Renfrew Interactive

Annual Report2013-2014

Statementof Activities

Scholarships 2014

Executive Director &Board Chair Report

Foster Parents & Friends Appreciation

AGM Agenda

Purple RibbonCampaign 2013

DevelopmentalServices

SummerCamp 2013

Early Years &Infant Development

Family Visitation &Exchange Services

Youth AchievementCelebration

AGM Agenda

Executive Director & Board Chair Report

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“Change is inevitable, progress is optional.”— Tony Robbins

We always have a choice to make. As long as that choice is contributing and enhancing outcomes for children, families and adults we serve. In the past few years the Agency’s focus has been on strategic planning, follow through with the strategic directions, program planning, development of logic models and work plans to guide services, financial and HR planning. Each FCS team has taken the initiative in creating a specific work plan to address their unique contribution towards the goals set in the strategic plan. This is a shift in organizational thinking regarding accountability, effectiveness and efficiency. As such, the change in culture of how we think about, and what we do has been initiated. As all change processes go, it has presented its challenges, but more importantly many opportunities for growth. 1. Provide preventative, protective and socially inclusive services that empower and strengthen individuals, children and familiesIn Child Welfare, we continue moving on the path of achieving the strategic and service plan outcomes re. permanency through • Increase number of children safely being cared for in their family of origin, • Increase number of children being adopted • Decrease number of children in care • Decrease number of children in OPRs • Increase services to youth exiting care • Increase number of kin homes/foster to adopt homes • Decrease number of court involvement In Developmental Services, the realignment and creation of Adult Protective Service Workers (APSW), has been with the view to enhance service delivery and provide for development of more specialized skill set that will provide for the needs of service participants. Our DS department continues to grow in service provision and diversity of services that are offered to the community. Funding for Early Years Centres has moved to the Ministry of Education, and conversation with community partners and the Ministry continues regarding a vision for the county wide services for young children and alignment of these services. The Supervised Access and Exchange Program in the past year has experienced an increase in referrals, however the resources remain the same as allocated when the program started ten years ago. This presents the challenge in continuing provision of the same level and quality of service. Most recently, for the first time since inception of the program, there is a waiting list. The program coordinator is actively looking for alternative ways to address the need. Also, the possibility of enhancing the program for child welfare families, by offering continuum of access, from fully supervised, to therapeutic, to educational is being explored.Our Kumon program has seen the increased participation from children in care, however community children’s participation has somewhat decreased in the past year. In the next year, strategies to engage community will be implemented to enhance program participation from all areas of Renfrew County. 2. Maintain, strengthen and develop community partnerships to increase availability, accessibility and quality of serviceWe continue our focus on maintaining and building supportive and strong community relationships. Our Community Engagement Committee is working on recommendations from the focus groups held this past fall. Development of the internal and external communications plan is a priority as transparent, timely and effective communication is essential. Also, a number of collaborative programs have been developed and/or enhanced within the County and in the region have increased. Continuous participation at local, regional and provincial discussion tables have been crucial in identifying needs and moving forward with creating partnerships that address the issues. 3. Becoming an employer of choice, by creating a supportive environment where employees can grow and develop.All staff have had an opportunity to participate in a wholesome discussion, through participation in the Health and Wellness Committee, staff meetings and activities, regarding what will it take to become the well rounded organization where each person thrives and has an opportunity to reach its full potential. The following strategies have been identified by staff and will be developed further in the next year:Identify and provide opportunities for training for all staffProvide suitable and inviting physical spaceProvide succession planning opportunitiesPromote an environment of employee recognitionExplore ways to promote wellnessDevelopment of strength based supervision model We all agreed that we can contribute to positive culture through enhancing the following attributes: sharing, supporting, collaborations, celebrations, solutions, engagement, participation, nurturing and positive attitude. The next year will test our ability to implement and role model those attributes in everything we do. Without a doubt this has been a year of many changes, and without you, our community, staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and your strong and tireless commitment to our vision, all the achievements would have not been possible. Our sincere thank you for all the little and big things you do each and every day! David Jones Arijana Tomicic Chair Executive Director

