Annual Report 2015

Annual Report 2015
Minwaashin Lodge
The Aboriginal Women’s Support Centre
Respecting women is our culture
Table of Contents
Thank you To Our Funders....................................................................................... Page 1
A Message from the President................................................................................. Page 2
A Report from the Executive Director...................................................................... Page 3
Minwaashin Lodge Team.......................................................................................... Page 4
Minwaashin Lodge Lifecycle Service Model........................................................... Page 5
Scared Child Program............................................................................................... Page 6
Spirit Movers and Fire Keepers Youth Program...................................................... Page 7
Culture Program........................................................................................................ Page 8
Counselling Services................................................................................................. Page 9
Oshki Kizis Lodge.................................................................................................... Page 10
Outreach................................................................................................................... Page 11
Sex Trade Outreach Mobile (STORM)................................................................... Page 12
Urban Partnerships.................................................................................................. Page 13
Courage to Soar...................................................................................................... Page 14
Employment Readiness Program........................................................................... Page 15
Apatisiwin Program................................................................................................. Page 16
Success Stories........................................................................................................ Page 17
Volunteerism............................................................................................................ Page 18
Wisdom Keepers..................................................................................................... Page 19
Summary of Program Revenue and Program Expenditures................................ Page 20
Auditor’s Report..................................................................................................Addendum
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Our Vision
We envision a world where all
of creation, the earth, the air, the waters,
animals and people are safe, honoured
and respected; where children and elders
are valued; where culture and
diversity are celebrated.
Minwaashin Lodge
Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Thank you to our Funders
Public Health Agency of Canada
Community Action Program for Children
Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centers
The City of Ottawa
The Ministry of Community and Social Services
The Province of Ontario
*The Ontario Women’s Directorate
The United Way
The Children’s Aid Society
Family Services Ottawa
Status of Women Canada
Heritage Fund of Ottawa
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Accenture Inc.
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
A Message from the President
Ottawa boasts a thriving, strong and vibrant Indigenous community. Minwaashin Lodge is a proud part of this
community – and part of its strength. Every day the passionate, dedicated staff of Minwaashin work to improve
the lives of Indigenous women and their families. Any Indigenous woman or child, regardless of status, is welcome. A variety of services are available to those who are experiencing, or have experienced, violence – including inter-generational trauma as part of the colonial past, such as the terror of residential schools. Some of our
many programs include counselling, the Sacred Child program, Spirit Movers and Firekeepers Youth Program,
Employment and Training programs, drumming, pow-wows and celebrations, Sex Trade Out Reach Mobile
outreach and a safe haven at Oshki Kizis Lodge.
Despite the valiant efforts of Minwaashin Lodge and similar organizations across the country, Indigenous women still face great challenges, not the least of which is a heightened risk of violence, including murder. Indeed,
this danger found one of our community members when a former Minwaashin Lodge staff member died horrifically this summer. And yet, through the tears, everyone pulls together and carries on, doing what is necessary to
strengthen individual women, whole families and our community.
There are so many reasons that Minwaashin Lodge staff continue with this important work day after day; it is due
to our successes, which are also daily. The women and children who find safe housing at the Lodge and a daily
life free of violence. The children we see grow strong and proud – they come year after year; and now some
come with their own children, or become staff and board members. The woman on the street who knows that
STORM will offer non-judgemental companionship and the comfort of warm clothes and a snack. The Elder who
grew up ashamed of her identity but now brings her pride and wisdom to the community and whose glowing
smile inspires everyone she meets.
Minwaashin offers valuable services but these cannot be provided without our Funders, without our trained and
dedicated staff, without the leadership of our Executive Director, Mary Daoust, the gifts of time and money from
volunteers and donors, the support of the Board of Directors, our Elders, and the strength that is our heritage.
We are a community.
Respecting women is our culture. Thank you to the staff, volunteers, board of directors and clients who come
together to make Minwaashin Lodge the incredible, safe space that it is.
Dr. Maryanne Pearce
President of the Board
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
A Report from the Executive Director
Since taking over as Executive Director in June 30, 2014, I have been very blessed.
The Board of Directors has continued to be undeniably supportive as I transitioned into this position full time.
I am so grateful to everyone who was involved in making my first year such a successful and memorable one.
We care about the women we serve and it shows in all the success stories; as a matter of fact, this year we are
sharing a few stories of our own in this AGM Report.
I am super excited to share our good fortune in enhancing the Housing First Initiative with three new full time
Housing First – Case Manager positions. The funding was confirmed through the City of Ottawa under the
Federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy for the next two years. Minwaashin Lodge received one full time
Outreach Worker position funded by the Ontario Federation of Indigenousness Friendship Centres (OFIFC)Ottawa Aboriginal Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) for the next two years. Plus, one full time position
as an Employment Youth Coordinator for one year. We were very blessed to continue receiving support from
the City of Ottawa to fund our Sex Trade Outreach Mobile (STORM) Program for the next two years under the
Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI). Effective July 1, 2015, United Way has funded a part
time ‘Children Who Witness’ Therapist for the next three years. Our shelter, Oshki Kizis Lodge, desperately
needed a therapist to work with the moms and children that are fleeing violence and under duress.
