Regeneration Outreach Community2014 Annual Report

Report of the ChairYou will read in the report of the Executive Director about the events of the past year which marked our involvement in the Ardglen matter, the hiring of several new key staffers, and the continued growth of our service to so many of the Lord’s children. There were many challenges and many positive milestones.

From the perspective of the Board, there were also several milestones. We established new policies for Board members. We conducted an extremely interesting strategic planning meeting. We bade farewell to some longstanding and faithful Board members.

I recall Ted stating at the meeting last year that 2014 would be largely a year of consolidation; that is, improving the way we do things all the while getting better at doing what we do well. It is pretty clear that indeed we did become better in that regard. My assessment is that we did a lot more than that as well.

As a Board, we can look back at some key milestones in 2014. I think of the Strategic Planning meeting, a very successful exercise. I recall the departure of some very loyal and longtime members of the Board . I am reminded of the willingness of Board members to get involved in the Ride for Refuge and the Coldest Night. I think of our interaction with staff atevents like the Christmas dinner. This all speaks to a healthy Board committed to a healthy ministry.

Rod is on far left

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As we look into the future, as is our responsibility, it is perhaps an opportune time to revisit the roles, responsibilities, and intentions of a governance board.

First, an excerpt from the approved policies applicable to the role of the Board:

The Board is entrusted with the responsibility of fulfilling the expectations of the stakeholders of Regeneration Outreach. As such Board Members shall have a heart for the ministry and a passion to see the Stated Purpose fulfilled. The primary commitments and obligations of the Board and its Members are:

Stewardship of the valuable human, financial and other resources which have been given to Regeneration Outreach by its stakeholders.Effective governance of the ministry.Providing insight as to the community impression and understanding of the role that Regeneration plays in the community.Being a representative of Regeneration in the community.

Secondly, let us look at some early discussion we had on our vision and our purpose. These words were written on my blog back in 2013 and they are applicable especially now:

Our published Statement of Purpose is this: "Regeneration Outreach Community is a caring community striving to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all those in need as an expression of Christian love." While we might want to fine tune the wording a bit, the essential vision is there. We intend to care for those in need in our community, knowing that we are a work in progress, and to do so in a Christ-like manner.

As Board members, it is that vision which we cradle. How do we achieve the goals of our vision? How do we enhance the vision? How do we stay focused on our vision? These are the types of questions to be addressed by a policy-oriented Board.

Finally, I refer you to another blog entry in July 2013 wherein I wrote about the future. It is good to see what we were thinking about back then. It may help us in establishing our goals for the next few years.http://the-three-rs.blogspot.ca/2013/07/the-future.html

In all of our deliberations and decision-making for Regeneration Outreach Community, may we alway recognize that we are indeed stewards and that we are guided by a Providential plan. I find that both exciting and daunting. Let us see where God will direct us in the next few years.

Rod Rice13 May 2015

Treasurer’s ReportThe Financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2014 have been audited by the firm of Horn Almand. The Auditor’s report indicates the statements present fairly the financial position of Regeneration Outreach Community as a December 31, 2014.

Each year seems to bring some new excitement to Regeneration. In 2013, Regeneration had major leasehold improvements in order to allow our guests access to shower & laundry facilities along with a meeting room. In June 2014, Regeneration acted quickly when a fire destroyed 18 townhomes at Ardglen. This action resulted in over $350,000 being donated to the residents of Ardglen that had lost their homes. The outpouring of generosity from the community of Brampton was overwhelming. A separate statement is presented for your information.

Helping the Arglen community was a natural extension of what Regeneration does every day. Helping the homeless and marginalized individuals and families build their lives back with dignity and respect.

Planning for the future is an important criteria for the Board at Regeneration. We pray that 2015 will be an exciting year as well, helping those in need to grow in mind & body & spirit.

Sue Talsma15 May 2015

Sue is on left

Report of the Executive DirectorAnsel Adams, a twentieth century photographer, is quoted as saying, “a photograph is usually looked at — seldom looked into.” This year’s annual report is full of photographs that tell a story. I hope that you will look into each picture and grasp the amazing story behind each one.

Jonny is in the first picture on the left. He represents the people that we serve daily. Last year, over 640 unique individuals accessed our meals and programs. Each of these people has a story to tell.