AGM Agenda — Thursday, June 19,2014 Call to Order/Welcome:Greetings from Ministry of Community & Social Services /Ministry of Children & Youth Services:Greetings from Ministry of the Attorney General: Greetings from the OACAS:Greetings from MPP: Territory Welcome from Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn:Greetings from the County of Renfrew: Business Meeting:Review of Agenda and Motion to Accept:Review of AGM Minutes from June 27, 2013 & Motion to Accept:Review of the General Membership Meeting Minutes of March 6, 2014 & Motion to Accept:Message from the Chair & Executive Director:Changes to the Letters Patent Statement of Purpose & Motion to Accept:Treasurer’s Report & Motion to Accept: Review of Annual Report & Motion to Accept:Appointment of Auditors & Motion to Accept:Report of Nominating Committee: Nomination of New Officers & Motion to Accept:Election of Executive Officers of the Board & Motion to Accept:Introduction of Board of Directors: New Business:Presentation of the Millennium Fund Scholarship: Recipients: Martika B., Cody B. & Garry H. Recipients: Chelsea F., Andrew H., Amanda H. & Rebecca L.Entertainment: Introduction of Grace, Jesse and David D.Entertainment: Introduction of Morgan D.Entertainment: Introduction of Alexsis G-KPresentation to 5 Years of Service Board Members: Lorna Hudder & Jerry LavalleyPresentation to Departing Board Members Jordan Bégin, Joe Girard, Lorna Hudder, Dave Jones & Keith SparlingClosing & Motion to Adjourn

Julie Mansveld, Children/Youth Services Worker Dave JonesMaryanne Bergeron, Children/Youth Services Worker

Dave JonesDave Jones & Arijana Tomicic, Executive Director

Rick McInnes, Program Supervisor, Eastern Region Dave Jones, on behalf of Judy Newman, Program Manager, Supervised Access ProgramVirginia Rowden, Director of Social Policy Laura Lapinskie, Constituency Assistant Jerry Lavalley, Councillor Peter Emon, Warden

Dave Jones Dave JonesDave Jones

Cindy Simpson, Chair of the Personnel Committee Peter Harrington, Treasurer & Chair of the Finance Committee

Dr. Robert DugganRomeo LeVasseurHeather McCurdy

Dave Jones, Board Chair

Dave JonesPeter HarringtonPaul Moreau, Chair of the Services & Membership Committee

Jordan BéginSteven FiegenJoe GirardSandra HeidelLorna Hudder

Paul MoreauPaul MoreauPaul Moreau

Maureen JohnsonJerry LavalleyRoy ReicheKeith SparlingGeorge Warren

Board of Directors

Dave Jones – Chair Paul Moreau – Vice Chair Sue McCrae – Secretary Peter Harrington – Treasurer Cindy Simpson – Chair of the Personnel Committee

Honourary Members

Weiling Yap, Children/Youth Services Worker Angela Duchene, Children/Youth Services Worker

Dave JonesDave Jones

Foster Parents & Friends Appreciation

Foster Parents & Friends Appreciation Night

On Friday, October 4, 2013, our annual Foster Parents and Friends Appreciation Night was held at the Cobden Fair Grounds. This event is a special one for the FCS community as foster parents, whether they provide temporary or foster to adopt care, are saluted for the positive changes they bring to the lives of children. Dubbed ‘Foster Fiesta’, attendees were invited to don sombreros and ponchos in keeping with the Mexican theme for the event, which included a Mexican buffet and live musical entertainment by Tequila Mockingbird.

The highlight of the evening was the awards recognizing Years of Long Service in Fostering; they marked intervals of 5, 10, 15 and 30 years of service. Of special note was the presentation of the 45 Years of Service award to Earl and Shirley Forrest of Renfrew. Crucial to the night’s success is the array of area businesses that donated door prizes. We have a tremendous amount of support from businesses across the county and reflects upon the fact that we are a community based agency - people recognize the value of the agency in the community and support it that way. Marjorie WalkerSupervisor of Resources