We continue to struggle with trying to find funding for our Wisdom Keepers Grandmothers 55+ Program. Our
Grandmother continues to work two days a week offering traditional 1:1 healing and social skills workshops
to women who desperately need to make a spiritual connection to their ancestral backgrounds. Minwaashin
Lodge will continue to search for long term funding for this position, as it is the core to the well being of our
peoples.
The Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) funded a new Evidence Based Feasibility Study
for the Aboriginal Women and Children Treatment Centre. This First Nations, Inuit & Metis Centre (FNIM)
is strongly supported by community partners and the Champlain LHIN district and continues to be a goal
for Minwaashin Lodge. This will be a wrap around service to moms with addictions and will provide clinical
and therapeutic services. This unique centre will enable young children to remain with their mothers as they
recover from addictions. Family support will also play an integral part in their healing. More steps to follow as
the Board moves forward with its Strategic Plan.
We were honoured to host the Walking with Our Sisters event this August as the touring art memorial to
missing and murdered indigenous women arrived in Ottawa. It opens next month at the Carleton University
Art Gallery. The CBC news link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/walking-with-our-sisters-arrives-inottawa-1.3202391.
Minwaashin continues to grow, and we envision a safe home that is filled with healing, culture and empowerment for women and their families. Women say that Minwaashin is their home and I am honoured to be a part
of this great and abundant lodge.
CHI-Meegwetch to all our funders, donors, Board Members, and our wonderful staff who tirelessly offer their
ongoing support to our babies, children, youth, families and elders who count on us to give them hope and
support for a happier, healthier and better tomorrows.
Respectfully yours,
Mary Daoust
Executive Director
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Minwasshin Lodge Team
Board of Directors
Maryanne Pearce
Louise Profeit- LeBlanc
Lynn Desjardins
Michelle Brass
Katherine Irngaut
Pamela Wolfe-Roberge
Jo McCutcheon
Johanna Lazore
Tracy Lavallee
Jennifer Lord
Staff
Mary Daoust
Elaine Kicknosway
Irene Compton
Frances Daly
Irene Lindsay
Ida Kakekagumick
Kate Holden
Helene Longpre
Patricia Animikwan
Diane Wolfe
Shar Chowdhury
Florence Hiltz
Kateri Miles
Victoria Desilets
Deena Fontaine
Shelly Longboat
Jasmine Kelly
Amanda Giroux
Brooke Goodsell
Lucy Lu
Toni King
Vera Wabegijig
Tina Vincent
Verna Mcgregor
Barb Wolfe
Jessica Dumont
Jeanette Jackson
Vicky Chief Kristen Johnson
Wendy Jocko
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Executive Director
Manager, Children and Youth Program
Manager, Culture and Employment Programs
Manager, Oshki Kizis Lodge
Traditional Healer
IT Systems Maintenance/Reception
Bookkeeper
Executive/Human Resource Assistant
Maintenance Worker
Housing First Case Manager/Transitional Support Worker
Family/Transitional Support Worker
Sacred Child Assistant
Youth Worker
Crisis Counsellor
Employment Youth Coordinator
Addictions Counsellor
Outreach Worker
Outreach worker STORM
Outreach worker STORM
Counsellor/Art Therapist
Children Who Witness Therapist
Culture Program Assistant
Employment Counsellor
Employment Counsellor
Residential Support Worker
Residential Support Worker
Residential Support Worker
Housing First Case Manager
Housing First Case Manager
Cook/Residential Support Worker/Maintenance
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Minwaashin Lifecycle Service Model
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Sacred Child Program
The Sacred Child Program works with many community
partners to educate parents and families on topics such
as nutrition, family violence, child development, and
parenting skills.
• Annual Children/Youth Winter Gathering
• Traditional teachings with visiting elders, walking
out ceremony, naming ceremony
• Seasonal cultural Activities, Sweetgrass picking, pow
wow dance presentations, family feasts, jam making
The Sacred Child Program offers family support and
guidance from pre-natal care to children aged 0-6 years
old with home visits, support circles, family gatherings,
and cultural development. There are 85 families
registered in the program this past year.
• Traditional teachings included in all
programming and within “Our Way of Parenting”
weekly sessions
The families that participate in the numerous planned
activities of Sacred Child have found encouragement in
creating healthy family routines, friendships with other
parents, and support in accessing the other services
provided at Minwaashin Lodge.
PARTNERSHIPS:
• City of Ottawa Public Health
• Ottawa Public Library
• Ottawa Food Bank
The program also strives to recognize and respect the
roles of women in the family. All programs are offered
free of charge. The Parental Relief offered by the Sacred
Child staff is vital to parents who may need the time for
counseling, employment and computer readiness
training.
