is in limbo. She goes about
her day and waits. Whatever the outcome,
she knows she has someone in her corner.
“I will never forget what JIAS has done for
me and my family,” she says. “This is the
place I can reveal everything, especially my
hopes for the future.”
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TO COMMUNITY
B’YACHAD
This program continues to promote enrolment and success
in Jewish day and supplemental school programs for
newcomers, Through B’Yachad, we identify the education
program that suits the student, provide support through the
transition, arrange tutoring and English language assessments,
and offer extra help through Homework Club and Ready for
School. The program includes professional teacher training
too. It all helps newcomer students to fully integrate into their
school and it helps their families connect to community.
YOUTH-TO-YOUTH
In this teen group, newcomers start with a personal welcome
from a peer who speaks their language. Then they are quickly
invited to participate in activities and events where they can
share experiences and challenges with other teens going
through similar experiences.
“
FAMILY-TO-FAMILY
Newcomer and host families come together to share holiday
celebrations and lifecycle events. Host families also act as
guides in navigating Toronto and sharing their experiences
and resources, all to help new Canadians become a part of
their new community.
A new subgroup of the program has emerged, with local
young professionals stepping up to welcome their contemporaries. This past year, a group of 20- and 30-somethings
gathered for an evening of wine, cheese and connections at
the home of Family-to-Family Co-Chair Marni Banack
and her husband Ben Mogil. It’s part of the effort to make
newcomers at all stages feel that much more welcome.
Marni and her Co-Chair Tammy Baruch hosted the event,
with planning from newcomer Na’ama Blonder and her
match Joelle Faulkner. From that match, Na’ama and Joelle
became fast friends with Joelle inviting Na’ama and her
husband Mishe to the cottage for a weekend. That gathering
became a chance to connect with yet more new friends.
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As Joelle reports, Na’ama was “so self-sufficient that by the
time we connected she already had housing and a job. The
only thing she wanted was Canadian friends – and she’s
making them.” We all know how important friendship and
social connections are to feeling part of a community.
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
Thank you so much for
preparing and delivering
such a relevant and
informative session.
I certainly learned about
some new strategies
and the more we learn,
the better we can serve
our children and meet
their needs.
From a newcomer family who received B’Yachad
concierge services to help guide them through
choosing, applying and enrolling their children in a
day school:
“
Thank you very much for
tomorrow and you must know
that at the moment you are our
best friend in this country, you
did so much for my children,
I haven’t words to explain,
thanks again and again...
— The K. Family
”
”
— Beverley Young
Branch Principal - Bialik Hebrew Day School
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TO COMMUNITY
SUMMER CAMP
Summer Camp is one of the greatest equalizers, bringing
children and teens together in a setting that emphasizes
fun, activity, learning through play, new skills, friendship,
teamwork, “ruach” (spirit) –all the ingredients to support
the social integration of newcomer children. However, the
cost of camp is prohibitive for many newcomer families
especially as they must meet all the costs of settlement all
at once and ususally before they find meaningful work. Our
summer camp program supported by UJA Federation and
private donors means newcomer children from ages 2½
to 15 gain the chance to attend Jewish summer camp at a
subsidized cost – a wonderful introduction for newcomer
children to the local Jewish community and to friendships
that will last a lifetime.
“
The most significant help we were provided with, as parents, was a
subsidy for Centre Camp at the Lebovic campus. Our daughter has had
difficulties with adjusting to new places and people. She enjoyed the
camp, and improved her communication skills and self-esteem. During
the summer, I had classes. Knowing my daughter was safe and happy,
I could keep up with the assignments and exams. I appreciated this
opportunity very much.
— Ekaterina
14
”
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
Letter
from a Y2Y teen
So much has changed in myself and in my life since the first day I joined Y2Y. I still remember the first
event that I attended. It was about 2 weeks after I came to Canada. It was such a difficult period, as I
am sure it is for many other teens that come to a new country. I was terrified, I was shy, I was sad and
I didn’t have a single friend yet. Right as I walked into the room, I met the leaders, Dalia and Lina, and
I immediately felt comfortable and welcomed. Meeting other teens who were in the same boat as I and
were feeling the exact same emotions strengthened me and made me feel better. As time passed and more
events took place, I’ve met more and more people and felt more confident in myself and more comfortable.