Laura is in the second picture. She represents the “gift in kind” donations that we receive throughout the year. We are very thankful for Cobs Bread and other businesses that have donated over $136,174 worth of product in 2014. These donations help us to serve excellent and tasty meals as well as providing personal care kits throughout the year.

Leroy is in the third picture. He represents the families at 59 Ardglen. The Brampton Guardian’s first headline on June 8th was “Massive fire claims young boy, leaves at least 100 homeless”. Regeneration responded on the day of the fire with clothing. We also started a trust fund to help the Gabriel’s (the family who lost their son) and the 18 families who became homeless.

The last picture represents our relationship with Peel Regional Police. We are thankful for the beat officers that visit our programs, the community liaison office that supports us when needed and the opportunity to work with the Community Safety Model.

Micah 6:8 says, “The Lord has told you, human, what is good; he has told you what he wants from you:to do what is right to other people, love being kind to others,and live humbly, obeying your God.”

I believe that Micah captures the essence of how Regeneration fulfills its statement of purpose with excellence. This is how we serve with love 365 days a year.

In the pages that follow you will meet our staff, discover some of our programs, hear from some volunteers, and learn about some of our guests. Thank you for your support.

Respectfully SubmittedTed Brown

We are thankful for the growth in the Regen staff in 2014. We have a very dedicated staff of individuals who all serve with excellence and love.

Our Staff

Natalie Dlwgosh (on right - with Regen since 2010) is our social worker. “Regen is not a job, but a calling. I give thanks every day to serve here.”

Angela Tenthorey (on left - with Regen since June 2014) is our program and volunteer coordinator.

Carol Gray (on left - with Regen since May 2014) is our Kitchen Coordinator. “ Regen is a place where our guests are loved, cared for, respected and much more.”

Ben Schuringa (on left - with Regen since July 2013) served as a summer student and intern. “Regen was an amazing life experience.”

Sheila Edwards (on left - with Regen since 2011) is our cleaner.

Bruce Dodds-Hebron (on right - with Regen since January 2014) is our Development Coordinator. “Contributing to this ministry is one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done.”

Esther Waweru (on left - with Regen since December 2014) is our Administrative Assistant. “Regeneration has been just that to me - a place of rebirth in my attitudes and perspectives - a place of new possibilites and of learning.

Our ProgramsThe healthy, hearty breakfast that we serve is the core program that is available 365 days a year. We served 36,168 breakfasts and 5,345 lunches We distributed 1,571 personal care kits and 10,540 articles of clothing. Our ID Clinic, which is sponsored by The Region of Peel processed 129 birth certificates. The pictures below tell the story of some of our other program highlights from 2014.

Community KitchenLed by our kitchen coordinator Carol Gray, this is a time of fellowship and learning new skills while experiencing different ethnic cuisine.  This cooking class is followed by sharing the meal together as a community.

Peel Regional PoliceRegeneration is proud of the relationship we have with Peel Police.  It is not uncommon for Officers to simply visit the program and are able to say hi to most guests by name.  This is truly community policing at its best.

Medical TeamThe medical residents from McMaster University, through William Osler chose Regeneration as a place to provide free services such as the flu shot and medical consultations.

Art Program:Regeneration’s art program offers a creative approach to connect our guests and student volunteers, as well as allow our guests the opportunity to express themselves.  The pride our guests feel when they finish their art piece is warming to our hearts.

Christmas Events 

In addition to the Regeneration hosted Christmas dinner, we received one that was sponsored by Canadian Tire, The Hope Dinner ( a children’s party) that was provided by a private family business and the children's celebration done by Peel Police and St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School .

PicnicRegeneration Family picnic is full of fun and laughter!  It is a great way for our guests to connect with staff and volunteers while enjoying a BBQ lunch together and playing some outdoor games such as: Soccer, water balloon toss, and an egg race.  The Regen picnic is fun for all ages.

School Retreats and PIP Students

We had over 960 students engaged with us in 2014. There were four schools that had retreat programs at Regen. St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Roch, St. Joan of Arc and St. Aloysius Gonzaga were involved with our guests in our art and games programs. They also helped to prepare and serve lunches.