• Ottawa School of Art Outreach
Program
• Snowsuit fund
• Toy Mountain/Sharing in Students
Success Program/Caring
& Sharing Exchange
• United Way-Gifts in Kinds program
• Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition/Urban
Aboriginal Strategy
• Ottawa Public Health
• Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre
• Odawa Native Friendship Centre
• Ontario Best Start & Early Yrs Centre’s
• Kumik/Iskotew Elders Lodges
• Connect with Kids
•Wabano
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Southern Ontario Diabetes Worker
• Family Spa Day
• Metis Nation of Ontario
• Annual Back pack school supplies/toy mountain
• Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa
• Family Abuse Awareness Mini Wow held on Family
day in Feb 2015
• Aboriginal Makonsag Head Start
• ONWA- AHBHC - Family Home Visitor
• Our weekly CASO FNIM playgroup
• Ottawa First Words
• Weekly access/visitation with CASO so children/
youth are involved with community programming
• Canadian Association of Family
Resource Programs (FRP Canada)
• Annual Halloween family fun night
Funding for the Sacred Child Program
Is provided by Public Health Agency of Canada
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Spirit Movers and Fire Keepers
Youth Program
The Spirit Movers and Fire Keepers is an Aboriginal,
Inuit and Métis focused program for boys and girls
aged 7-11 years old, and youth aged 12-18. There
were over 300 First Nations, Inuit and Metis youth
impacted by our programming.
All the activities are based on traditional cultural
teachings and are very interactive. Guest speakers
provide information on various topics such as internet
safety, nutrition and art. The Spirit Movers and Fire
Keeper youth gain knowledge of their aboriginal roots
with age appropriate discussions and activities.
The Monday night youth program is culturally enriched
with the 7 Grandfather Teachings.
All activities and programs focus on restoring the lost
and fading traditions, beliefs and ceremonies to the
next generation.
Outreach support is offered at Rideau High school,
Youth Services Bureau and Robert Smart Centre.
These institutions greatly benefit from this program by
encouraging a better understanding of our culture and
what is available to urban Aboriginal people. Through
the Community Outreach Program many contacts are
made in group homes and other main stream organizations that serve Aboriginal youth to promote our
Youth programs.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ottawa School of Art Group
PARTNERSHIPS:
• Minwaashin Children and Youth Pow wow
• Odawa Native Friendship Centre Akwe:go/Wasa-Nabin Youth Program
• Traditional Food demonstrations
• Wabano Akwe:go Program
• PAW Paramedic Summer Camp
• Ottawa School of Art
• Century Public School Mini Pow Wow
• The Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa
• Ottawa School of Art Group
• Ontario Inuit Children’s Centre
• Aboriginal Youth in Care Gathering
• Youth Service Bureau of Ottawa
• Flotilla For Friends Canoeing day
• Ottawa Carleton School Board
• Métis Nation of Ontario
Funded by the City of Ottawa
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Culture Program
Respecting women is our culture
Minwaashin Lodge - The Culture Program empowers women to seek a healthy and cultural
lifestyle - Mino Bemaadziwin - for themselves and their families. The mandate of the program is
to assist First Nations, Inuit and Métis women find, cultivate and develop cultural leadership
and traditional skills. As well, the program provides opportunities for women to participate in
traditional gatherings, recreational outings and ceremonies.
Accomplishments
This year of funding is from the City of Ottawa. This program supports inclusion of First Nation, Inuit and Métis women who are isolated,
low income, survivors of trauma, violence and abuse or “at risk” to access programming to improve their quality of life through physical activity,
leisure, recreation and participation in Aboriginal cultural programming.
Our project, “Strengthening Cultural Connections for the Next Seven Generations” continues to be effective in maintaining and upholding
Aboriginal cultural identity and pride. This program provides the means of empowering women to embrace development of cultural leadership.
This program cultivated women leaders who are currently playing a significant role in raising the profile of Aboriginal peoples in Ottawa. These
leaders continue to enhance our program by transmitting these leadership roles to the next generation of women.
Highlights
• Odawa Neesak Toastmasters Club presented a 7 week public speaking series based on the Seven Grandfather teachings, which
graduated 8 women who are continuing to increase their skills through bi-weekly meetings at the Toastmasters Club.
• New this year: the Southern Door Book Club, which featured “Life Stages and Native Women” by Kim Anderson. It was held bi-weekly,
attended by 10 women who participated in the lively discussions while integrating traditional knowledge.
• The Culture program had in-house partnerships with the Youth Program over the summer months and with the Sacred Child program, fall
and winter, to provide another avenue of culture for families.
• Ceremonies were held on-site for women and their children including naming and walking out ceremonies, changing of the flags, medicine
walks, hoop dancing, drum awakenings, feasts, and circles, sweats, traditional and contemporary crafts, and traditional knowledge
workshops/circles.
• The Culture Program would like to acknowledge all its partners in Ottawa who are working together to provide collaborative cultural programs
for all the First Nations, Métis and Inuit families. Minwaashin says, Chi Miigwech for making our communities stronger, and healthier!
Partnerships
• Métis Nation of Ontario. Minwaashin Lodge partnered for traditional foods preserving and cooking workshops for over 40 women in
5 different workshops.
• University of Ottawa. Minwaashin Lodge partnered with Centre for Global and Community Engagement providing 8 students, from various
studies, with placement opportunities at Minwaashin Lodge via our Culture Program.
