annual report · 2019. 8. 15. · plan, a new set of bylaws, ... alberni due to the relative...

ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17

CONTENTS ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE………………………………..2

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE………….……...3

PROGRAM REPORTS

OUTREACH…………………………………………..…4

HEALTHY HARVEST……………………...………..….5

CLUBHOUSE…………………………….………….…..6

ADVOCACY……………………………………….…….7

PEER SUPPORT……………………………….………8

FROZEN MEALS……………...…………………….….8

HOUSING

ROGER STREET APARTMENTS…...……………….9

PORT HOUSE……………....……………………..….10

KENDALL………………………....……………………11

KING GEORGE APARTMENTS…………………….12

TESTIMONIALS............................................................13

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17 I want to welcome everyone to the Annual General Meeting for CMHA in Port Alberni. This past year has been a busy one to say the least. We have seen the departure of long time staff and directors, and the arrival of new faces to fill their shoes. Our ED, Bob Hargreaves, retired in December and the board went through a long search for a new ED which succeed with the hiring of Katrina Kiefer. Katrina was previously the Club House manager and is very familiar with our organization. The board is very excited about having Katrina as the ED, and even though many of you know her already, we encourage everyone to get to know her in her new position.

There have been a number of changes on the Board as well with some long-time members leaving and new people stepping forward to take their place. Mark Zenko, who was present for many years, stepped down and I have been the president for the past year.

On the services side, there has been less reorganization as we continue to provide all the same services as we have in the past, although the directors are committed to an ongoing review in order to improve what we do, and even add further opportunities where we can. For example, we are in the process of polishing off a new strategic plan, a new set of bylaws, finalize the accreditation process and strengthen our relationship with all our community partners, including CMHA British Columbia.

As the Board, we are eagerly looking forward to another year with continued progress in meeting the needs of our community.

Yours truly,

Todd Patola

President, CMHA Port Alberni

EXECUTIVE MESSAGE ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17

As I sit down to write an Executive Director report for the first time, I am filled with a sense of gratitude, hope, and nostalgia. It has been an interesting and busy year for CMHA-Port Alberni.

First, I would like to extend another big thank you to Bob Hargreaves, retiring Executive Director, for his years of service to this community. His legacy will continue, and we carry great memories with us as we continue the work he did for 17 years. I’d like to thank the Board of Directors, members, staff, funding providers, service provider partners, and the whole community, for such a warm welcome as I moved into my new role. It is a pleasure to serve with you. I have every confidence that together, we will make great strides towards achieving our Mission of: “mentally healthy people in a healthy society”.

This year marks the milestone 25th anniversary for CMHA Port Alberni. It’s a fitting time to take stock, reaffirm our foundations, and look to the future. In that vein, the Board of Directors will embark on the task of creating a local strategic plan. We have come a long way over the last few years as we focused our work within the three goals of the 2012-2017 CMHA National Strategic Plan; Strengthening Our Voice, Ensuring Quality Service, and Enhancing Organizational Health.

This year brought us some staffing and Board changes. As we wish some staff and volunteers the best on their path, we look forward to strengthening our current staff relationships, and welcome some new faces to our CMHA family. I have been privileged to be part of a very dedicated, hard-working, compassionate team. I am pleased to sit on boards and committees that are action oriented and focused on the health of this community. I look forward to enhancing our service delivery, and strengthening our partnerships within the broader network of providers.

I am pleased to inform you that CMHA-PA has submitted its application for accreditation to Imagine Canada. I look forward to receiving the decision from the peer reviewers in the fall of 2017. I am confident that they will recognize that our work and processes follow best practices, and industry standards for excellence, in recovery focused mental health care.

We continue to provide 102 units of multi-level supportive housing for marginalized people in our community, psycho-social rehabilitation programs that offer employment, belonging, education, housing supports, and supportive connections, a therapeutic horticulture program, homeless outreach and prevention to hundreds of people, advocacy, and healthy meals and training opportunities. All of our programs are strong, and continue to provide consistent service to vulnerable populations. As you read the reports from our 11 programs and services, please keep in mind that behind every paragraph, summary of statistics, and successes, is a team of people who create a caring, healthy, respectful environment so people with mental illness can thrive. I am extremely proud of the work that we do. Please join me in thanking this team who make this work happen every day, without fail, and with a smile on their faces.