This also projected on my life outside of the group since I’ve started talking to new people at work and in
my high school and expanding my social circles. I am now a completely different person than who I was when
I first joined the group. Thank you for creating a safe and welcoming environment since day one. I am still
in the process of working on myself and building my life into what I want it to be, but with every day I am
getting closer and closer. I feel motivated and I feel like I can do many things in my life because I have such
a strong support system, Y2Y being part of it.
— Anna M.
15
TO COMMUNITY
For Teens,
Amazing to Have
Someone You Can
Finding your identity as a teenager can be hard
enough. Now imagine going through it in a new
country. Dalia Amrom wasn’t sure how she fit.
“I had an Israeli identity, but my Canadian identity
didn’t exist,” she says.
She was 15 when she arrived with her family from
Israel. “I didn’t want to move,” she recalls now,
eight years later. “There was a language barrier and
a cultural barrier too. People at high school would
make references to TV shows, and I didn’t know
what they were talking about. And I had a really
hard time feeling ‘myself’ when I spoke English.”
Lina Vishnevsky can relate. She was 12 when her
family emigrated from Israel. “It was a culture
shock.” Lina remembers being on a bus with her
mother. “People in Israel are loud. I was speaking
normally, and my mother told me to be quiet. I just
felt out of place.”
Dalia and Lina not only found their way, they
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eventually helped other newcomer teens to find
theirs. As co-leaders of JIAS Toronto’s Youthto-Youth Group for the past several years, they
ensured that newcomer teens would have a
comfortable setting in which to make friends
and get involved in their community. Their own
experiences as newcomer teens helped them
to understand what members of the group are
feeling. In fact, Dalia once belonged to the
group herself.
“I remember the first call I received from the former
youth leader. It was someone, speaking Hebrew,
asking for my name. She was Israeli too, now
Canadian,” says Dalia. “It was an amazing feeling to
have someone you can connect to.”
Dalia was part of the group until grade 12. It was
where she made some of her closest friends.
Last year, she was a bridesmaid at one of their
weddings. “There was a lot of support there on so
many levels,” she says.
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
Connect To”
Lina was a summer student at JIAS Toronto at 19,
and then took on the youth leader position. She
says the group helps newcomer teens who are
grappling with the transition. “All of a sudden,
you have to form a new identity, “says Lina,
echoing Dalia’s sentiments. “The social cues here
are different. It’s hard to find out who you are.”
The Youth-to-Youth Group is the place to find
your place. As Dalia says, “It’s a good feeling
to go somewhere when you can be yourself.
Everybody’s laughing at each other’s English.”
How do Dalia and Lina assess their impact? “In
a sense I’m a role model, because that’s how I
view my previous youth leader,” says Dalia. “She
came here the same age as me, and I remember
thinking she’s in university, she speaks English so
well, maybe I’ll be like that one day.”
Dalia studied kinesiology and health sciences at
university and plans to go to medical school to
IsaacImage.com
become a pediatrician. Lina left her youth leader
position at JIAS Toronto this past year when she
graduated with an MSW and found full time work
as an employment counselor at a partner agency.
When Lina departed, she received a letter from
Anna, a youth group participant (see excerpt on
page 15), who wrote that being able to talk to
other teens experiencing the same emotions – fear,
sadness, loneliness – “strengthened me and made
me feel better…through it all, I always knew I had
someone to turn to.”
Hearing stories like that fills Lina with satisfaction.
“You see teens when they come here, then two or
three years later they’ve changed so much. It’s nice
to see how much you helped,” says Lina.
She deflects credit. “The youth leaders do play a
role,” says Lina, “but it’s JIAS Toronto and those
who support the organization that are helping
teens to find their way here.”