• Women’s Events Network Organizers of Ottawa. Minwaashin Lodge attended the outdoor and indoor vigils and events for December
6th National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and Take Back the Night. Indigenous women demonstrated
leadership, public speaking, and drumming at these annual Vigils to raise awareness of the impacts of violence against all women.
• Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women. Attended OCTEVAW’s 5th annual Vigil event focussing on stories of survivors and
missing women and children. Minwaashin’s drum group participated by opening the event with drumming and singing.
• Aboriginal Awareness Week. Supported various municipal and federal governmental departments during their respective Aboriginal
Awareness Week campaigns sending leaders from our culture program as speakers, workshop presenters and traditional drummers.
• Immigrant Women Services Ottawa. Participated at their Roses Candle Gala by providing drummers and singers.
• Truth & Reconciliation Event. Participated in their Walk for Reconciliation and Closing ceremonies.
Stats
Traditional Support Services, 168; Cultural Arts & Crafts, 188; Outings, 68; Healing Circles, 28;
Drumming & Singing Group, 168; Ceremonies, 86; Cultural Special Events, 128.
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
This program is
funded through
Heritage Fund
of Ottawa
Counselling Services
Minwaashin Lodge-Aboriginal Women’s Support Centre provides a range of counselling services to First Nation,
Métis and Inuit women, youth and children who are survivors of domestic and other forms of violence and whom
may also be suffering the effects of the residential school system. Our services are client centered, holistic and
culturally based.
The counselling program provides a full spectrum of services which includes: sexual abuse, substance use, family
issues, mental health, grief, and trauma, all forms of violence, anger management, anxiety, depression, sexuality, art
therapy, sand tray therapy for children and adolescences and life skills. To support Aboriginal women and children,
counselling is offered at our agency location and our shelter Oshki Kizis Lodge. Additionally, traditional healing such
as sweats, fasts, circles and drumming are offered to children, youth, adults, and elders.
2015 HIGHLIGHTS:
STATISTICS
• June 2014 - Women’s Gathering - 26 cultural and
holistic workshops were offered to 70 women. This
year Minwaashin had invited special guests to the
gathering. Jingle dancing/teachings and Inuit teachings.
During the past year:
• Approximately 1000 First Nation, Métis and Inuit
women and families received 1:1 counselling, art/
family therapy, crisis intervention, psycho-educational workshops, traditional support, healing circles,
teachings, sweats, fasts, ceremonies and referral
services.
• June 10-12th, 2016 - NEW date for the
‘Annual Women’s Gathering. Information on
the Gathering can be found on our website gathering@minlodge.com
• Addictions Services Initiative (ASI) program which
is funded through the City of Ottawa understands
how important it is to reach all Ontario Works (OW)
clients seeking support for addictions on a holistic
level. Minwaashin was given the opportunity to
create a Medicine Wheel model which was incorporated into the workplan to meet the needs of
precontemplative clients. The outreach for these
women has been very successful and continues to
grow. This will enhance the opportunities for the
women to move them into the contemplative stage
of accessing treatment and support with a long term
goal of employment.
• 2015-2018 - New position funded by United Way
“Children Who Witness” Therapist. This position
supports children ages 4 – 12 yrs in the shelter
system who have witnessed domestic violence. The
therapist will help the children heal from the trauma
of living in a violent situation, learning healthy ways
to cope with trauma and move into resiliency.
• On-going partnerships with the Children Who Witness Violence Committee to gain support with other
service providers in Ottawa.
• Pilot projects for mental health and well-being:
o “Walk for wellness’ program to encourage
walking and connecting to nature and the
land to support mental health.
Thank you to our Funders:
o Yoga for Women Warriors - in collaboration
with Santosha Yoga Ottawa which provided
yoga classes on-site to staff and clients to
promote well-being.
Ministry of Community and
Social Services (MCSS), City of
Ottawa -Addictions Services
Initiative program (ASI), and
the United Way.
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Oshki Kizis Lodge
Oshki Kizis Lodge (OKL), our 21 bed shelter for First Nations, Inuit and Métis women and children fleeing abuse
has been in operation since 2001. Oshki Kizis provides a safe place where traditional cultural values and practice
are honoured. All programs and services are rooted in the Seven Sacred Teachings. A holistic approach is used to
support the women and children while they begin their healing journey.
The staff team at OKL is comprised of a Manager of Residential Services, Residential Support Workers (full time,
part-time, and casual), Family Support Workers, Street Outreach Worker, Sex Trade Outreach Mobile (STORM), and
a Maintenance Worker. We work very closely with Minwaashin staff to ensure women and children access all services that they require, many Minwaashin programs are offered in-house to the women and children at the Shelter.
PARTNERSHIPS:
Oshki Kizis Lodge is funded by:
The Ministry of Community and Social Services
The City of Ottawa, funds the outreach and support services
OFIFC provides additional funding for homeless women
STATISTICS AND GENERAL INFORMATION:
• This year Oshki Kizis Lodge provided shelter and services to 91 women and 77 children
• Oshki staff continues to work closely with Children’s Aid Society and other service
providers to preserve and maintain families.
