Annual General Meeting

October 18, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mission Statement and 2010/2011 Statistics ........................2 Executive Director and Board Chair Report......................2 Shelter Services.............4 Child and Youth Services Residential Services............... ...4 Womens Services Residential Program....................5 Life Skills Program Residential Services....................6

Outreach Services......6 Robins Hope Transitional Housing ... 6 Womens Outreach Counselling .. 7 Child and Youth Outreach Services...........................7 Aboriginal Outreach Services.........8 French Language Services................................................8

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Volunteer and Education Programs .............9 Volunteer Program.................... 9 Community Education........ 9 2010/11 Board Members.............. 10 Staff Members...................10

MISSION STATEMENT
KIH is committed to supporting women and children experiencing violence and working collaboratively with the community to end violence against women and children.

In 2010/11 Kingston Interval House: housed 63 children and 199 women in the emergency shelter facilitated 326 safety planning sessions with women provided counselling and support to 206 children and 182 women in the community through our outreach program supported women by answering 2009 crisis calls provided rent-geared-to-income housing for 27 women and 9 children in Robins Hope Transitional Housing

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD CHAIR REPORT

The past year was a continuation of new beginnings for Kingston Interval House, during which we implemented new programs and structures in keeping with our commitment of supporting women, children and youth experiencing violence. With the opening of Robins Hope in July 2010, our second stage transitional housing program, women and their children now have a safe space where they can live and access additional support for up to one year after their stay in our crisis shelter. Over the course of the year, 27 women and 9 children have called Robins Hope home. As women now have access to transitional housing, the average lengths of stay at the shelter are now shorter and as such we have been able to provide shelter to more women and children this past year. In 2009/ 2010, shelter was provided to 231 women and children, whereas 262 women and children stayed at the crisis shelter in 2010/2011, with a total of 298 women and children sheltered through a Kingston Interval House program, a 29% increase in one year. This is a significant benefit to women who are attempting to leave abusive relationships as our services are more immediate and accessible.

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The implementation of a full transitional program at Robins Hope was made possible through the support of the United Way. In December we received a one time Community Impact Grant to pilot a Family Transition Support Counsellor. Along with the annual United Way shelter allocation, further one time funding was received to support the position for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. We are now able to provide critical life skills programming which includes financial planning, development of healthy relationships, community building and peer support networks as women move toward greater independence in community. As can be seen in the enclosed reports, all other Kingston Interval House programs continued with their reviews. Further work occurred to ensure the appropriate infrastructure was in place to support the agency growth and any program changes that were recommended as a result of the review process. Through a grant from HRSDC Canada Summer Jobs program, Rackebe Tesfaye was hired to conduct a comprehensive review of the Workplace Health and Safety Program. Revised and new health and safety policies, in addition to the creation of an occupational health and safety manual, are close to completion. As part of the review of our programs and operational procedures, we also looked at the training needs of staff and board. Many staff attended the workshop presented by the Sex Workers Action Group (SWAG). Through the skilled facilitation of Stephanie Simpson of the Queens Human Rights Office, we had two anti-racism/anti-oppression training sessions. Staff members have identified additional training needs as we look further at the operational practices of the agency. As such, staff meetings have been restructured so that adequate time is available for training and philosophical discussion to ensure that all practices continue to be consistent with our feminist philosophies. Eradicating violence against women and children cannot be addressed by any one agency, nor does it happen in isolation. It takes a community coming together. Community working together builds and strengthens our collective capacity to provide supports and services to women, children and youth at all levels, and enables us to work collaboratively on addressing systemic barriers. The coming together of the Kingston community is evidenced in many ways. Through the work of the Kingston Frontenac Anti-Violence Coordinating Committee, representatives from both justice and social service agencies including Kingston Interval House, meet together to address current and emerging issues effecting women and children. This past year, the work with the Survivors Advisory Council has been a priority along with preliminary reviews of the Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Protocols. The community has come together in the planning of social action events, including the National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women (December 6th), International Womens Week, and the Kingston All-Candidates meeting leading up to the provincial election. Kingston Interval House staff members also sit on the Social Justice Action Committee of the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH). Through OAITH, we work with other womens shelters from across the province to address systemic barriers for women. All of the work accomplished this past year has been made possible through the ongoing vital financial and volunteer support from the community. Funds raised through the annual Molly Golf Tournament, the Jeanine Perry Golf Tournament, the Royale Lepage Shelter Foundation Garage Sale, and the Shelter from the Storm Radio-thon ensure that the programs provided continue to be

