The Lighthouse exists to help people reach their potential by providing emergency shelter, supported living, and affordable
housing for anyone who is in need of a place to call home.
Annual Report 2013
Each year brings new and exciting challenges and successes, and 2013 has been no exception. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to help take the Lighthouse to new heights of growth and expansion which has enabled us to dramatically expand our services and programs. Funds from the capital campaign have al-lowed the renovation of the original tower to move forward. This will result in a more effective facility to serve our clients. Perhaps the most exciting and innovative initiative has been the creation of the Stabilization Unit which provides emergency shelter for manageably intoxicated people. This project was only possible with the support and partnership of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, Saskatchewan Health, and the Saskatoon City Police. Since July this program has helped hundreds of individuals. Thank you to all the staff, donors, and volunteers who have helped make the Lighthouse a catalyst for change in our city. Without your dedication and support, many of our initiatives would not have been possible. We especially want to thank the Ministries of Health and Social Services. Since we house and service some of Saskatoon's most marginalized, their proactive approach and added support has helped to ensure that our clients’ needs are met. We are positive that all our supporters’ and partners’ diligent efforts have led our clients to better, happier, healthier, and more productive lives. As we continue to overcome the challenges of a growing and thriving community, we can be confident that the Lighthouse will continue to provide support for those most in need in Saskatoon and beyond. Don Wendels Executive Director
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
UPLIFTING!
SINCE 1997, THE LIGHTHOUSE HAS OCCUPIED A DISTINCTIVE NICHE IN SASKATOON, OFFERING A WIDE RANGE OF SUPPORTED LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS AND SPECIALIZED PROGRAMMING TO HELP CLIENTS ACHIEVE INDEPENDENCE.
Programs offered at the Lighthouse are life changing and continue to provide safe living accommodations and focused programming to help clients find the resources needed to live independently as vibrant members of our community. Unique in its ability to house and support individuals facing complex challenges such as mental health issues, addiction struggles and cognitive disorders or physical disabilities, the Lighthouse complements rather than replicates the services of other community-based organizations.
MISSION
The Lighthouse exists to help people learn to live as independently as possible within their set of
Circumstances. This process begins with providing emergency shelter, supported living and affordable
housing for anyone in need of a place to call home. The Lighthouse is committed to helping clients achieve
an attainable level of independence through a network of staff and other support systems, as well as through
a wide range of programs created and implemented to help fulfill each client’s personal goals.
BUILDING UP
THE LIGHTHOUSE IS NOT MERELY A SAFE PLACE TO STAY, ALTHOUGH PROVIDING HOUSING IS A NECESSARY FIRST STEP
IN HELPING VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS. All residents of the supported living accommodations and emergency shelters are also offered meals; in addition, they can access a nursing station, counselors, support staff and specialized programming. A “Housing Plus” philosophy provides added support so clients can gain the skills needed to live independently. Clients in transitional housing learn how to manage a home, live with roommates and reintegrate into the community. All clients are offered help in locating a new place to call home when they are ready.
REACHING OUT
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMMING AT THE LIGHTHOUSE IS UNIQUELY DESIGNED TO HELP CLIENTS ADDRESS A VARIETY OF
COMPLEX CHALLENGES AND WORKS TOWARDS A DEGREE OF SELF-SUSTAINABILITY IN AN ATMOSPHERE
OF RESPECT AND DIGNITY. Positive programs help some residents learn assertiveness training and how to take steps to overcome addiction. Other programs promote life skills and money management. All programs, including social events such as coffee houses and creative writing or art classes, enable clients to come together in a supportive and peaceful setting.
MURRAY Developmental disability prevented Murray from obtaining employment. He lived in a small one-bedroom apartment and his only social interactions were at church, leaving him lonely and isolated. Family members worried about his safety and contacted the Lighthouse. Murray has now lived at the Lighthouse for over a decade, washing dishes on weekdays as well as walking rain, snow or shine to various places around Saskatoon. Murray has befriended all of his neighbours with his gentle demeanour and ready smile.
STORIES FROM OUR FRIENDS
QUICK FACTS
STEPHANIE Stephanie had a difficult childhood growing up in foster and group homes, all of which she ran away from to try to live independently. On her own in her early teens, she turned to prostitution and drugs. Her drug use culminated in an overdose in her twenties that resulted in an acquired brain injury. Since her accident, Stephanie has led a clean and sober life, but her injury has affected her mobility. She now lives in the Lighthouse’s supported living tower, which allows her a high level of independence while ensuring her dialing needs are met.
2206 stays were recorded in the Stabilization Unit from July to December of 2013.
At any point in time, as many as 213 people are under the Lighthouse roof, including the affordable housing apartments, supported living suites, and emergency shelters.
Over 38,000 meals were served at the Lighthouse in 2013.
2550 pairs of socks and many, many pairs of underwear were given to Lighthouse clients.
More than 1260 jackets were donated and distributed in 2013.
In 2013, over 10,000 stays occurred in the emergency shelters.
Over 800 visits were made to the on-site in the first four months of the program.