• Oshki has been recognized by Children’s Aid as a safe home for women to work on reunification with their children. Again this year, children in care were reunited at Oshki and
discharged from the care of Children’s Aid.
• Oshki’s Family and Transitional Support Workers continue to assist women in navigating
systems and provide advocacy for housing and other critical basic needs. In the
past year 42 families with 75 members have been housed.
• This year the Shelter answered 1390 calls from women in crisis.
• Staff answered calls from 98 women who could not be accommodated at the Shelter because there were no beds available or because they did not meet criteria.
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Outreach
The Street Outreach worker mainly services Central Downtown and Vanier, including community shelters,
food banks and drop-in centres. The Outreach Worker partners with other Homeless Outreach teams to
provide services to women who are homeless or at risk. The Outreach Worker also facilitates client’s
access to cultural, spiritual and practical supports. Outreach establishes and maintains relationships with
other service providers to ensure service and accessibility for clients.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
CONTINUING INITIATIVES:
• Housing referrals
• Outreach maintained its partnership with
ODAWA and YSB to provide cultural support
to youth.
• Hospital visits, court
• Medical accompaniment
• Outreach visits the Ottawa Carleton
Detention Centre, providing drumming
and Sweats for Aboriginal Women.
• Police support, Ontario Works
advocacy
• Liaison with incarcerated women
to provide support
upon their release.
• Ontario Disability Services Program
advocacy
• Facilitates access to legal supports
• Informal mental health support
• Promotion of harm reduction
• One on one individual support
• Distribution of clothing
• Providing hygiene and feminine
products
• Snacks, drinks
• Bus tickets for the purpose of
transporting to appointments
STATS:
The Outreach Worker has provided advocacy
and support to 197 clients over the last year.
This project is funded by the
City of Ottawa
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
S.T .O.R.M
The Sex Trade Out Reach Mobile (STORM) Program began in 2008.
It is a mobile team of two staff that reaches out to First nations, Inuit
and Métis women who are involved in the sex trade in the city of
Ottawa. STORM provides individual support and advocacy to street
involved women. STORM is often the first point of contact for
marginalized women in the sex trade who are often reluctant to
access services.
Services provided by S.T.O.R.M.
• Referrals to Minwaashin Lodge for Crisis and Addiction Counseling
• Referrals to Elders and Traditional Healing
• Referrals to Health Centers and/or transport to hospitals
• Referrals to Housing and other community services
• Safety planning for all women served
• Transportation and bus tickets
• Health and hygiene products, condoms and various other harm reduction supplies
• Needle exchange and crack pipe distribution
• We also provide bagged lunches, snacks, juice or hot chocolate, clothing, shoes,
winter coats and boots
• Provides women with updated “Bad Date” lists (Generated by Salvation Army)
• Distributes 911 phones to clients to be used to access emergency services
• Provides personal alarms to women
375 wom
en were
served
over the
last yea
r throug
h the S.
T.O.R.M
.
Program
.
s and remains the only
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re
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th
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lved in the Sex Trade.
vo
in
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om
S.T.O.R.M. continues
W
al
in
rig
ecifically serves Abo
service provider that sp
This project is funded
by the City of Ottawa
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Urban Partnerships Program - Pilot
The Urban Partnerships (UP) program is a youth employment and training program funded by the Ontario Federation of
Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC). Our objectives are to:
1.Deliver a comprehensive Youth Employment Program enabling Aboriginal youth to access education,
employment and life skills development, programming services and resources.
2.Develop partnerships. Our program has served as a driving force to mobilize our partners to set goals, give time and
effort to increase our program capacity and to ultimately improve the big picture by
implementing positive, progressive change furthering Aboriginal youth’s participation in the economy.
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES:
PROGRESS TO DATE:
• Partners with community organizations, colleges, private
training institutes and businesses to provide training and
employment opportunities for Ottawa urban Aboriginal
youth, 16-30 years of age.
• Matches eligible clients with potential employers
• Established partnership with Youth Services Bureau (YSB)
– Employment & Training.
• Provides employment and training opportunities to Aboriginal youth.
• Fosters youth empowerment, engagement and leadership
• Builds individual and group skills development.
• Increases youth’s capacity to effectively participate in the
labor market.
• Strengths-based philosophy that emphasizes youth as
the future and their capacity to bring added value to their
communities.
• A total of 24 clients served to date. Assistance included
processing of training allowances, child care, bus passes
and payment of tuition and books.
• Pre-employment supports coupled with pre-employment
training facilitated a number of clients successful entry
into the labour market.
• Collaborated with 6 educational institutions and partners
to deliver our first Aboriginal Educational Festival 2015.
THE PROCESS:
• Intake and assessment to determine the level of skills and
supports needed.
• Funding is distributed to eligible clients for employment
and training programs.
• The program works in conjunction with the Violence
Against Aboriginal Women services at Minwaashin Lodge
such as counselling, on-going culturally-based psychoeducational workshops and safety planning.
• On-going monitoring of participants in training and employment interventions are conducted.
• Upon completion of training and employment interventions follow-up is done to assist in the entry into the
labour force or provision of other opportunities.