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free of charge. The continuing generosity of the Kingston community with donations of money, household items, clothing, food, etc. provided us with much needed resources to support women and their children. Through the financial support of our primary funder, the Ministry of Community and Social Services, Kingston Interval House has continued to be able to provide quality services. Through the advocacy and support of our Program Supervisor, Lynette Cummings, one time funding was received to repaint the entire shelter, redo the hardwood floors and replace most of the laminate tile flooring. As such, the shelter is looking refreshed. In looking towards the future, the Board recognizes the need for increased and improved resources to support our changing and growing programs. An application was submitted to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for funds to assist with the development and implementation of a comprehensive Business and Resource Development Plan that will improve our Fund Development, Volunteer Management and Public Relations practices. Through Capacity Building Funds provided by MCSS, Susan File was hired for the summer to look at our current practices with an objective critical eye. The resulting document provides the agency with a multitude of recommendations to draw upon as we develop our Fund Development Plan. Every year we also take the time to reflect and thank the staff and board. Truly, Kingston Interval House cannot run without the collaborative efforts and passion that each individual brings. It is with sadness that we say goodbye to long time board members Beth Dougan and Georgina Riel, and staff members Zoe Kelley, Louise Thompson, Isabelle Desraspe and Cynthia Abraham. We have welcomed new staff, including Sarah, Jennifer, Malika and Amy. The ancient philosopher Evenius said "The undertaking of a new action brings new strength." Our new beginnings this past year have truly strengthened the capacity of Kingston Interval House to support women, children and youth. As we prepare to enter into our next strategic planning cycle in the upcoming year, we embrace the challenge before us and recommit ourselves to ending violence against women in our community.

SHELTER SERVICES
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CHILD AND YOUTH SERVICES RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM

Residential Child and Youth Counsellors provide support and educational programs to children, youth and mothers staying in shelter.

This past year has been full of new and continued programming and activities with the children and youth staying in our emergency shelter. Whether we venture out into the community or stay at the shelter, our focus continues to be helping mothers and their children connect with each other and feel safe in their immediate surroundings.

Within the shelter, we continued running the Peaceful Warriors Childrens Group and the Conversations with Moms Groups. Ongoing daily activities continued such as arts and crafts, nature walks, recreational games, educational games and activities, childrens intakes and together times, as well as Moms weekly check-ins and parental support. Teen nights on Mondays have been well attended and the Family Portraits offered to shelter residents continued to bring joy to families. Photographs taken during our summer outings captured children, youth and moms experiencing nature, physical activity and just plain fun in the sun! Participants were able to use the photos taken to scrapbook a keepsake of their experiences. Both womens and childrens quilting programs continued with weekend workshops such as Make a Quilt in a Day and Crazy Quilts. There were also several quilting group shopping trips made during the year. Special outings for children and families this year included: Horseback Riding, Bayview Stables, Boiler Room Climbing Gym, Little Cataraqui Conservation Area, Memorial Pool, Robins Hope Transitional Housing Tour, Buskers Rendezvous, Cineplex Odeon, Grass Creek Park, tobogganing, Skating, playing at various community parks and splash pads. We wish to thank the dedicated placements students and volunteers who have enhanced our services and community partners, Bayview Stables, The Boiler Room Climbing Gym, Ambassador Resort Aquatic Centre, and the YMCA for their on-going support and generosity to the children and youth staying at Kingston Interval House.

WOMEN S SERVICES RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM

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Womens Services Counsellors provide non-judgemental support, counselling and advocacy to women who stay in the shelter or call our 24-hour crisis and support line.
The shelter remained very busy and the house was at capacity for most of the year, with a waiting list. We have seen some new trends this year, with an increase in women whose first language is not English, and more young women between the ages of 16 and 24 staying at the shelter. As a result of increasing need, we have provided more recreational and supportive counselling programming and have recently introduced educationals for residents. The shelter facility received some upgrades this year, including new floors and a fresh coat of paint throughout the shelter, making it more welcoming and comfortable for residents.

262 women and children stayed in the shelter in 2010/11.