Very sincerely,

Katrina Kiefer Executive Director, CMHA-PA

PROGRAM REPORTS ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17

OUTREACH Our Outreach Program works with clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Through the HPP (Homeless Prevention Program), Outreach works with women fleeing violence, young adults aging out of the juvenile system, people leaving corrections, people released from hospital and, first nations.

Outreach continues to be very busy connecting clients to services, providing supports, helping secure housing, and helping clients maintain housing through advocacy and rental supplements.

Challenges over the past year and going into the future are:

• Housing costs have increased dramatically, causing further hardship for people living in poverty and a greater demand on our rent supplement funds.

• According to realtors, families from other parts of the island have been purchasing homes in Port Alberni due to the relative affordability of Port Alberni real estate. Many of these homes have been rental units for a very long time. This has caused an even greater shortage of available rental units.

• Finding appropriate supports for clients to aid them in maintaining their housing has been a significant challenge. Due to the high volume of clients we work with it is very difficult for us to provide ongoing support.

• We face substantial barriers and challenges when trying to connect clients to Income Assistance. While our original Fast-Tracking Protocol still stands, the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation no longer seems to recognize it. The Ministry’s move toward online and telephone service has made it more difficult to assist new clients in opening files, which increases homelessness.

Outreach continues to build and maintain relationships with local and West Coast agencies, landlords, and property managers. These positive relationships benefit our clients in that landlords often call us first when they have vacancies, or are more willing to work with us if there are client issues. Our relationships with agencies often speed up the process of connecting clients with resources. These all help clients remain housed.

All in all, the last year has presented many new challenges but Outreach continues to strive to provide the best possible services and advocacy for clients.

As of June, 2017, Outreach has worked with over 1900 clients.

Respectfully Submitted, Mark Cairney, Laurie Allen, Michael Kleyn Outreach Frontline CMHA-PA


HEALTHY HARVEST FARM Healthy Harvest provides a meaningful and inclusive environment for people living with disabilities to engage in valuable work. The farm aims to help clientele gain a transferable skill set, build community and learn the full cycle surrounding growing vegetables. Spending time in nature, digging in the soil, and nurturing plants, contribute to personal wellness. The hard work of participants has broader implications for the community at large by contributing to local food security, as well as providing community members with a source of non-certified organic vegetables. The past year has seen significant improvements to the farm site (perimeter fence, wash station, mobile chicken coop, new greenhouse), and a strengthening of partnerships with community organizations such as the Hupacasath First Nation, INEO Training and Employment, Alberni Valley Gleaning Project. Healthy Harvest Farm is the teaching site for a number of workshops open to the community with the aid of the Grow Local Grant, a joint partnership between the Regional District and the Alberni Valley Transition Town.

Above and beyond our committed paid staff, Healthy Harvest Farm has several community volunteers who contribute their time to the farm, high school students, and people seeking work experience to help with securing jobs. The numbers of people utilizing the farm in various components over the past year has included 12 Clubhouse members, 8 INEO clients coming for work experience, over 30 community volunteers, and 2 separate classes from the high school. Having a broad cross section of the local community contribute and learn alongside our clients is an integral way to decrease the stigma around mental illness, as well as allowing for less isolation for the participants who came out.

Through learning to grow, nurture, and harvest organically grown vegetables, clients can begin the journey to take a more proactive approach to their own self-care. They feel valued, productive, and see the direct results of their contribution. In this supportive environment clients build confidence in their own capabilities, and learn how to interact respectfully, as part of a team.

Respectfully submitted,

Anna Lewis Manager of the Healthy Harvest Farm


CLUBHOUSE The Clubhouse continues to grow and evolve. During the past year, staff have worked together with members to ascertain what the greatest need of members are, and how individuals can be best supported in maintaining mental wellness through the programming offered.

Clubhouse programming has had its focus on transitional employment development. We have acquired one new contract for janitorial services at Paawats daycare run by the Huu-ay-aht First Nation. This gives two members 5 hours of work each week, significantly helping them to increase their income. Members continue to gain meaningful employment through the following contracts: Catalyst landscaping and mowing, Portal Players Theatre janitorial, Alberni Drug and Alcohol Prevention Society janitorial, CMHA janitorial, and Roger Street apartments janitorial and maintenance. Currently 17 members are involved in the transitional employment program. Further, several members are involved with the Healthy Harvest Farm and gain meaningful work, sense of community, and income from working there.