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
One-on-one career counseling and support.
College and university support.
Individual coaching and mentoring for interviews
Pre-employment services to identify career goals,
develop and implement an Employment/Training
Action Plan.
Resume/Cover letters.
Paid placements.
Life Skills workshops.
Referrals and/or funding to specific occupational skills
training.
Confidence Building through Cultural activities
Helps participants develop job skills and improve academic outcomes.
Offers work placement opportunities and community
service hours (for graduation requirements)
Prioritizes and delivers cost-effective, highly qualifying
training and career options for each youth registering with
the program.
PARTNERSHIPS:
• Youth Service Bureau (YSB) – Employment Ontario
Service Centre
• Youth Service Bureau (Drop In)
• Ottawa Community Coalition for Literacy
• Odawa Native Friendship Centre
• Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition
• Ottawa/Carleton District School Board
• Academy of Learning
• St. Nicholas Adult High School
• City of Ottawa
• Algonquin College
• Carleton University
• Minwaashin Lodge’s Employment Readiness Program
STATISTICS: Clients served, 24; Training interventions, 15; Life skills, 6; Work experience, 14; Paid placements, 2.
Funded by the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Courage to Soar
Training and Career Options for First Nation, Inuit and Métis Women
Project Target
Enhancements and Supports
The Courage To Soar (CTS) program targets survivors of
domestic violence or women who are at risk of domestic
violence and are ready to build economic self-sufficiency.
The Ontario Women’s Directorate has approved
funding from April 2015 to March 2016. Therefore
securing training for 17 women.
The Courage To Soar Program is focused on ensuring that
each woman receives a range of supports leading to
successful graduation of program.
• Intake and assessment identifies the level of skills and
supports needed for each applicant.
Project Components
• Violence Against Aboriginal Women services and support, individual counseling, crisis-counseling, on-going
culturally based psycho-educational workshops, safety
planning and advocacy to assist women’s
participation in the training program.
• Career Development
• Training and diploma in Administrative
Assistant – Microsoft Office Specialist
Partnerships
• Individual Training Education and Employment Action
Plans based on cultural models such as the medicine
wheel and teepee pole teachings.
To enhance CTS in the delivery of support services and
training opportunities, Minwaashin Lodge has partnered
with other agencies and educational institutions:
• Willis College (training)
• Algonquin College (training)
• Ontario Works (employment assistance
benefits and job retention supports)
• Kagita Mikam (training & cost sharing)
• Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
• Causeway (employment Support)
• Job Connect (employment services)
• Adirondak and Maxsys (employment services)
• Apatisiwin (training & cost sharing)
• Ottawa Food Bank (emergency food)
• Four-week work placements to assist the participants to
enhance their skills and exposure to a working
environment.
• Office Administration Training tuition fees and books
are paid by the Courage to Soar Program. Training
prepares graduates for entry level positions.
• Tutoring, peer support and “first day at school”
supports is provided by graduates of the Courage to
Soar Program.
Benefits to the Program
• The Courage to Soar Program has proven to be a model program and has gained high recognition in the
Aboriginal community as well as by the Ontario Women’s Directorate and Ontario Works.
• Willis College has nominated the Courage to Soar Program for an award in excellence with the Ontario Ministry of
Education for 2013.
• Many applicants are referred by past graduates who have had a positive experience in the program.
• Graduates are proud of and use the leadership skills, self-esteem and confidence they have acquired as a result of
the CTS Program.
• The program has experienced an 80% success rate; our graduates go on to employment or choose to pursue further
training in colleges and universities.
Statistics
To date, Courage To Soar Program has the following statistics:
124 women registered for the program, 86 participated in the program, 74 women completed the program
799 women got jobs; full-time, part-time and / or self employed
18 women pursued further training.
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Employment Readiness Program
The Employment Readiness Program works in tandem with the Courage To Soar and Apatisiwin
program. This has strengthened Employment Readiness’s capacity to deliver more effective supports and increase economic advancement for Aboriginal women.
2015 Highlights
Group Work
Partnerships
• Four, 10-week cycles of Employment Readiness
Programming were delivered. Women received
professional supports such as career counseling,
resume writing, confidence building, education/
training information, job interview skills and peer
support.
Accenture: has raised the profile of Minwaashin
Lodge’s Employment Readiness Program and increased our capacity to add more workshops and
engage with professionals to assist
Aboriginal women.
Dress for Success: has outfitted 45 women with
professional clothing.
• Delivered monthly workshops via our partner
Accenture. To increase employability, women
received, “Skills to Succeed” workshops and
information sessions.
Kagita Mikam: has increased our capacity to
provide additional services & supports.
Employment Ontario, St. Lawrence College,
Algonquin College, Carleton University and
Ottawa University: has increased Aboriginal
women’s participation in education and
training institutions.
Individual Support
Participants received the following:
• Individual career counseling and support
• College and university entrance assessments
Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition (OAC): Our
partnership has increased Minwaashin Lodge’s
inclusion in strategies with both the City of Ottawa and the Government of Canada via OAC’s
leadership, pursuance and implementation of
economic advancement for Aboriginal peoples.