Night of Laughs & Entertainment

As folks mingled and chatted, they were entertained by Cali Briana, Singer/Songwriter from the Ottawa Valley who sang and played acoustic guitar, while illusionist Steven Anthony from Stretching Reality stumped various tables with his magic. At 8:30 p.m. our headliner, Canadian Comedian legend and member of the Comedy Hall of Fame, Mike MacDonald, hit the stage, and, with the spot light shining on him, filled the room with laughter. A good time was had by all and it was a successful event! The money raised will help us assist children and youth with health/wellness, including their families and caregivers, to access information and support as soon as they need it. Our first fundraiser was a success due to the support of the community, collaterals, board members and staff, as well as to the kindness of the entertainer's donation of their time. We thank everyone for their support, and we look forward to our next special event evening! Maggie Johnston Chair, Fundraising Coordination Committee

On Friday, May 2, 2014, a crowd of almost 200 people gathered at the Germania Club in Pembroke to attend our first annual fundraising event - A Night of Laughs and Entertainment Wine and Dessert Fundraiser. As you entered the hall, you were greeted with warm lighting and tables covered in black and adorned with lime green accents, with a comedy club-like feel to it. The only difference to a comedy club, however, was the 20 foot table of desserts (squares, white and dark chocolate fountains, cheese cakes and gluten free sweets) to tantalize the taste buds. With the evening beginning at 7:30 p.m., it was the best place to be with the best selection of after dinner desserts the Valley could offer.

Family Visitation & ExchangeNumber of Families Served

Intake & InvestigationCases Opened & Re-OpenedInvestigation CompletedCases Opened At End of Year

8110624793,691

606624594063

Developmental ServicesBehaviour – Adults ServedBehaviour – Children ServedBehaviour – Child Welfare

2012–13817824153

AdoptionChildren Placed On AdoptionTotal Adoptions Completed

5416349

237380

1414

7915648

4549

Infant Development – Children ServedInfant Development – Families ServedInfant Development – Waiting List Adult Protection ServicesService Coordination – Children Served Speech & Language – Adults ServedSpeech & Language – Children Served Out-of-Home Respite Clients ServedIn-Home Respite Clients ServedASD Respite Clients ServedCommunity Enhancement Clients Served

2133

1825117

14413127

15113519

413295

205389

Ontario Early YearsNumber of New Children ServedNumber of Parents/Caregivers To VisitNumber of Parents/Caregivers In WorkshopsNumber of Professionals In WorkshopsNumber of Visits Made By ChildrenNumber of Visits Made By Parents/Caregivers

17901613

17961542

2013–14704701162

Statement of Activites

9131721175

On-Going Child ProtectionCases Opened & Re-OpenedCases ClosedCases Opened At the End of Year

177155294

81111623160

144196237

Foster HomesInquiries ReceivedHomes ApprovedTotal Homes At End of Year

14588

5715128

Statement of Activities

Child CareChildren Admitted & Re-AdmittedChildren Discharged From CareChildren In Care At End of YearDays Care Provided

16025

4817129

Non-Residential Services

Residential Services

Days Care

Net Cost of All Services

Files Open At End of Year

Statement of Activities

Child Welfare

Revenue

Developmental Services

Ontario Early Years

Family Visitation & Exchange

Statement of Activites

June 2012 to June 2017

StrategiesCommunication plan – clarify who we are and what we do/specific services. Identify existing partnershipsProvide clarity in partnership – define rolesNeeds assessment – identify potential new partnershipsQuality assessment – reflect and assess – are we enhancing service qualityCommunication plan – clarify who we are and what we do/specific services. Identify existing partnershipsProvide clarity in partnership – define rolesNeeds assessment – identify potential new partnershipsQuality assessment – reflect and assess – are we enhancing service quality

Provide preventative, protective & socially inclusive services that empower & strengthen individuals, children and families

PrioritiesMaintain a commitment to hire highly qualified staff.Identify and provide outstanding opportunities for the training and development of staff.Promote an environment of employee recognition and caring.Provide high quality, supportive and strength based supervision for the staff of the agency.

Maintain, strengthen & develop community partnerships to increase availability, accessibility & quality of services

Becoming an employer of choice by creating a supportive environment where employees can grow and develop

Our MissionHelping families and communities in Renfrew County protect and support the development and well-being of children, youth and adults through integrated services, prevention and social inclusion.

