wsn annual report - women's support...
TRANSCRIPT
WSN Annual Report
Well here we are again reviewing another year!
I cannot believe how quickly time passes, but more
than that, I am amazed at the continuous level of
innovation and service delivery that take place at the
Women’s Support Network. The Board heartily thanks
Michelle, our Executive Director, for her work over the
past year. She continues to demonstrate a level of
enthusiasm, dedication and leadership that propels the
agency into new frontiers and new ways of
approaching the social ills that our agency seeks to
address. In addition, WSN is blessed with amazing &
dedicated staff who ensure that our agency provides
exceptional and quality service to the women and girls
seeking assistance after experiencing rape or sexual
assault, or who are victims of human trafficking. As
well, many others assist us in our work as volunteers
on the Crisis Line & in a variety of other capacities,
including as Board members. On behalf of the Board
of Directors, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for
all that our staff, student interns and volunteers do.
The Board of Directors has experienced some
changes again this year. Three Board members have
left us: Alicia Lauwerier left us in February 2016. Pina
Castelluzzo left the Board in May 2015 after having
served as Secretary to the board for over a year.
Alison Lam resigned in May 2016, after having served
as Treasurer to the Board for over a year. I would like
to thank them for their enormous dedication to WSN.
Their skills and talents are sorely missed. Four Board
members will continue on in the coming year—Natasha
Sewrattan serves as the Vice Chair of the Board and
Chair of the Policy & Strategic Planning Committee;
Kelly Collins is chairing the Human Resources
Committee; Hanna Jakimczuk-Druzba is a member of
the Finance, Fundraising and Human Resources
Committees; and Sheri Taylor is a member of the
Fundraising and Human Resources Committees. I am
very grateful for the time, effort and dedication these
women have given to WSN over the past year and look
forward to working with them in the year ahead. And
we welcomed two new members to our Board of
2016 [Fiscal Year 2015-2016]
Directors—Kathryn McNea, who operates her own
management and administration consulting business,
has joined us and immediately took on the role of
Secretary to the Board and Chair of the Fundraising and
Communications Committees. Suzanne Byrnes, who is a
member of the York Regional Police (Sexual Assault
Unit), will participate on the Policy & Strategic Planning
and Human Resources Committees. Both women bring
to the Board a wealth of experience and practical
knowledge that will be of enormous benefit. The Board,
staff and volunteers of WSN couldn’t do all that it does
without the support we receive from our funders. We
are very grateful to the Ministry of the Attorney General
for their ongoing funding of our core sexual violence
services—this is the mainstay of our agency and the
reason why we exist. Their steadfast support and belief
in the quality service that we provide since our agency’s
opening in 1992 is very much appreciated. This year we
also received a boost to our core budget through the
provincial governments “It’s Never Okay: An Action Plan
to Stop Sexual Violence & Harassment”. I am extremely
proud to acknowledge that the agency has recently been
honoured by the award of a $612,400 grant, over three
years, from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to
continue to develop and grow our ground-breaking
services in the area of anti-human trafficking for
purposes of sexual exploitation. Our agency has also
been fortunate enough to attract funding from the
Status of Women Canada, the Canadian Women’s
Foundation, the Department of Justice and Canada Jobs.
We thank these funders for their support.
Without question, the Board, staff and
volunteers of WSN are extremely proud of the
contribution that we are and have been making since
1992 to the effort to eradicate sexual violence in all its
many forms in our society. As the Chair of the Board of
Directors, I can’t tell you how proud I am to be part of
this effort and to work with all those who are part of
The Women’s Support Network of York Region.
Sincerely, Barbara
Report from the Board of Director’s Chair
Report from the
Executive Director
Michelle Smith
We wouldn’t be here if it was not for the amazing dedication and support of our volunteers. WSN would like to recognize and thank all of the women
who continue to shoe their compassion and commitment to WSN.
Each volunteer plays a big role in supporting women who have
experienced sexual violence. The Board of Directors use their expertise and their knowledge to support and advise on the services we provide.
Our volunteers help to plan and participate in pub l i c educat i on events and ensuring full coverage of WSN’s
24/7 crisis line.
A heartfelt thank you
to all of our volunteers who have given so much of themselves and expect little in return.
I am always amazed at the shear amount of service provision and programming that happens in a year at Women’s Support Network
(WSN). This year was no exception. I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the team and highlight each and every one of their unique gifts they bring to every woman and young girl that walks through our door. I am humbled to
work alongside these woman on a daily basis. This year we continued to work on
our Strategic Directions around
diversified funding; exceptional
programs and services; leadership
around sexual violence and ensuring
a healthy environment.
WSN continues to be a leader in York
Region providing services across the
Sexual Violence spectrum. From
individual counselling, innovative
groups, crisis intervention and public
education we have provided support
to over 5000 woman and girls this
past year.
WSN has taken a leadership role in
addressing women and girls affected
by or at risk of human trafficking for
purposes of commercial sexual
exploitation in York Region, by
providing 24-hour crisis telephone
support, outreach & direct services
to trafficked women & girls; creating
working partnerships with local
women & girls who have experienced
trafficking; establishing working
community-based, cross-sectoral
partnerships; providing training to
front line social service workers on
recognition & working with trafficked
women and girls; & coordinating a
regional steering group to address
this issue. I am extremely proud to
acknowledge that the agency has
recently been honoured by the
award of a $612,400 grant, over
three years from the Ontario Trillium
Foundation (OTF) to continue the
work already initiated to
assist women in York Region who have
been trafficked and to address the root
causes of sexual human trafficking.
