YWCA HAMILTON

Our Thanks and

We’ve been working hard. Together during the 2017-18 year, we have addressed our community’s most pressing issues for women and girls.

In this impact report, we reflect on and celebrate the achievements of the past fiscal year, in which we completed our ambitious five-year strategic plan. This plan has allowed us to facilitate opportunities and enhance services and supports for everyone served at YWCA Hamilton. This could not be completed without the support and shared vision of our YWCA Hamilton board members, staff, volunteers, and clients. We are currently working to develop and implement our new five-year strategic plan. This new plan will not only strengthen our YWCA programs and services, but will strengthen the foundation of our community.

We have set our sights on building a first-of-its kind affordable housing and community engagement centre on Ottawa Street for women and women-led families. In the late fall of 2017, demolition of the Ottawa Street location was executed, allowing us to move to the next stage of development.

We are encouraged by the excitement of our partners and stakeholders involved in this project, and we look forward to having shovel in the ground this fall.

In the autumn, we travelled to Parliament Hill as part of a national delegation of 120 YWCA women to ask for one thing: That the National Housing Strategy include 25 percent designated funding for women, girls, and their families. When the National Housing Strategy was released, the Federal Government had adopted the language used in our briefs and are now working with YWCA Canada to support 25 percent of housing funding going to women and girls.

In March, on International Women’s Day, we celebrated the achievements of women at the Women of Distinction Awards with over 750 people in attendance. We know that honouring the work of women is important, a message reinforced after we released the

Denise Christopherson, YWCA Hamilton CEO

second installment of the EXCLerator Project, which looks at women and diversity in leadership. The report done in partnership with McMaster University showed that women remain underrepresented in leadership across virtually all employment sectors in Halton and Hamilton.

Our YWCA was also proud to have won the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Accessibility Award at the Outstanding Business Achievement Awards ceremony. This award recognizes businesses who demonstrate a commitment for best practices, reflections of diversity and innovative solutions that create inclusive workplaces and programming for equitable work environments.

Please visit our website to learn more about your YWCA Hamilton and our priorities. Now more than ever, our mission matters.

Sincerely,

A message from YWCA Hamilton’s CEO and Board Chair

Charlotte Yates, YWCA Hamilton Board Chair

We have addressed our community’s most pressing issues for women and girls.”

Appreciation.

2017-2018 IMPACT REPORT

Who We Are.YWCA Hamilton believes that women and girls must have the rights, resources, and opportuni-ties to shape their own lives and define their communities.

With a tradition of advocacy stretching more than a century, YWCA Hamilton is part of a global movement connecting over 25 million women in 125 countries. Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton’s original social innovators and works from feminist anti-racist, anti-oppressive framework.

YWCA HAMILTON

Women and Girls. Violence against women is the world’s largest human rights violation.

Every six days in Canada, a woman is killed by her intimate partner. Indigenous women are six times more likely to be killed than non-Indigenous women.

Each year in Canada, over 75,000 women and their children flee their homes to escape violence. Annually, over 60,000 Canadian women access emergency shelters, with 51 percent bringing along their children. All too often, women are forced to choose between a life of violence or facing homelessness.

It’s not only violence. Men outnumber women 4 to 1 within Canada’s elected representatives and only four percent of CEOs in Canada’s top 500 companies are women. Teenage girls are three times as likely as boys to suffer from depression as a result of negative body image and low self-esteem. Girls today are consistently measured against unrealistic and unattainable beauty standards and hypersexual media images, adding to existing pressures which limit their potential.

We empower women. Through an intersectional approach, we serve women, girls and their families through a continuum of critical programs and services that empower women. As an organization that is for, by, and about women, we work to end violence in all of its forms, against all women, provide housing solutions for women and families facing homelessness, and enhance women’s leadership opportunities.

women and girls impacted

2017-2018 IMPACT REPORT

Girls ...

Women ...“Phoenix Place saved me from living on the street; they gave me a bed and food to eat; they gave me the courage to face it on my own. And, I have to thank the founder of this home you gave me, peace of mind and a place to lie my head, you gave me the courage to live again.”

Lily’s Poem: Peace of Mind

YWCA HAMILTON

Child Care.

Quality, affordable child care is the ramp to women’s equality and is essential in women’s economic empowerment. Across Canada, there is a strong economic case for investing in child care as research tells us that for every public dollar spent on child care, Canada saves $2 down the road in public spending. Quality, affordable, and universal child care is integral to closing the gender wage gap.