Strategic Directions & Priorities

StrategiesIdentify and provide opportunities for training for all staffProvide a suitable and inviting physical spaceProvide succession planning opportunities (i.e. performance appraisals, job shadowing, peer mentoring)Promote an environment of employee recognitionDevelop a culture of formalized performance appraisalsExplore ways to promote employee wellnessDevelopment of a supervision model

PrioritiesDefine what we mean by prevention, protection and social inclusion. Identify what we currently offer in each of those areas.Develop a strategy that will promote service delivery that both empowers and strengthens individuals, children and families.Create annual service plans that set measurable objectives.

StrategiesReview and analyze present service delivery modelIdentify trends and gapsEngage families and staff in the development of a strength based service model

PrioritiesDevelop a plan for communicating what we do and for promoting a positive image of the agency within Renfrew County.Seek out community partnerships that will fill the gaps in service identified through a structured analysis of the needs of the clients we serve.

Developmental Services

The Developmental Services Division is continuing to offer innovative specialized services to children with a developmental disability, adults with an intellectual disability and their families/caregivers. This fiscal year has witnessed high demand for our Children’s Service Coordination, Behaviour and Communication Services. Service Coordination, in being our Case Management service, does not have a waitlist, however this service is modifying service strategies in order to accommodate the large number of referrals which are being received each month. Our Behaviour Service for children with a developmental disability has witnessed unprecedented demand. Current wait periods exceed that which we believe is reasonable and therefore staff are developing strategies which will allow children and families to be screened for prioritization of service. Our Communication Consultation Service is experiencing increased demand as well. Infant and Child Development Services have managed to strategically address the climbing waitlist for service and are currently recording lower wait periods than in previous years. Children’s Services, which are delivered in the natural environment of the child and family, have been extremely well-received by the citizens of Renfrew and this support continues to generate new referrals on a daily basis. The Transformation of Adult Developmental Services continues for our programs, staff and community. Adult Protective Services, our Case Management service, continues to realize a high degree of challenge in supporting adults through the new processes for acquiring residential, respite and day program services. Advocacy initiatives have increased to coincide with the changes occurring in all Adult Developmental Services. Adult Protective Services has supported more than 200 people to enjoy social inclusion in their community and our goal is to increase these opportunities for citizens. Our Adult Behaviour Consultation Service has expanded this fiscal year and we now have an additional Behaviour Consultant for Adult Services. As the fiscal year closed, the Adult Behaviour Services started to realize a small wait list. Our Adult Communication Consultation Service is currently reviewing strategies to provide a broader level of service to meet increasing demand. The Developmental Services Division continues to benefit from being part of the multi-service agency at Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County. We continue to participate in Regional Planning and Service Development so as to ensure that Renfrew County citizens enjoy the same level of benefit as our counterparts across the Province. Our intersection with other Divisions at Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County as well as the resources we supply to other Agency programs has allowed us to actively participate in a strong service network which benefits the citizens of Renfrew County. Marianne Taylor Manager of Developmental Services

Developmental Services

Purple Ribbon Campaign 2013

Oct 1, 2013 marked our third year for the Purple Ribbon Campaign “Child Abuse Prevention Awareness.” Our kick off took place at the Pembroke Mall with a celebration of Ribbon cutting and cupcakes for all those who visited our information desk. During October, the agency had booths set up throughout the County, from Arnprior to Deep River. These booths were set up for the community to drop by and take a ribbon or bracelet.

Schools were invited to Dress in Purple on October 18, 2013. We received photos from some of the schools who participated. The staff at the agency as well wore purple on Tuesdays throughout the month to show their support. This coming year, we once again hope to have another successful month and make the awareness even bigger. Maggie Johnston, Chair Purple Ribbon Committee

Purple Ribbon Campaign 2013

Family Visitation and Exchange Services enables children to maintain connections with parents that they are not living with by offering a safe, neutral place to visit while protecting the physical and emotional safety of the children and their families, including the safety of parents who have been victims of domestic violence. Supervised access centres provide a setting where visits and exchanges can take place under the supervision of trained staff and volunteers. Our service provides visitation time for both Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) and Child Welfare families. In the past year our program has helped an average of 27 MAG families and 35 Child Welfare families per month with either fully or semi-supervised visits or monitored exchanges. In 2013 the program expanded its Renfrew visit hours to include Saturdays weekly and Sundays bi-weekly, while Pembroke saw a reduction in services times which now include Thursday and Friday evenings as well all day Saturday and Sunday weekly. Renfrew visits take place at the Family and Children’s Services Renfrew office, located at 331 Martin Street, and our Pembroke centre operates out of our Winning Kids Centre at 464 Isabella Street. Situations requiring supervised access can be stressful for everyone involved; and in 2014 we will continue to offer a safe and comfortable environment for exchanges to take place. Christine McInnes Family Visitation & Exchange Coordinator