Staff was sent to observe the work ordered day and programming at the Pathways Clubhouse in Richmond. The Pathways Clubhouse follows the same standards and runs it programming with 20+ staff. New Horizon’s staff felt confident after the visit that we are following the Clubhouse protocol very competently. Staff found the strategies used in the Pathways Clubhouse programming to be useful and have implemented some of the strategies seen there.

The meal programming is always important in helping to meet members’ basic needs. We serve approximately 600-700 meals per month that members help to plan and prepare. We recently have added a free pancake breakfast once a week. On these free pancake Thursdays, members and staff meet to communicate about Clubhouse matters in the membership meeting, and do the biweekly menu planning.

The Clubhouse is currently completing a self-study document from the International Centre for Clubhouse Development (ICCD) as part of the requirement for Clubhouse accreditation. This is being done for our much-anticipated visit from the ICCD accreditation team who will be accrediting our Clubhouse come September 2017. Membership numbers have increased as need has increased, and awareness of the Clubhouse has been raised in the community. Membership currently stands at 283, a gain of more than 10 new members over the last year.

In the Clubhouse, a canteen has been opened so members who may need basic necessities can buy small quantities of items at a low volume and low cost. Additionally, members take on the responsibility of running the canteen, looking after inventory, and balancing the cash.

The annual fundraising efforts of Tag Day were rewarded this year as more than $1400 was raised for Clubhouse programming.

In the garden area, staff and members worked hard to take down and rebuild the retaining wall. The old wall was disintegrating, and the new wall is safer and looks so much better. The garden plots have been planted and we look forward to reaping what we sow with another bounty of herbs and veggies at harvest time.

Respectfully Submitted Michael Markin Clubhouse Generalist, CMHA-PA


ADVOCACY The Advocacy Program continues to be a very busy place. Wednesday morning “drop in” continues to be chaotic and often times the “drop in” lasts all day, leaving only Friday mornings for appointments. This increase in traffic is partly due to the government’s restructuring of the Ministry of Social Development and Innovation and the loss of the MSDI Outreach position. The restructuring of the Ministry has presented challenges to the work load of advocates and support people all over the province. Advocates throughout BC have signed and presented a letter to various Government offices suggesting changes, to better serve people with high needs.

Income tax traffic also increased this year as CMHA Advocacy was, along with Echo Centre, the only no cost place to have one’s taxes done. The Advocacy office was very pleased to have the help of a local CRA trained volunteer to help with this. Tenancy issues continue to be a regular aspect of the Advocate’s job as well. Also on the rise this year is an increase in the number of CPP and CPP-D applications as MSDI clients are now required to fill out and submit a completed application form, whether they are eligible or not. No longer is the Ministry accepting a Statement of Account from Service Canada.

The Advocacy Office is definitely the front line of service, and therefore sees the needs and challenges of people in this community as they try to navigate systems. The work is without an end as there are always new issues and struggles that people are faced with, and at 11 hours per week, the position requires an ability to prioritize and manage time.

We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia through BC Gaming. Respectfully Submitted, Rainie O’Connor Advocate, CMHA-PA


PEER SUPPORT Since the last AGM report, Peer Support still continues to be well attended. Last year, we averaged, each month, 123 drop in visits, 13 client assists, and 31 phone referrals or call outs.

We are still the welcoming faces to the public who come to CMHA. In the summer, under the direction of Katrina, Peer Support put on a training session for 6 applicants. They were all successful and graduated the class, and are now full-fledged Peer Support Workers in and out of the office.

The Peer Support team, along with the MHSU team, set up and manned tables in the health square at WCGH during mental health awareness week. (May 1-15) The tables and information displayed, received a positive and caring attitude by those who stopped by. We look forward to working with the MHSU team again next year.

Our new brochures are printed and we are in the process of getting them distributed to the various agencies in town.

A friendly reminder that the Peer Support hours are Monday to Friday 1:00 to 4:00pm. The coffee pot is always on.