We also know that only nine percent of Canadian children aged five to seventeen get the recommended 60 minutes of heart-pumping activity they require each day. Thirty-three percent of Canadian children ages five to thirteen, and 45 percent of youth ages fourteen to seventeen experience difficulty falling asleep as a result of their lack of physical activity.

As the second-largest provider of child care in the country, child care is a cornerstone of advocacy for YWCAs across Canada. We’re leading the way in building a case for universal, quality child care in Ontario and beyond.

We offer children and youth dynamic camp experiences at three YWCA Camp locations and we provide before and after school programming. We’re challenging inactivity head on and empowering kids to get moving and to reach their fullest potential.

We’re there for families. YWCA Hamilton also provides family access services. Parents look to us to ensure the safety of their children and of themselves when exchanging visitation with non-custodial parents where there may be risk. We’re making sure that kids and their parents are safe.

Child care services in Canada remain inadequate.

2017-2018 IMPACT REPORT

“My volunteer and I became close buddies. We had a good time and did a lot of walking together. We still stay in touch and go for walks every now and then.”– Senior, YWCA Senior Peer Connector Program

Health inequalities exist. Social injustices, like poverty, result in strong impacts on the overall health of Canadians. Social determinants of health — including gender, race, income, and housing — prove to have a stronger effect on the health of individuals, more so than behaviours like physical activity and dietary practices. Canadians of low income report the highest rates of food insecurity.

We know that today’s seniors in Canada are becoming

increasingly isolated. Those at greater risk of isolation include seniors, with physical and mental health issues, low income seniors, Indigenous seniors and those who are newcomers to Canada. Those with a lack of supportive social networks have a 60 percent increase in the risk of cognitive decline and a greater risk of depression.

We’re focused on promoting the physical and emotional well-being of all Canadians, regardless of their age, ability, or background. With the support of our 250+ annual volunteers, we’re providing in-home social support to isolated seniors, encouraging the full participation of newcomers, and providing subsidies to remove barriers for women and families in accessing health and wellness opportunities though YWCA Hamilton fitness classes and aquatics.

We’re more than a gym. Whether it’s supporting survivors of breast cancer through our ywcaencore program, engaging in activities that strengthen parental bonds while getting a workout in through Baby Boot Camp, or reaching fitness milestones through working with a YWCA personal trainer, YWCA Hamilton provides a welcoming environment for everyone.

Health and Wellness.Your health should not be determined by the colour of your skin, your gender, or your postal code.

YWCA HAMILTON

Workforce skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are indisputable. Today’s STEM workforce suffers from a lack of female representation, especially minority women. Pay inequality for women is a family issue. Wage discrimination limits choices and restricts the futures of generations to come. It creates

Women with developmental disabilities are three times more likely to experience violence.Often time’s individuals face barriers to transportation and may have challenges with mobility, resulting in isolation and a lack of community connectedness.

At YWCA Hamilton, we believe that individuals of all abilities should live with dignity and share in all elements of living in their community with support and encouragement, and have the opportunity to participate meaningfully and effectively.

We’re there for those who need us most. Through our Developmental Services and Community Participation programs, we provide 24-hour support and supervision to adults with differing levels of independence.

For every dollar a man earns, a woman earns 79 cents. If she’s a woman of colour, she will earn 60 cents.

Developmental Services.

Employment.

Our YWCA Hamilton housing programs and community supports help individuals 18 years and older connect with community, engage in activities outside of the home environment, and develop lasting relationships.

Our day programs focus on therapeutic art, health and wellness, and use a gender-lens to support healthy relationships, boundaries, and building self-esteem among women. Our services contribute to the empowerment of all persons with disabilities.

Adults with development disabilities may require complex care for mental health and physical health issues.

barriers for securing child care and early learning opportunities, and limits the potential for retirement and the ability to put food on the table.

It’s 2018, yet workplace discrimination exists and Canada has yet to close the gender pay gap. YWCA Hamilton is creating pathways to employment and well-paying growth careers for all women.

We are breaking down barriers. With the support of our stakeholders and community, we’re breaking down barriers to achieve women’s economic equality. We are dedicated to helping low-income, marginalized groups and individuals overcome barriers to employment.

2017-2018 IMPACT REPORT

Your Generous Support.