LI FE SKILLS PROGRAM RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Life Skills Coordinators offer healthy living information and support to women staying in the emergency shelter
The Life Skills program is new to Kingston Interval House and offers many important learning opportunities for women at the shelter. Life Skills Coordinators aim to support women in sharing the importance of a healthy lifestyle through nutrition, stress management, exercise and financial independence. Women are invited to participate in the process of preparing meals at the shelter, from shopping for the ingredients, to preparing and cooking the food and utilizing leftovers. Part of our program includes compiling a Handbook that women can take with them when they leave the shelter. When finished, the Handbook will include easy recipes, budgeting information, healthy snacks for children, menu planning and tips on living well.

OUTREACH SERVICES
ROBINS HOPE TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
This past year KIH received funding from the United Way to hire a Family Transitional Support

Robins Hope Transitional Housing offers second stage housing for women and children leaving KIHs emergency shelter.
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Counsellor (FTSC) for a one year contract. The FTSC provides individual and group programming and supports women and children residing at Robins Hope in their transition from emergency shelter. Women are connected with community resources including education, employment, longterm housing and cultural activities. Families and individuals staying at Robins Hope have the opportunity to participate in programs that aim to build self-esteem, life skills, and coping skills. Some activities and workshops have included: Kids Activity Day, Movie Night, Parenting Skills, Gardening, Beading, Painting, Pot-lucks, and Budgeting. Support groups have worked on issues including assertiveness, goal setting, boundaries, and wishes & dreams. Additionally, volunteers from the community have donated their time to provide yoga and belly dancing classes.

WOMEN S OUTREACH COUNSELLING Womens Outreach Counselling provides service to women in the community who wish to establish violence-free lives.

182 women accessed support services through Outreach Programs in 2010/11

The Womens Community Counsellor (WCC)has had a busy year providing individual counselling as well as supporting women going through the family and criminal court systems. With an office at Robins Hope Transitional Housing, the WCC has been working closely with Blackburn Mews helping women transition from Robins Hope to successful independent living.

Additionally, the WCC co-facilitated groups for children that helped to bring the reality of what children witness to the forefront. This work has enhanced the programs ability to further support moms and help them cope with their children who have been exposed to domestic violence.

CHILD AND YOUTH OUTREACH SERVICES The Child and Youth Outreach Counsellor provides individual and group counselling to children and youth in the community who have been exposed to violence.

Child and Youth Outreach Services at KIH continued to provide support and resources to children affected by abuse this past year. The program ran eight groups in our community for children who have been exposed to abuse while providing support, information and educational resources to moms of these children.
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Individual counselling for children and youth continues to be an integral part of the program with support provided in-office and in area schools. Additionally, the Child & Youth Outreach Counsellor (CYOC) now attends Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School once a week to provide services to students affected by violence. The CYOC also continues to work closely with the Family Transitional Support Worker to provide programs and services to women and children residing at Robins Hope.

A total of 206 children received counselling and support from Child and Youth Outreach Services in the past year.

Connections to and collaboration with other community agencies continues including presentations to youth on healthy relationships and teen dating violence; working with a St. Lawrence placement student to create and implement a follow-up group for children and youth focusing on self-esteem, assertiveness and leadership skills; and collaborating with Girls Inc. and K3C Counselling Services

to gain funding for the recently introduced Girls Taking Action Against Violence prevention program.

ABORIGINAL OUTREACH SERVICES

The Aboriginal Community Counsellor offers women support, identifies and accesses housing, and liaises/coordinates with other community support agencies.
The Aboriginal and Rural Outreach Counsellor provides culturally specific programming for Aboriginal women and individual counselling for women in Kingston and surrounding rural areas. The outreach component of this program has continued to grow in the past year with the collaboration of other organizations including the Katarowki Native Friendship Centre, Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre at Queens and North Frontenac Community Services Land O Lakes Womens Program and Child Centre. Monthly moon ceremonies, two Aboriginal women sharing circles and one sharing circle for all women were successfully facilitated, and individual women were provided transportation to and supported during sweat lodges and fasts. Aboriginal Outreach Services also collaborated with KIHs Community Education Program, Sexual Assault Centre Kingston, Tyendinaga Native Womens Association, Tyendinagas Enyonkwanikonhriyo:hake Program (Good Minds) and HIV/AIDS Regional Services to plan two very important events that raised awareness of the high level of violence perpetrated towards Aboriginal women in Canada The Walk for Justice and Sisters in Spirit.