Take care and have a safe summer.


Bev Nielsen Senior Peer Support Worker, CMHA-PA

FROZEN MEALS The Food Matters Program continues to be very busy and highly utilized. Currently the team produces 3 meals per week, for about 45 clients, with about 17 individuals on a wait list. This year we have changed things up a bit with the introduction of the position of “Mentor”. This position has been filled by a previous graduate of the program. He is an invaluable resource, not only helping students learn specific skills, but serving as an example that employment after graduation is indeed possible. In addition to the hiring of a mentor, we have also partnered with Island Health and have introduced to the group a Mental Health Rehabilitation Worker who assists in our work day. Having an extra professional working alongside the Coordinator, has been very helpful as the Food Matters Program is not only a place where individuals come to learn cooking skills, it is a place to share and belong in a non-judgmental environment. This special place sometimes brings up emotions and issues and having another professional in the kitchen is a true asset for the students. We look forward to another busy year, developing skills for trainees, and preparing nutritious meals for those who are challenged with cooking for themselves.


Rainie O’Connor Interim Coordinator Frozen Meals Program CMHA-PA

PROGRAM REPORTS ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17 HOUSING

ROGER STREET APARTMENTS Roger Street Apartments remained at full 42 unit capacity for this entire year except one month when one unit was vacant. The provincial Shelter rate for a single person remains at $375.00, therefore the RSA shelter rate is the same. Throughout the 9 year history of RSA, no one has ever been assessed to pay more than $375.00.

Our housing waitlist currently stands at 48. With very few move outs, most on the waitlist will hopefully either independently find other housing, or receive assistance to locate alternative housing opportunities. The housing rental market in Port Alberni is at an all-time high and it is increasingly difficult for those with lower incomes to secure safe, affordable housing.

It’s not only the subsidized rent that keeps people happy and healthy at Roger Street Apartments but it might also be the nutrition support and social activities. Cindy, our full-time night staff person, has added a huge psychosocial support component to the service delivery model we offer. The tenants participate in the preparation and sharing of one hot meal per month, join in several games nights, craft, painting and movie nights. In addition, RSA has expanded its existing garden area, in part thanks to Island Health, who has joined our garden effort with a few of their clients sharing our garden space. A large back yard is available and the plan is to construct a gazebo and gravel seating area section close to the garden. We are also re-doing our horseshoe pit. The units at Roger Street are small, so offering those comfort features, adds more rest and relaxation space for tenants to enjoy.

17 women and 25 men occupy the residence. We are staffed with two full time tenant support workers and 5 casuals cover regular staff vacation time and weekends. We have 4 casual maintenance workers who help to keep the building and grounds safe and clean. 8 tenants are signed up for the New Horizons Frozen Meal Program, and others have expressed interest and are waitlisted. 16 tenants are connected in some way to Island Health supports. 34/42 tenants are designated Persons with Disabilities.

It is still our dream to find ways to fundraise and put in request proposals for an on-site fully functional kitchen whereby more community meals can be made and will provide us with an opportunity to teach and run a Community Kitchens style program for interested tenants. Presently each unit is outfitted with a 2 burner stove but no oven anywhere in the building. Tenant’s cooking areas are combined with their sleeping and living space.

Thank you to our hard-working Clubhouse Transitional Worker who helps to keep the building clean.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mark Vandervelde RSA Program Coordinator, CMHA-PA


PORT HOUSE This past year, Port House has begun a positive transition, to improve the quality and consistency of the services we provide in the community. This includes shifts in management, on multiple levels; and providing staff development opportunities. We have undergone significant home renovations, creating a more inviting, comfortable and practical living/working environment; and are still in the process of further improvements. We have acquired new staff members, who have been a welcoming addition to our team; and seen multiple new residents walk through the doors for the first time. On a sad note: On May 10th, we lost one of our long-term residents. Whitey/Zoey the cat was a sweet, gentle girl, who adopted Port House several years ago, and brought joy and companionship to many people during her time with us. She will be dearly missed.

When asked how their stay at Port House has impacted their rehabilitation, residents have responded with a positive attitude. What appears to be the most important factor is having a safe, clean and welcoming environment to reside in, even if it is for only a short while. 24/7 staffing is also a comforting reassurance. Appreciation for structure and routine, and not having to worry where their next meal will come from ensures their basic needs are being met, which allows them the opportunity to focus on their goals.