17
JIAS TORONTO BY THE NUMBERS: 2014-2015
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS 2014-2015
605 new immigrant files were opened at JIAS Toronto.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM JIAS (JEWISH IMMIGRANT AID SERVICES) TORONTO
AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2015
10 clients received a Shindman / ShaRna Scholarship to help them
461 additional newcomer families were carried over from
pursue post-secondary education or professional training.
2013-2014.
86 campers received subsidies to attend Jewish summer camp.
76 group information sessions were held across Toronto
25 newcomer youth participated in our summer Ready-for-School
and York Region providing settlement and labour market
information to over 350 newcomers of all backgrounds.
2385 individuals received immigration related information
program to prepare them for entry into the Canadian school system.
76 newcomers participated in our Conversation Café or Telephone
OPERATING BUDGET
REVENUEEXPENSES
Government of Canada:
CIC Toronto and YR Settlement Programs $2,166,245
$2,166,245
in response to phone, email and walk in inquiries.
Language Companion programs which help improve conversational
English skills.
39 Jewish newcomer families received assistance through
256 newcomers benefitted from employment related counselling,
Trillium Foundation
$49,365
$49,365
programs and workshops through JumpStart.
Newcomer Settlement Program (NSP)
$73,517
$73,517
65 individuals were connected to employment opportunities in
Community Capacity Building Program
$37,332
$37,332
their field through JumpStart.
Pay Equity
$27,190
$27,190
75 newcomers attended one of our “Navigating the Culture”
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto:
JIAS Toronto’s Financial Supplementation Program (FSP).
1540 adults attended full or part-time LINC classes. Of
these, 75 received transportation assistance in order to be
able to attend.
345 seniors took part in full or part-time LINC classes
geared specifically for them. Of these, 18 received
transportation assistance in order to be able to attend.
579 adults were enrolled in full or part-time ESL classes, of
which, 83 seniors attended classes specifically geared for
them.
60 children participated in our LINC child-minding program
while their parents studied English. Of these, 11 received
transportation assistance in order to be able to attend.
10 workshops were offered on site to our adult LINC
students covering a wide range of topics such as housing,
the Canadian Health System, employment, education,
OSAP, government grants and bursaries, safety, tenant
rights, financial literacy and community education programs.
Workshops.
11 new Jewish newcomer families and 13 newcomer young
professionals were matched with local Canadian hosts this
past year through our Family-to-Family program for a total of
24 new matches.
16 new Jewish immigrant students and their families were served
by JIAS Toronto’s B’Yachad program to promote their success in the
Jewish Day and supplementary school system.
8 Jewish Day schools received B’Yachad services, including
consultation with our ESL specialist, and 2 professional development
workshops on teaching English Language Learners were attended
by 24 educators in the Jewish school system.
35 newcomer teens participated in JIAS Toronto’s Youth-to-Youth
Government of Ontario:
BLOCK Grant
$919,209
$919,209
Financial Supplementation Program (FSP)
$115,000
$115,000
Friends of JIAS Donations $112,680
Other contributions
$98,403
TOTAL: $3,598,941 $3,577,904
JIAS TORONTO REVENUE
$2,166,245 60%
307 individuals enrolled in our citizenship preparation
classes, and an additional 96 individuals attended
UJA Federation
$1,034,209 29%
workshops to help them with the application process.
Government of Ontario
$187,404 5%
18
Other Income
$211,083 8%
program.
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
$98,403
Government of Canada
88 seniors participated in 4 safety education presentations.
$91,643
19
OUR DONORS AND FUNDERS
For the period of July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015
OUR WORK IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF OUR DONORS AND THE INVESTMENT
OF OUR FUNDERS, YEAR AFTER YEAR. WE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS.