FRENCH LANGUAGE SERVICES Nous offrons soutien, conseils, relation daide, accompagnement, et ressources aux femmes vivants ou ayant vcu de la violence.
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Did you know? The City of Kingston officially became a French Designated Community on May 1, 2009.

KIH continues to take a leadership role in our community as our outreach to Francophones expands and we further develop connections and build networks with the Francophone community and its multiple resources.

In the past year, the French Language Counsellor has counselled and supported individual Francophone women, facilitated public education and support groups, participated in community events to raise awareness of our services in French, provided court support for individual women and advocated for Francophone women to receive services in the French language.

VOLUNTEER AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS

VOLUNTEER AND STUDENT PLACEMENT PROGRAM

The Volunteer and Student Placement Program provides opportunities for students and community members to participate in service delivery, community education, administration and fundraising efforts.
Volunteers and placement students have provided essential support to our programs over the past year. Here is a list of some of things they have done to enhance our services: 1) provided support to our quilting program 2) cranial massages by a Registered Massage Therapist 3) gourmet cooking 4) childcare for groups running at Robins Hope Transitional Housing 5) helped with administrative tasks 6) assisted in fundraising activities and public awareness events, such as bingo, the annual Molly Charity Golf Tournament and our Book Auction last fall. 7) language translation 8) gardening and weeding 9) help with groceries and food preparation 10) relaxation and yoga 11) general support to staff with shelter tasks cleaning, laundry, moving & sorting donations 12) and last, but not least, our dedicated Board and committee members!
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COMMUNITY EDUCATION The Community Education Program aims to increase public awareness of and support for KIH as well as increase public understanding of issues relating to violence against women.
In 2010/11, the Community Education program provided public education presentations and workshops to hundreds of individuals in community organizations, womens groups, post-secondary classes, student groups, law enforcement and secondary school classrooms. Topics included Kingston Interval House Services, Dating Violence, Identifying Barriers to Leaving Abusive Relationships, Forms of Abuse and Red Flags, and Feminist Social Action.

Collaborative projects with other community groups and agencies this past year included: Take Back the Night International Womens Week National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women Sisters in Spirit Vigil Walk for Justice Rally Multicultural Art Festival Provincial All-Candidates Debate The Poverty Challenge

Display tables were set up and staff engaged with community members last year at the Garrison Expo, the Educational Pow Wow at Queens University, and the International Womens Day Fair at City Hall and CFB Kingston. Staff from the Community Education programs at KIH and the Sexual Assault Centre continued to work together on a number of collaborative projects, pulling in more partners from student groups on the Queens campus and in the larger community. These efforts have culminated in a We Dont Stop Kingston website and facebook page that keeps community members informed of events related to issues surrounding violence against women.

2010/11 BOARD MEMBERS

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Chair Vice-Chair Secretary Treasurer Members

Margot Coulter Cristina Duchesneau Elizabeth Dougan Martha Stanton-Smith Irene Chisholm Elizabeth Goodyear-Grant Sari Graben Sharon Montague-Jackson Joanne Palmateer Georgina Riel Helen Robinson

KINGSTON INTERVAL HOUSE STAFF

Executive Director Residential Manager Administrative Support Worker Joanne Young Lambrini Soulos Tracy Egan

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Bookkeeper Education & Communications Coordinator Maintenance Coordinator Volunteer & Fundraising Event Coordinator

Amy Cordsen Michelle LaMarche Faye Ibbitson Angela Cronk

RESIDENTIAL SHELTER SERVICES

Child & Youth Services Life Skills Coordinators Relief Staff Sharon Boswell Pauline Langler Jami Cole Amy Price Christinah Kutama Yamun Nahar Lorie Young Jennifer Hannah Kathy Thompson Christine Roesler

Dominique Airey Natasha Maracle Emma Smith Gamila Abdalla Shak Kodjaguezian April Wood (contract)

Irene Andres Jennifer McCallum Sarah Stier Leigh Brunton Lori MacKenzie

Womens Services

SECOND STAGE HOUSING & OUTREACH SERVICES

Aboriginal & Rural Womens Counsellor Child & Youth Counsellor Family Transition Support Counsellor French Language Counsellor Womens Community Counsellor Jolie Brant Michelle Cunningham Carol Cantlay (contract) Malika Seguin-Gervais (contract) Annie Brisson (parental leave) Lisa Fox

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