Many programs are offered at the Lighthouse including: Recovery Group, Anger Management Courses, Work Placement Workshops, and classes in sewing, cooking and art.
NEW INITIATIVE
RENAE Renae was placed in a variety of mental health group homes after attempting suicide in high school. Her anger at authority figures made it difficult for her to take direction, and her depression left her unable to hold down employment. Renae’s mental health worker recommended the Lighthouse, and she was one of the first clients to move into the complex needs wing, benefitting from a higher level of support for people with mental health and addictions challenges. Renae recently celebrated her first-year anniversary with the Lighthouse; while this may seem like a small victory to others, having a stable long-term home is a key component of mental health.
STACY Unable to find housing in Saskatoon, 17-year-old Stacy desperately wanted to secure a home for her baby before she gave birth. Stacy moved into the Lighthouse’s affordable housing suites when she was eight-months pregnant; she now has a healthy, beautiful baby girl and has reconnected with her daughter’s father. Together they are learning parenting skills which acquiring jobs for the first time. Stacy’s goal is to move into a larger apartment while continuing to provide for her family.
STABILIZATION SHELTER HELPING THOSE IN NEED
July of 2013, the Lighthouse opened their 20-bed Stabilization Unit which provides emergency shelter for those who are manageable intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Within the first month of opening its doors, people who have not committed a criminal act but are being held in police detention due to being intoxicated went down by thirty percent. By providing a broad spectrum of housing the Lighthouse is able to meet the needs of the more
vulnerable and at-risk individuals in our community. The Stabilization Unit is an opportunity for individuals
to learn about opportunities which will enable better lifestyle choices and hopefully inspire long-term changes. Thanks to the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, the Saskatoon Health Region, and the Saskatoon Police for their support of this project which is impacting the lives of so many in our community.
STORIES FROM OUR FRIENDS
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Complete audited financial statements for The Lighthouse Supported Living, Inc. can be obtained by
contacting DeeAnn Mercier at 306-653-6665 or [email protected]
The Lighthouse Supported Living Inc. Statement of Operations
For the Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012
2013 2012
REVENUE
Rental Income $2,061,732 $1,437,367
Donations $480,984 $85,638
Grants $529,914 $209,009
Forgiveness of Long-Term Debt $290,000 $72,500
$3,362,630 $1,804,514
EXPENDITURE
Amortization of Capital Assets $384,482 $162,596
Housing Rental $132,543 $77,840
Insurance, Taxes & Utilities $285,657 $181,663
Kitchen $208,181 $178,290
Office Expense & Professional Fees $213,159 $135,514
Project & Programming Expense $43,559 $33,874
Repair & Maintenance $248,223 $101,124
Renovations $270,170
Resource Development $421,878 $10,784
Salaries & Wages $1,243,749 $689,887
$3,451,601 $1,571,572
EXCESS REVENUE(EXPENDITURE) ($88,971) $232,942
This year the Lighthouse launched its biggest fundraising campaign to date. The goal was to raise $4 million dollars towards the renovation of the supported living suites and converting the waterslide and pool room space into a permanent Stabilization Unit, education and wellness centre. The UP Lighthouse Capital Campaign was launch on May 31st with an astounding lead donation of $1 Million dollars from Leslie and Irene Dubé. Volunteer co-chairs Heather Kehoe and Lesley Courtney spearheaded the campaign with support from DCG Philanthropic Services.
Leslie Dubé said those more fortunate have a responsibility to help others. “You can see when you walk around here what the clientele is like, it’s a very touching, emotional thing, to walk by without giving them without giving them a helping hand,” he said. He said the facility serves an important role in the community and hoped that others would be inspired to give as well. The Lighthouse is extremely grateful for the Dubé’s generosity and has renamed the Supported Living Tower (previously the Capri Hotel) to The Dubé Lighthouse.
Thanks to grants in 2013 from these great organizations we were able to provide added services and programming to those we serve.
We also wish to thank the following businesses and community partners for their outstanding support in 2012 and 2013.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
BUILDING PEOPLE UP
Business Development Bank of
Canada
Circle Drive Alliance Church
Cornerstone Church
CPC Heritage Club
Crave Cupcakes
Cupcake Conspiracy
Dakota Dunes Community
Development Corporation
DCG Philanthropic Services
Earle's Pharmacy
GMAG Holdings Ltd.
Grace Fellowship
Grosvenor Park United Church
Heat-Rite Mechanical
Hitachi Power Systems Canada Inc.
Homeless Partnering Strategy
Lawson Heights Alliance Church
Les & Irene Dubé Foundation
Lorass Disposal Services Ltd.
Maunders Mcneil Foundation Inc.
Paramount Optical
Parr Autobody
Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan
Radisson Hotel
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
Saskatoon Community Foundation
Saskatoon Health Region
St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church
St. Paul’s United Church
The City of Saskatoon
The First Mennonite Church of
Saskatoon
The Home Depot Canada Foundation
Thomson Jaspar & Associates
United Way of Saskatoon and Area
Urban Aboriginal Strategy
Versaterm
VSW Planning Services Ltd.
Wakaw & District EMS Ltd