The hospitality department from Cardinal Leger also brought prepared lunches in. The PIP students (Planning for Independence Program) from St. Roch distributed beverages and helped pack personal care kits. We believe that we are helping to train the students of today about social responsibility, justice and mercy.

Our VolunteersVolunteers are love in motion.  The gift they give of their time is absolutely priceless.  Regeneration could not do what work we do without the dedication of people willing to give of their time and energy.

There were hard times in my life and I am to this day grateful for all the help I received from others, and that regardless of anyone’s circumstances, everyone deserves the helping hand of someone else.  My time at Regen is gratifying, it is important to me to participate in assisting those in my community, because being apart of a community is about looking after your neighbours, after each other, and looking after everyone who lives in the community. Barb Morris (on right)

Maria and I truly enjoying speeding time with the guest at Regen. We started coming in on Friday to help out in the closet after seeing a presentation about what is Regen is all about. As we volunteer we continue to see how great the need is for people who are struggling on a daily basis to get by. We find the guests very appreciative of what Regen does for them. We also find that Regen is a very well run organization that offers a safe environment for both the guest and volunteer. We look forward to Friday morning as we get know the guests and find our time spent there very rewarding. We are both very blessed and find it an honoured to help others who need it. Terry O’Leary (wearing plaid shirt).

Volunteering at Regen is a blessing beyond measure! Not only do I live out Christ’s calling (Matt.25) with joy as I serve with a committed, enthusiastic, love-filled (and did I mention sometimes crazy) team on Tuesdays, I am shaped by the guests who constantly remind me that small things matter; a warm cup of coffee, a friendly greeting, an ear that listens, a piece of fresh fruit… In this community, needs are met, love is shared, gratitude is expressed, hope lives, God is present. Being part of the Regen community is life-giving as I minister to others and know that what I am sharing will be graciously and gratefully received… it’s where I see the face of Jesus in my neighbour and trust they see the face of Christ in me! Pastor Sue Cowan (front right), Emmanuel UC-Bramalea, Tuesday Breakfast Team

I have been volunteering with Regeneration for over 10 years. I started coming in once a week during my summer holidays to cover for regulars who were away. Back when I started, serving breakfast to 50 people was considered a busy day. Today we served 150. When I retired four years ago, my wife and I took over as team leaders on Tuesdays. We have also served Christmas breakfast every year for many years.

We volunteer at Regeneration, and elsewhere, because we are blessed with abundance, and wish to share our time helping those who are in need. Every week we leave Regeneration refreshed and invigorated. The greetings, friendship, and gratitude of our Regeneration family help to carry us through our week and keep us looking forward to returning. We probably receive as much benefit from our time at Regeneration, as do the clients on the other side of the counter. Rik Aikman (middle of back row).

Our Guests

Tom (seen below) and Dave are two long time Regeneration guests, who both experienced a year of triumph in 2014, both in very different ways.

Tom is a man, who, in 2013, had been homeless for four years, diagnosed with AIDS, as well as cancer, and with a scraggly baird and long hair, was always dirty and smelling badly due to a hole in his colon. Tom was a man who spoke to no one, and who no one spoke to. Towards the end of 2013, God laid Tom on Natalie’s heart, who, through the connections and partnerships through Regen, was able to coordinate multiple services that were life changing for Tom. In 2014, Tom got the medical care, housing support and affirmation he needed to know that he does still matter to God. Today, Tom has his own basement apartment, and is medically restored from the implications of his different illnesses. The best part however, is that Tom has found his voice again. He is funny, sociable and talks about plans for his future ( plans that include running a marathon again as he has in the past ). Tom still comes to Regeneration, and always brings his smile.

Dave is one of the most helpful, hard working and thankful guests we have ever seen at Regeneration. Over the years, he has been so thankful for the free breakfasts ( that he truly needed on his limited O.W income ), that he was always the first to volunteer to help with any need we had. He also showed extreme kindness and patience towards our guests who have cognitive delays, many who others chose to ignore or ridicule. Dave had lost hope in his own life however, and when asked how he is, he would always respond with miserable as always. Through temporary work at one of our supporters, he began to shine as a hard working and responsible person, which lead to him being given a full time job with them! Dave is now off Ontario Works Government Assistance, and when asked how he is, he will tell you miserable as always, but now when he says it, he is smiling.