OUR FUNDERS
Brian Blumenthal
Larisa Goldovsky
Maryna Kravchenko
Leonard Pearl
Evgueni Silaev
Morris Perlis –
March of the Living Fund
at the Jewish Foundation
Elaine Slater
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Terry and Sara Borer
Anna Gorodetskaia
Marina Krinets
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship
and Immigration
Marina Brezner
Marina Gorodkova
Yury Kryzhanovski
Jennifer Brodlieb
Diana Goutkin
Gil Lahav
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
David Wm. Brown
Brenda Grangle
Nelle Lakien
Brown-Nussbaum Family Foundation
Daphne Wagner and David Green
Oksana Bukovska
Michael Groiser
Leboff Family
Charitable Foundation
Gary Chapman
Guta Grushka
Alyssa Cohen
Leonid Gvozdyev
Elliott Peranson and Sharon Cohen
Harzahav Fund at the
Jewish Foundation
OTHER GRANTS
Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto
Ontario Ministry of Children and
Youth Services
Trillium Foundation
OUR DONORS
Anonymous
(United Way donor directed funds
and Canada Helps)
Roger L. De Freitas
Yuliana Dobrushkes
Inara Faerchtein
Judy Firestone
Michael Firestone
Yulia Levinshtein
Michael Lifshits
Ellen and Martin Prosserman
Foundation Inc.
Alberto Quiroz
Roman Rakhamimov
Andrey Rekounov
Sara Reznik
Dina Somin
Arthur Staroselsky
Nada Stekovic-Stikic
Judith Teller Foundation
Alvin Torbin
Mark Vainchtein
Robert Varadi
Alexiy Linetskiy and
Natalya Linetska
Hart Heller
Angelika Lubetsky
Igor Rosenblit
Martha Hundert
Israel Lyon
Janis Roth
Janna Izrailova
Chloe Snider and
David Malinowicz
Leo Roytman
Paula Markus
Avi Rubin
Mikhail Maslennikov
Lorraine and Alan Sandler
David Merkur Holdings Inc.
Fern and Ian Sandler
Woolgar Vanwiechen
Ketcheson Ducoffe LLP
Ilya Milman
Rob Sandler
Tak Ming Yau
Susan Mittelman-Sokol
Joanna Sasson Morrison
Yuri Zabrodski
Marina Nassar
Alexei Savguira
Michael Zaidel
Stanislav Necrasov
Murray D. Segal
Vitaly Zayler
Edward Nirman
Vitaly Shapiro
Arnold Zborovsky
Erica Oielgisser
ShaRna Foundation
Cheryl Zeldin
Biljana Ovadija
Gerald Sheff and Shanitha Kachan Charitable Foundation
Anatol Ziller
Naomi Fromstein
David Adley
Lily Fryman
Dmitry Annenkov
Larisa Gaber
Augusta Holdings Inc.
Gary Bay Gairat
Oleg Axentiev
Alexander Babin
Helen and Aladar Gal Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation
Yuri Baram
Angela Gamalevych
Bareket Kezwer
David Baskin
Gordon Garmaise
Volodymyr Khyzgyyayev
Donald Bennett
Steven Garmaise
Yevgeniy Konyavsky
Elliot Berman
Marina Girseva
Ion Kop
Franklin Bialystok
Sharon Glatt
Andrew Kozlovsky
Jodi Block
Martin Goldberg
Olha Kozolup
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
Viacheslav Lenets
Beti Poyastro
The John Herbert Foundation
(TD Waterhouse)
Shai Abraham
20
Galina Lefterova
The S. Pincus Charitable Foundation The SMDL Charitable
Foundation
Branka Jovicic
Ron Kanter
Edward Kaufman
Zev Kaufman
Paul Kazenny
Rachel Or
Nanette Rosen
Mikhael Rozenberg
Dzmitry Volfson
Lalya Voronel
Andrea Waisgluss
Jeffrey Wassermann
Edwin L. Weinstein
Max and Beatrice Wolfe
Charitable Foundation
Moses Znaimer
21
A CIRCLE OF SUPPORT
WE THANK OUR NETWORK OF PARTNERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO HELP US
CREATE A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND ASSOCIATIONS
Jewish Free Loan Toronto
Ameinu / RAJET
JVS Toronto
Antibes Community Centre, City of Toronto