• Individual coaching and mentoring for interviews
• Pre-employment services to identify career goals,
develop and implement an Employment/ Training Action Plan
• Referrals to specific occupational skills training
City Of Ottawa/Ontario Works: has reduced
barriers to employment by assisting participants with tangible needs such as bus passes,
food and occupational clothing to become
employment ready.
• Violence Against Women counseling, support
and safety planning
• Support to navigate systems such as Ontario
Works, housing, education etc.
Stats
Fiscal year 2014/15 a total of 54 women participated in the Employment Readiness Program;
17 obtained jobs and 13 pursued further education.
Employment Readiness Program is currently funded by Ontario Women’s Directorate
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Apatisiwin Program
BACKGROUND:
The Apatisiwin Program is a training and employment program funded by the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)
through an agreement with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSD) and the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training
Strategy (ASETS).
Objectives of Program
• Funding is distributed to eligible clients for employment and training programs.
• Partnerships with community colleges, private training institutes and
businesses across the province provide training and employment
opportunities for Ontario’s urban Aboriginal people.
• The Apatisiwin program matches eligible clients with potential
employers.
• Provides employment and training opportunities to Aboriginal
clients who are not eligible through First Nation, Inuit and Metis
agreements.
Progress to Date
• A total of 32 client files were processed in fiscal year ending March
31, 2015 with a total of 59 interventions. Interventions included
the processing of training allowances, child care, bus passes and the
payment of tuition and books for training.
• The program funded 5 participants in Minwaashin Lodge’s Courage
to Soar program via Willis Business College’s, 17 week Administrative Assistant diploma program. Interventions involved a combination of payment of tuition, training allowances and bus passes in
order to ensure successful completion.
• Pre-employment supports coupled with pre-employment training
facilitated a number of women’s successful entry into the labour
market.
• The program funded 1 intervention for youth to “stay-in-school”.
• In addition to the processing of interventions, the Apatisiwin
Program was also part of Algonquin College’s Aboriginal Education
Committee (AEC) which included activities such as the participation
in the development of the strategic plan improve conditions and
services for Aboriginal students attending the College.
The Process
• Intake and assessment to determine the level of skills and
supports needed.
• The program works in conjunction with all the Violence Against
Aboriginal Women services at Minwaashin Lodge such as counselling, on-going culturally-based psycho-educational workshops,
safety planning and advocacy to increase women’s participation in
training and education programs.
• The Apatisiwin Program triages with the Courage to Soar and
Employment Readiness Program to prioritize and deliver best
training and career options for each women registering with
the Apatisiwin Program.
• On-going monitoring of participants in training and employment interventions are conducted.
• Upon completion of training and employment interventions
follow-up is done to assist in the entry into the labour market
or provision of other opportunities.
Partnerships:
Minwaashin Lodge’s Employment Readiness Program
Courage to Soar
Willis College
Algonquin College
Carleton University
Ontario Security Training
Accenture Inc. – Management & Consulting
Herzing College
Kagita Mikam
Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
Academy of Learning
St. Nicholas Adult High School
Ontario Works Employment Centres
City of Ottawa
Various Aboriginal organizations in Ottawa for job placements
and recruitment for example: AFN, NWAC, AFOA etc.
STATISTICS: A total of 59 interventions for funding was
processed in the 2014-15 fiscal year; 13 Purchase of training
interventions, 5 Courage to Soar interventions, 2 child care
assistance interventions, 7 youth interventions, 13 EI reach
back interventions, 15 CRF interventions and a total of over
240 client interviews / requests for information are done
throughout the year.
Funded by the Ontario Federation
of Indigenous Friendship Centres
(OFIFC)
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Success Stories
APATISIWIN PROGRAM
The following is a recent testimonial from an Apatisiwin client who has been accepted
into Carleton University’s Bachelor of Social Work, of which, only 100 students are
selected yearly. The client was accepted based on her academic standing.
“I finally received my high school diploma yesterday! Thank you kindly for
assisting me to realize my academic goals of graduating with an OSSD and
gaining admission to Carleton’s BSW degree program via the AESP program.
I could not have managed my accomplishments without your excellent service
and the Apatisiwin program.”
Challenges: The client is currently in search of post-secondary funding to continue
her education. Apatisiwin has provided the ceiling limit of assistance to date and cannot support her further. This sets back her hard won achievement and momentum to
achieve her education goals. We have several students who have to apply for OSAP
and go into debt for their education. We continue to support her with referrals and
mentorship for bursaries and scholarships.
OTHER SUCCESS STORIES IN 2014-15:
When clients complete the class component of the Courage to Soar Program (CTS), a
17 week Office Administration Diploma Program through Willis College, they have an
optional four week placement with an employer. This has been effective in assisting
the graduates to attain work experience and, alternatively, gives the employer an opportunity to know the graduates, work ethic, capabilities, personality and fit for their
organization. Our best practice of providing a paid-placement for the first month with
the employer has resulted in employers hiring the CTS graduates full time. Resultantly, one graduate attained a one year contract with the Elizabeth Frye Society, another
with Planned Parenthood Ottawa and a third has secured employment with a financial
services organization (AFOA).