City of HamiltonEmployment and Social Development CanadaFirstOntario Credit UnionThe Allen and Milli Gould Family FoundationHaldimand Norfolk CountyHamilton Community FoundationMinistry of Citizenship and ImmigrationMinistry of Community and Social ServicesMinistry of the Attorney GeneralMinistry of the Status of WomenOntario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills DevelopmentOntario Trillium FundStatus of Women CanadaUnited Way Halton & HamiltonYWCA CanadaYWCA Toronto

A. DeSantis Developments Ltd.ABACUS Grant Award Fund through Hamilton Community FoundationAction Sanitation SupplyMaroussia AhmedAlectra Utilities CorporationJane AllisonArcelorMittal Dofasco Employee Donations FundArcelorMittal Dofasco Inc.Janet ArsenaultArt Gallery of HamiltonArvin Air SystemsAsbestos Workers Local 95 Recreation FundBarry’s JewellersSuzanne BaumanBay King MotorsRonald BayneBell MediaBest Western Hotels & ResortsBig Bee ManagementKaren BirdPaula BournerLynda and David BowenThe Brabant FoundationBranthaven HomesBroadcast Services InternationalDeborah BrownBianca BruzzeseBSAM ElectricalRobin CameronEileen CampbellCanada Bread Company, LimitedCanadian Women’s FoundationCarmen’s GroupCarriage Gate Homes Ltd

Our Funders

Gifts of $500 and above

Our Donors

Carstar Marketing Fund, A Division of Carstar CanadaCBTU - Hamilton - BrantfordDenise ChristophersonPeter Cicchi and Nina Cantelmi-CicchiCity of Hamilton - Economic Development DivisionCity of Hamilton - Healthy and Safe Communities DepartmentCity of Hamilton - Status of Women CommitteeCocaColaCogeco Connexion Inc.Hazel CollinsCongregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in CanadaCoppley’s Custom SuitsThe Cotton FactoryGraham CrawfordCreative Arts Fund through Hamilton Community FoundationCUPE Local 5167Karen DalgleishAnna D’AngelaRomeo and Beatrice D’AngelaJuliet DanielEllen DavidsonEstate of Lois Margaret DavisDeloitte Private/Deloitte Management ServicesEstate of Bernice Spray DowlingDr. Ravinderpal Singh Ohson Medicine Professional CorporationEconomical Mutual Insurance CompanyEquity BuildersFCT Charitable FoundationFengate Capital Management Ltd.Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLPJelaine FosterFoundation for Cancer WellnessRon FoxcroftFrank Cowan Company LimitedPatricia GagicGallery on the BayThe Generator Inc.Suzanne GibsonPatricia and Gregory GloverLillian and Marvin Goldblatt Family Fund through Hamilton Community FoundationGood Shepherd Centres – Women’s Services - Supporting our Sisters Program (SOS)Gore Mutual Insurance Company FoundationThe Allen and Milli Gould Family FoundationMilli GouldGowling WLGGreen Benefits Group Inc.Alba GuarneH. Fred Janson FundHamilton and District Labour CouncilHamilton Chamber of CommerceHamilton Community FoundationHamilton Council on Aging (HCoA) Hamilton Fire Fighters Assistance FundHamilton-Halton Home Builders’ AssociationHamilton Health Sciences FoundationHamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration NetworkHamilton Out of the ColdHamilton Seniors’ Active Living CentreHamilton Spectator Summer Camp Fund through Hamilton Community FoundationHamilton Tiger-CatsHamilton Wentworth District School BoardHamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School BoardHamilton-Wentworth Elementary Teachers’ LocalAnnette HammRachael Hauser