Kehilla Residential Program
Association of Jewish Family and Children Agencies,
Canadian Office (AJFCA)
Kesher Employment Services
Bathurst-Finch Community Hub
Baycrest
Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) - Toronto North and
York Region
Bernard Betel Centre
The Maytree Foundation
B’nai Brith Canada
National Council of Jewish Women: Toronto Section
Canadian Jewish News (CJN)
Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
(OCASI)
Centre Camp
Centre for Education and Training
CIJA
Circle of Care
Community Care Access Centre
COSTI Immigrant Services
The Family Resource Centre
Hillel of Greater Toronto
Housing Connections
The JCC’s of Greater Toronto: Prosserman JCC,
Schwartz / Reisman Centre (SRC) , Miles Nadal JCC
Lifeline Syria
SUPPORTERS AND VOLUNTEERS
SYNAGOGUES
B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Fund
Annex Shul
Conversation Café Volunteers
Beit Rayim Synagogue
Family-to-Family Hosts
Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto (BAYT)
Homework Club Volunteers
Beth David Synagogue
JIAS Toronto Client Advisory Group
Beth Emeth Synagogue
JIAS Toronto Youth-to-Youth
Beth Jacob Synagogue
JumpStart Volunteers
Beth Sholom Synagogue
LINC Program Volunteers
Beth Tikvah Synagogue
Passover Seder Hosts
Beth Tzedec Congregation
Ready-For-School Volunteers
Chabad at Flamingo
Shindman / ShaRna Scholarship Committee
Chabad Romano
Serve 4 Success Tennis Program Volunteers
Chabad Lubavitch Community Centre
Telephone Language Companions
City Shul
Ontario Jewish Archives
UJA Federation Impact Toronto
Congregation Beth Haminyan
PJ Library
UJA Federation Women’s Philanthropy
Congregation Bina
Reena
SAH (Sponsorship Agreement Holder) Association
SAH (Sponsorship Agreement Holder) Council
Seneca College, English Language Institute,
TESL Program
Toronto Board of Rabbis
Toronto District School Board
Toronto Fire and Police Departments
Jewish Association for Volunteer Administration,
JAVA
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Jewish Family and Child
YMCA of Greater Toronto
Jewish Family Services, Ottawa
York Region Community Services and Housing
Jewish Federations of Canada, UIAJFC
York Catholic District School Board
Ve’ahavta
B’YACHAD: TOGETHER IN TORONTO
CONCIERGE PROGRAM
Participating Schools
Associated Hebrew Schools
Bialik Hebrew Day School
Etz Chaim Schools
JRoots
Kachol Lavan - The Centre for Hebrew & Israel Studies
The Joe Dwek Or HaEmet Sephardic School
The Leo Baeck Day School
Netivot HaTorah Day School
Or Chaim / Ulpanat Orot
Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School
Robbins Hebrew Academy
Congregation Darchei Noam
Forest Hill Jewish Centre
Har Tikvah Synagogue
Holy Blossom Temple
Jewish Russian Community Centre
Maon Noam
Neshamah Congregation
Pride of Israel
Sephardic Kehila Centre
Temple Har Zion
Temple Kol Ami
Temple Sinai
Thornhill Woods Community Shul
The Village Shul
Tanenbaum CHAT
22
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
Toronto Heschel School
23
JIAS TORONTO
JIAS TORONTO
4600 Bathurst Street
Suite 325
Toronto, ON M2R 3V3
1 Open Door
9600 Bathurst Street
Vaughan, ON L6A 3Z8
MAIN OFFICE
Tel. 416.630.6481
Fax.416.630.1376
YORK REGION OFFICE
Tel. 905.881.6500
Fax.905.303.5879
info@jiastoronto.org www.jiastoronto.org
24
JIAS TORONTO ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
25