In respect to our contractual obligations with MHSU/Island Health, we have exceeded our occupancy requirements, with 1224/1460 (83.8%) available beds utilized during the past fiscal year. Communication and collaboration amongst our associated organizations is flowing, positive improvements are being made, and we are heading in a direction that will allow us to further enhance our service.

Overall, it has been an exciting year to be a part of this evolving organization. Moral is up, and we are continuing to develop a stronger-skill set, to enable us with the tools needed to improve the quality of our service. We strive for excellence, and are optimistic there will be a bright future for our program!


Shaunah Cairney Interim Program Coordinator CMHA-PA


KENDALL Kendall has seen a bit of change in the past year with a few tenants moving out and in, as well as a new Program Coordinator and a new Maintenance Staff in January. The fifteen rental units at Kendall have maintained full occupancy.

Four of our residents have been working at part-time jobs to supplement their income and one person attends a program at North Island College.

The canteen and breakfast club have continued to be self-sustaining and well enjoyed by Kendall residents. We have tried to improve the health value of breakfasts by adding fruit and sometimes orange juice to the menu and also buying whole grain bread and pancake mix. Extra funds are saved

for field trips, barbeques, etc. Some of our residents went on a field trip on May 5th to Parksville which was quite fun. It was the day of our annual inspection, for which everyone worked really hard to get their places looking spotless. Recently we have created a Kendall Facebook page so we can stay connected with the Clubhouse and members of CMHA Port Alberni. We have also been building a few small planters so we can grow some veggies or flowers at Kendall.

The apartments are checked regularly for cleanliness and any maintenance that may be required. Sometimes tenants require extra help from staff to keep their places clean and tidy. All but one unit have been painted since the beginning of 2016. Early this spring we had an all tenant meeting to discuss how to save on our hydro usage; the bills went up considerably this winter and we have been doing our best to reduce this cost.

Overall, this year has been significant and progressive. We look forward to another year of building a positive, supportive community together.


Diane Vandervelde Program Coordinator CMHA-PA

PROGRAM REPORTS ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17 KING GEORGE APARTMENTS The King George Apartments continues to provide 42, one and 2 bedroom, low rent, and below market value homes to low income people in the community. We have a very beneficial and respectful partnership with the owners. The building managers, Karen and Dave Fairbanks, have consistently, compassionately, and thoroughly, provided service to the tenants and maintained the building to a very high standard. We are pleased to say that the building has undergone an appealing facelift with a complete exterior renovation. It now has a new building envelope, including new windows. There is new carpeting in the main hallways as well. Karen replaced the old front entrance couch with a welcoming new entry bench. The building occupancy rate has remained at 99%. The remaining 1% was due to repair and maintenance timing between move outs. The building retains a strong community atmosphere and continues to be a true home to 42+ people. We look forward to continuing to provide a healthy, affordable, and safe home to this community of people. Respectfully submitted, Katrina Kiefer Executive Director, CMHA-PA

TESTIMONIALS ANNUAL REPORT 2016–17

I just would like to say that the program offered by CMHA has saved my sanity and my life. I am forever grateful for the emotional support, combined with the financial support;

I am certain that without the kindness and support, I would be in the psychiatric ward of the hospital by now....and most likely homeless.

Seriously, it is a powerful Program you have here. Thank you will never be enough!

God Bless You All!! -S.S.

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My interaction with CMHA has been life altering! They are a true safety net! I was on the verge of despair and they rescued me!

Having no place to live had devastating effects on my self respect and what I perceived as my potential for redemption. Homelessness creates such a helpless free fall that I was losing focus on solutions. I began to question whether I was really worth the effort. After all, to reach my age (54) and realize that I've failed to established even enough of a personal support network to remove homelessness as a possibility was a blow that reverberates in my soul! These wonderful people reached down through all my fear and self-doubt and gently pulled me back onto firm ground! From settling pragmatic realities to providing emotional support... their skills, compassion and degree of commitment are incomparable! My gratitude is limitless! -R.C.

annual report · 2019. 8. 15. · plan, a new set of bylaws, ... alberni due to the relative...

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