Family Visitation & Exchange Services

Early Years & Infant Development

It has been another very busy year of supporting families in the Pembroke area. We celebrated 10 years as a Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke Ontario Early Years Centre (OEYC) System last fall and enjoyed reminiscing with families and with our other EY’s satellites throughout the county. As a relatively new member to the team, I enjoyed hearing the stories from the beginning and the growth up to now. One of the things that amazes me about OEYC is how creative the group of staff is when it comes to providing programming to thousands of people on such a small budget. We also had a “birthday party” with our families. We continue to strive to promote the development and well-being of families with young children through various strategies. With staff expertise in Early Childhood Education, we are able to provide educational opportunities and social networks to families to reduce isolation and connect families to community resources. Children benefit from stimulating “learn to play” environments and develop social, cognitive and language skills necessary for school readiness and overall child development. Coordinators in the Renfrew-Nippissing-Pembroke area continue to meet regularly and we are contributing at the Eastern Region level to provide input about our programs and community needs. We continue to be involved with our local Best Start Network and will be working very closely with our partners as we see the end to the Ontario Early Years as we know it and the beginning of the new Best Start Child and Family Learning Centers. Our work will continue to be guided by 5 specific strategies: • Improve outcomes for children • Strengthen families and communities • Promote seamless service and improve access • Apply research and effective practices in our work • Engage current and potential partners Moving forward over the next year, we want to ensure that the core values expressed by parents will be respected with the transition to the new centers. Faye Mick-JohnstonEarly Years & Infant Development Coordinator

One of the things that amazes me about OEYC is how creative the group of staff is when it comes to providing programming to thousands of people - Faye Mick-Johnston, Early Years & Infant Development Coordinator

Summer Camp 2013

Since 1980, Family and Children’s Services of Renfrew County has been providing less privileged children in the area with the opportunity to participate in an organized summer camping experience. This past summer, with the help of the Coordinated Access Committee, and many generous local businesses, organizations, and individuals the program was able to send 211 children to camp! Camp is about much more than campfire songs and canoe trips. Camp provides numerous social and developmental benefits and without a program like the Darleen Aikens Memorial Summer Camp Program, most of the children we send would not experience the opportunities summer camp provides. The Summer Camp Program ensures that children in our community are given the opportunity to enjoy these benefits. Summer camp can make an enormous difference in a child’s life, it offers the chance to learn new skills, meet new people, create great memories and much more. The feedback received from the parents, guardians and children, reflect all of the benefits described above. Many parents and guardians have called raving about how much their child depends on camp, advocating for their child to be a part of our program again. Unfortunately, a number of the children we work with have experienced a great deal of trauma and coping with stress is a part of their daily reality. Summer camp is one thing that the child looks forward to, and can count on. Summer camp is a place where they can be distracted from their worries and can focus on just being a kid. Summer camp is a very social environment that fosters positive relationships that children often carry with them for years to come. The variety of outdoor and group activities allow for the child to develop their self-confidence, initiative practice co-operation, and teamwork. The free play and “un-plugged” (technology free) time encourage the child to use their imagination and allow for stronger interpersonal skills to develop. The program has been in partnership with numerous local camps that have gone great lengths to provide these children with a positive summer camp experience. Our camp locations are located throughout the County and include: Camp Mishewah, Golden Lake Camp, Camp Lau-ren, Galilee Bible Camp, Frontier Trails Kids Camp, Lutherlyn Camp and Conference Center, Nick Smith Centre’s Camp Wanago, The Boys and Girls Club of Pembroke, Rec Kidz 1st Summer Camp in Petawawa, the Town of Deep River’s Day Camp Programs, and the Town of Renfrew’s Day Camp Programs. As well as a few others across the County, and in other parts of Ontario. Annamarie VanderSluisSummer Camp Coordinator