Our accomplishments would not have
been possible without the financial
support from WSN’s core funder,
Ontario Victim Services Secretariat-
Ministry of the Attorney General as well
as donors and other funders: Canadian
Women’s Foundation; the Department
of Justice Canada and Canada Summer
Jobs. We are very grateful for their
commitment to the eradication of
sexual violence in our communities.
As a sector we experienced a great
deal of media coverage over the past
year focused on sexual violence, which
only highlighted and increased the
extreme need for service in our region.
As we look ahead we will continue to
do so with the understanding that our
services are unique, client centred and
respectful of every woman who walks
through our door.
I look forward to being part of the
continued great work our team
provides daily at our offices.
Sincerely Michelle
Michelle Smith Executive Director Ashley Dunn Program Manager Judy Konaka Finance & Administration Nadia Abou-Seda Maureen Prince Counsellors Janelle Anderson Media Specialist
Karen Dean Anti-Human Trafficking Case Manager Nikki Dube Anti-Human Trafficking Crisis Intervention & Outreach Worker Heather Mort Bookkeeper
Sunaina Mannan Public Education & Outreach Worker Kerrie Kortis Clinical Consultant Ariel Gersman Outreach Worker Marilu Klein Student Chester
ANTI-HUMAN
TRAFFICKING
THE DIANE
HAMILTON
AWARD
This award is given
to the volunteer who
has gone above and
beyond expectations
for all volunteers.
She has proven to be
a leader who radiates
positivity and her
passion for making a
difference. Her
commitment and
ongoing support for
WSN has set her
apart. This year we
proudly recognize:
Andrea Gooding
*************************
The Terri-Lee
Strength And
Courage Award
This program award
is given to the client
or clients who have
overcome barriers
and worked hard to
achieve their own
healing.
Emily W.
*********************
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Take Back the Night– 250
attendees
Over 75 presentations and
events to over 1780
community members
Girl Groups for at risk young
women
135 hours advocating for
survivors
199 women served in the
counselling program
35 women provided with
case management support
in the Anti-Human
Trafficking Program
COUNSELLING
WSN’s counselling team saw
an increase in referrals for
young women looking for
support. WSN continued to
provide support in the satellite
locations in Keswick and
Richmond Hill, in attempts to
reduce barriers for women
requesting service. This year
we provided an Art Group as
well as a Resiliency Group
for survivors.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
WSN took a lead role in York
Region providing education
to the community on sexual
violence. Presentation topics
included: consent & sexual
healthy relationship & sexual
exploitation.
We would like thank Sunaina
Mannan for her continued
hard work and dedication to
raising awareness of sexual
violence. We wish her the
best of luck with her future
endeavors!
WSN completed the Status
of Women funded project
this year which provided us
with a strong foundation to
address human trafficking
for sexual exploitation in
York Region.
This year our referrals from
partner agencies for case
management continued to
increase. We are excited
for the coming year as our
Anti-Human Trafficking
Program has expanded to
include a new crisis
intervention worker and full
time outreach/education
worker.
the in the fall of after from her
as for the York Region
has on of for
since 1985. in a of
for Ministry of
in a of field. a
Master’s in Work. as to
on of in 2011.
the in the fall of and
of the Board. Natasha a in &
with a on and and with her
sector.
Kathryn McNea, Board Secretary, Communications Committee Chair,
Fundraising Committee Chair, joined the board in November 2015. Kathryn is a well
seasoned Senior Executive Administrator and internal/external Communications
Specialist with extensive Board of Directors, Senior Management, Communications
and Public Relations experience developed through 25 years of career opportunities
within corporate, not-for-profit and private enterprise environments. She is provides
consultation services through her company Virtual Workflow Solutions.
Kelly Collins, has worked in the Legal, Land Development Telecommunications
industry, along with managing Facilities and Operations for 25+ years as a Law
Clerk and various other Management positions, came on board in October 2014 and
already she has used her knowledge and skills to benefit WSN. Kelly is active in her
community to support other charitable organizations. She is actively a Sr. Manager
in one of Canada’s largest wireless telecommunications companies.
Hanna Jakimczuk-Druzaba, joined the board of directors in November 2014.
Hanna holds a Master's Degree in Pedagogy from University of Warmia and Mazury in
Poland. A former college teacher in Poland, emigrated to Canada in 1995. Currently
works at Sandgate Women's Shelter of York Region. She has a diploma in Addiction
Studies from U of T. Hanna has a background in women's shelter work and brings a
passion for violence against women services to the Board.
Sheri Taylor is a Community Consultation Worker for the Chippewa's of Georgina
Island First Nation, as well as being a member of the Chippewa's of Georgina Island
First Nation. She joined the board in November 2014.
Suzanne Byrnes joined the board in November 2015. In 1987 Suzanne started
her policing career in Toronto and is a current member of the York Regional Police.
Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Arts from York University, a Human Resources
Management Certificate from Seneca College and her Police Leadership Certificate
from Dalhousie University. Suzanne is currently enrolled in the MBA program at
Athabasca University. In 2003, Suzanne was appointed Secretary on the Ontario
Women in Law Enforcement Board of Directors, then Treasurer and Vice-president.
She remains as a member of the Board of Trustee. Suzanne currently holds the position of Region 11 Coordinator and member of the finance committee for the
International Association of Women police. She is also a member of the Women in
Leadership Internal Support Network and Co-Chairs the WIL Special Event’s
Committee.
Our Board of Directors 2015-2016
Funding for this program is provided
by the Government of Ontario. The
views expressed in the program are
the views of WSN and do not
necessarily reflect those of the
province.
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