YWCA HAMILTON

Kathleen HayesMargaret HillHealthcare and Municipal Employees’ Credit UnionHorizon Employees’ Charity FundHugh Sutherland and Sons LimitedIntact Financial CorporationIntrigue MediaInvizij Architects Inc.Jeff’s at Work Office Furniture - Bouck Inc.The John and Ellie Voortman Charitable FoundationAnju JoshiKabuki Spa and Skin Care CentreChikako KadonagaHoda KamelKimpton FamilyClaire KislinskyAnn KitchenKMSalter DesignKPMG LLPLabourer’s International Union of North America (LIUNA) 837Marguerite LangdonLaura Tedesco Jewellery DesignLeading Edge Claims ServicesSuzanne Lemaich LDebbie Logel ButlerNicole LongstaffLosani Homes LtdMaureen MacDonaldErika MacKayCatherine MacKenzieMackesy Smye LawyersJean MacKinnonMacNeill Baptist ChurchSuzanne MammelMark and Barbara Nimigan Fund through Hamilton Community FoundationJeffrey MatschkeRachel MatthewsJohn McAlleyJoanne McCallumMcCallum, McBride Fund through Hamilton Community FoundationErika McCarthyJenny McEwen-HillRon McKerlieStephanie McLartyAnn McLaughlinMcMaster Alumni AssociationMcMaster Students Union Inc.McMaster UniversityMcMaster University - Athletics & RecreationMcMaster University - BiochemistryMcMaster University - Centre for Continuing EducationMcMaster University - Faculty of Social SciencesMcMaster University - Office of the PresidentMercedes-Benz BurlingtonMeredith Family Fund through Hamilton Community FoundationMeridian Credit Union LimitedMichael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease ResearchMichael Lamont Personal Injury LawCatherine MillerMilli Ltd.Cynthia MiskasMission Services of Hamilton Inc.Mohawk CollegeMoksha Yoga HamiltonMulti-Area Developments Inc.Mystic Float Inc.

National Steel Car Limited Employees Charitable DonationsNet AccessEstate of Mary Margaret NewittNorth Hamilton Community Health CentreDenise O’Connor Olivet United ChurchOntario Endowment Fund for Children & Youth in Recreation through Hamilton Community FoundationOntario REALTORS Care FoundationOPSEU Local 240The Other BirdOutside the Box EventsJudi PartridgeCheryl PatersonPearson Dunn Insurance Inc.Theresa PiconePollard Windows and Doors Inc.Programmed Insurance Brokers Inc.Project Concern - Hamilton Police ServicePV&V Insurance Centre Ltd.Kevin RahijaLinda RatcliffeRBC FoundationRBC Royal BankRotary Club of Burlington North Foundation Inc.Royal LePage Shelter FoundationS. Llewellyn and AssociatesSheila SammonPatricia SaundersJo-Ann SavoieKarin SchuettScotiabankJanice ShearerSheraton Hamilton HotelSisters of Charity Common Congregational FundSIT with SheDeborah SlobodaSoroptimist International of Hamilton-BurlingtonStarward HomesScott StrattenT. Johns Consulting Group Ltd.Taylor Leibow LLPTD Canada TrustAnne TennierCharaya ThachSandra TharMichael TheodorePatricia TonajCarmela Trombetta Mindy TweedleUnifor Local 5555United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitter Local 67United Way Halton and HamiltonMedora UppalPeter Van DykMylène VincentVON HamiltonBrenda VrkljanYulena WanWEBROI powered by WSI MiltonGillian WebsterEstate of Gerald Kenneth WilliamsWomen 4 Change Fund through Hamilton Community FoundationWomenkind – St. Joseph’s Hospital FoundationBrenda YatesCharlotte YatesZonta Club of Hamilton 1

2017-2018 IMPACT REPORT

Our Year at a Glance.

Revenue

Expenses

Our Board of Directors Charlotte Yates, PresidentMia Laister Peck, Vice PresidentDeborah Brown, SecretarySue Bennison, Treasurer Alison HortonAnn McLaughlinAnna D’AngelaCharaya ThachDr. Carys MassarellaPauline TaggartSiobhan StewartTerri Johns

Our Executive Leadership

Denise Christopherson, CEOMedora Uppal, Director of OperationsJanet Arsenault, Director of FinanceMaisie Raymond-Brown, Director of Employment and Training ServicesMylène Vincent, Director of Building ServicesSarah Ernest, Director of DevelopmentWinnie Linker, Director of Human Resources

Our Senior Leadership

Carol Fraser, Manager, Developmental Services - Community SupportsChris Beltrano, Head Chef, - At the Table Social Enterprise CaféDaniella Bozur, Manager, Family Access ServicesDeborah Schwientek, Manager, Employment and Training ServicesKarla Bailey, Manager, Children’s ServicesMarnie Warman, Manager, Health and WellnessMegan Detlor, Manager, Human ResourcesSarah Borde, Interim Manager, Building ServicesTracey Helwig, Manager, Developmental ServicesVioletta Nikolskaya, Manager, Transitional Housing

Financial Highlights

The above financial information is extracted from the financial statements audited by Deloitte LLP. Anyone requiring a copy of the audited financial statements and financial notes disclosure, please contact YWCA Hamilton.

“We have addressed our community’s most pressing issues for women and girls.”