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Volunteerism
Minwaashin Lodge – Aboriginal Women’s Support Centre provides a wide range
of volunteerism opportunities for community members.
Volunteers are from all walks of life and work. Students, grassroots and professional women
work together to make sure Minwaashin Lodge’s programs and services
are effortlessly delivered.
Volunteers provided support in areas of event planning and delivery, care giving, clerical,
fundraising activities, education, mentorship and programming support.
2014/2015 Highlights
Volunteers assisted at various special events as follows:
• March
Community speakers at Minwaashin Lodge, International Women’s Day
• March-April Income Tax Clinic and individual returns completed for low income women
• May
Honoring Mother’s Day - Brunch and Aboriginal Celebration
• June
Women’s Gathering Event
• July
Cultural Outings for women & children
• August
Annual BBQ and Back to School Event
• September Take Back the Night Event
• September Back to School Supplies Drive
• October
Farmers Harvest – providing fresh vegetables for women & children
• Dec
Annual Children’s Winter Gathering
• Jan – Dec
Information booths at multiple venues
• February
Professional Make Over Day for Women
• March-April Bi-weekly, food bank pick up and distribution
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18
Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
“Gathering of the Grandmothers”
Wisdom keepers 55+ Program
Minwaashin Lodge – Aboriginal Women’s Support Centre provides a wide range
of volunteerism opportunities for community members.
Volunteers are from all walks of life and work. Students, grassroots and professional women
work together to make sure Minwaashin Lodge’s programs and services
are effortlessly delivered.
Volunteers provided support in areas of event planning and delivery, care giving, clerical,
fundraising activities, education, mentorship and programming support.
2015 Highlights
Group Work
Individual Support
• Crafting & Beading Circles
Participants received the following:
• Healing Circles led by Grandmother
and Helper
• Traditional support, guidance
• Visiting Elders
• Hospital visits
• Counselling sessions
• Specific cultural events with Elders
• Food Bank
• Ancestry and Identity Workshops
Partnerships
Gignul Non-Profit Housing: has assisted the seniors with affordable housing. It accommodates
space in one of their buildings to conduct residential school survivors programming.
Ottawa Food Bank: has helped Minwaashin Lodge to reduce anxiety with respect to food security
for seniors.
Accenture: has provided Financial Literacy Information sessions.
Eco Equitable: has empowered women 55+ with sewing skills and development of supplemental
income
Carleton University and Ottawa University: has increased 55+ Aboriginal women’s participation in
continuing education.
Urban Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition: have increased opportunities for Elders to take lead roles at
public functions and cultural awareness events.
City Of Ottawa: has reduced barriers to 55+ Aboriginal women by assisting with financial
assistance to take part in different recreational programs throughout the city.
Stats: Traditional Support Services, 29; Cultural Arts & Crafts, 32; Healing Circles, 22;
Outreach, 126; food bank, 32.
55+ Program is funded by
Minwaashin Lodge
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Minwaashin Lodge - Aboriginal Women's Support Centre
Summary of Program Revenue and Program Expenditures
Year Ended March 31 2015
Program Revenue
Program Expenditure
Public Health Agency of Canada
Children's Aid Society
Family Services
City Of Ottawa
Province of Ontario-Ontario Women's Directorate
Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres
Department of Indian & nothern Affairs
Ontario Trillium Foundation
United Way
132,000.00
11,741.00
26,612.00
116,039.00
240,000.00
239,336.00
38,830.00
13,875.00
49,500.00
Staffing Costs
Professional/consulting services
Office & Administration
Travel & Meetings
Program costs
Professional Development
Other
867,933.00
MCSS - Non Shelter Revenue
435,600.00
1,886.00
49,679.00
2,731.00
343,640.00
5,128.00
29,269.00
867,933.00
MCSS - Non Shelter Revenue
Ministry of Community and Social Services
270,574.00
Staffing costs
Depreciation
Rent, utilities & maintenance
Fundraising
Other
Office & administration
Professional services
Travel & Meetings
Insurance
Telephone & fax
Resource materials
Office & computer equipment
Loss on disposal of assets
Cost recovery
270,574.00
Shelter Revenue
184,095.00
49,452.00
9,775.00
6,553.00
7,352.00
13,347.00
270,574.00
Shelter Expenditure
Ministry of Community and Social Services
City Of Ottawa
HRSDC - SCPI Funding as administed by City of Ottawa
Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres
Other
908,536.00
28,628.00
319,290.00
79,285.00
Staffing Costs
Professional/consulting services
Office & Administration
Rent, utilities, household supplies
Repairs & maintenance
Office & computer equipment
Program costs
Travel & Meetings
Insurance
Food & medical supplies
1,335,739.00
966,929.00
77,013.00
8,902.00
118,470.00
22,030.00
9,273.00
85,292.00
7,345.00
1,094.00
39,391.00
1,335,739.00
Net Revenue For the Year
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Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
0.00
Notes
21
Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
Notes
22
Minwaashin Lodge Annual Report 2015
100-1155 Lola Street
Ottawa, ON K1K 4C1