Scholarships 2014

Martika B.Martika is a determined and hard-working 19 year old young adult who enjoys being with and helping others. Martika has identified her own goals and made considerable efforts towards achieving them. She is a generous, kind, and compassionate young woman, who embodies the spirit of “The Little Engine that Could”- Martika has consistently believed that she can. Martika was the recipient of the Millennium Award in 2013. She is expected to complete the Personal Support Worker program in August 2014, and intends to begin the Pre-Health program at Algonquin College, Pembroke in September 2014. Cody B.Cody is an insightful and charismatic 17 year old young adult who enjoys reading and sports. Cody has acknowledged the challenges and significance of his relationship with the agency, and is committed to assisting other youth in similar situations. Cody’s personable and gregarious nature has earned him the title of the “Wal-Mart greeter” through various events and activities. Cody will be beginning his post-secondary studies in the Child and Youth Worker program at St. Lawrence College, Kingston in September 2014. Chelsea F.Chelsea is an 18 year old helpful youth who is involved with the Grind, Independence Planning Program (IPP) and volunteering her time with various community events such as National Aboriginal Day, Youth Summit, and YouthCan. Chelsea has come a long way since coming into care. She is growing into a very strong, happy, healthy and self-assured young lady. She is very helpful and loves to cook, work with children and be a leader amongst her peers. She will be attending the Culinary Chef program at Algonquin college here in Pembroke in the fall. Garry H.Garry is a sensitive and mature 19 year old young adult who enjoys music and reading. Garry is described by his teachers and family as courteous, respectful, and considerate to his peers and younger siblings. He is a soft spoken and insightful young man who has become increasingly more confident in his skills and abilities. Garry will be beginning his post-secondary studies in the General Arts program at Algonquin College, Pembroke in September 2014. Andrew H.Andrew is very bright and self-confident. He has always had much insight into his life, his goals and is very driven to accomplish them. Andrew will be attending his second year at Western University in the Engineering program. His first year was very successful and he maintained an 80% average throughout his first year. Amanda H.Amanda is a 20 year old confident young lady. Amanda is very independent and goal oriented; she comes up with her own plans and always accomplishes them. She will be returning to Algonquin College for her second diploma in the Administration field. Rebecca L.Becky is an aboriginal, confident young lady who just turned 20. Becky expresses a great interest in the helping profession therefore will be attending the Aboriginal Worker Program at Algonquin College in Ottawa. She demonstrates a high level of patience and caring for those around her and is inclusive of others. Becky demonstrates a great strength in planning and follow-through when she sets a goal.

Youth Achievement Celebration

Pembroke77 Mary Street, Suite 100Pembroke, ON K8A 5V4 464 Isabella StreetPembroke, ON K8A 5T9

Renfrew & Arnprior 331 Martin StreetRenfrew, ON K7V 1A1 104-16 Edward Street SouthArnprior, ON K7S 3W4

we wish to thank everyone who helped make the 2013 Youth Achievement Celebration a huge success.- Steven Nichols, Event Supervisor, Youth Achievement Celebration Committee

Youth Achievement Celebration

Youth Achievement Celebration was created in 2012 to help provide positive role models in leadership and team building for all youth and to celebrate the many positive achievements of our youth in care. This year it was held on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Galilee Bible Camp in Haley Station and was attended by just over 100 people. The event was divided into two parts; an afternoon activity and an evening Dinner and Dessert accompanied by a Talent Show and Award Presentation. The afternoon activity, the Amazing Challenge, consisted of a course with various challenge stations, including a military obstacle course where groups of 4-12 had to work as a team to complete the challenge to gain points towards a trophy. The light lunch was prepared and served by Family and Children Services staff and board members. To accompany the lunch, youth were given an opportunity to show off their various talents in a Talent Show, alternating with the presentation of awards. We had approximately 40 volunteers comprising FCS Staff, Board Members and their families, and we wish to thank everyone who helped make the 2013 Youth Achievement Celebration a huge success. Many felt that the venue was the ideal place to host the celebration, and we are looking forward in planning and preparing for next year’s Youth Achievement Celebration! Steven NicholsEvent Supervisor, Youth Achievement Celebration Committee

Family & Children’s Services of Renfrew County TF. 1-800-267-5878 Pembroke 613.735.6866 Renfrew 613.432.4821 www.fcsrenfrew.on.ca