Building Community Together

For there is always light, if only we're

brave enough to see it.

If only we're brave enough

to be it.

- Amanda Gorman Quote from the poem "The Hill We Climb"

ANNUALIMPACTREPORT

2020

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CONTENTS

MINUTES - September 22, 2020 1

REFLECTIONS OF THE PRESIDENT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS 3

MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF SERVICES 4

TREASURER’S REPORT 5

2020 FINANCIALS AT A GLANCE 6

SOCIAL RESEARCH &

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 7

PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS 9

211 UPDATE 11

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

& PARTICIPATION 12

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 13

STAFF & VOLUNTEERS 14

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Lakehead Social Planning Council Annual General Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 LSPC Office, Thunder Bay, Ontario (via Zoom)

1. Welcome Director of Services Marie Klassen welcomed members, directors and staff to the meeting via Zoom, acknowledging that the City of Thunder Bay has been built on the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1860. We would also like to recognize the contribution made to our community by the Me tis people. She then introduced President Paulette Howe to Chair the meeting.

2. Call to Order President Paulette Howe welcomed community members, directors and staff to the 57th Annual General Meeting of the Lakehead Social Planning Council, this year taking place via audio and visual means, rather than in-person. Thanks were given to Mark Walther, Kristen Tomcko, Bev Gamble and Sharon Corston for ensuring the success of the online AGM format, as well as to Lisa Owens for secretarial support. All members in good standing received an AGM package, either by mail or by electronic means prior to the meeting. The 2019 Annual Report is accessible at www.lspc.ca. Members were asked to sign in through the Chat feature, and Ms Howe gave instructions as to how those members who, being in good standing, were to vote on presented motions using their keyboards in the on-screen polls. Members in the office or on the telephone were provided alternate voting methods. Ms Howe also noted that the meeting was being recorded, and that quorum had indeed been met (and would be monitored throughout the meeting to ensure quorum was maintained). The meeting was called to order at 12:06 pm.

3. Approval of the Agenda

Moved by Mark Walther, seconded by Sharon Corston, that the agenda of September 22, 2020 be accepted as circulated. Carried.

4. Approval of Minutes – AGM held June 11, 2019 Moved by Julie Fels, seconded by Sandra Snider, that the minutes of the 2018 Annual General Meeting, dated June 11, 2019 be accepted as circulated. Carried.

5. Auditor’s Report – MNP LLP Chartered Accountants President Paulette Howe introduced Shelley Gaudreau of MNP LLP Chartered Accountants who proceeded to give the Auditor’s Report for the 2019 Financial Statements and provide clarifications. There were no questions posed to Ms Gaudreau.

6. Approval of the Audited Financial Statements

Moved by Aaron Lagadin, seconded by Larry Brigham, that the Financial Report ending December 31, 2019 be accepted as circulated. Carried.

7. Appointment of the Auditors for 2020 Moved by Aaron Lagadin, seconded by Larry Brigham, that MNP LLP Chartered Accountants be appointed auditors for the 2020 fiscal year. Carried.

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8. Report of the Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee was comprised of Allen Poling (Chairperson and Past President of the Board of Directors), Sandra Snider (Board Member) and Marie Klassen (Director of Services). President Paulette Howe noted that two Directors would not be standing for re-election and thanked PhebeAnn Wolframe-Smith and Todd Kennedy for their service. Eight Board Directors are currently within their respective terms, and two Board Directors, herself and Jillian Gribben, are standing for re-election. Two new members have been nominated for Directorship, Prakash Shrestha and Lisa Schmidt, leaving two vacancies (of a possible 12 positions). Ms Howe provided the Report on behalf of the Nominating Committee, including the slate of nominees for voting by the membership:

Nominees (eligible for 1st year of 1st Term):

Lisa Schmidt Prakash Shrestha

9. Approval of Nominating Report

Moved by Allen Poling, seconded by Sandra Snider, that the Nominating Report be accepted as circulated. Carried.

10. Adjournment Moved by Mark Walther, seconded by Sharon Corston, that the Annual General Meeting be adjourned. Carried.

The 57th Annual General Meeting of the Lakehead Social Planning Council was adjourned at 12:28 pm.

Directors Continuing to serve in 2020 - 2021

Beginning Date (1stTerm)

Present Term Status Last eligible year of consecutive 3 Terms

1 Paulette Howe

5/10/2016 Standing for first year of 3rd Term 2021-2022

2 Sandra Snider 5/16/2017 Eligible for second year of 2nd Term 2022-2023

3 Jillian Gribben

6/5/2018 Standing for first year of 2nd Term 2023-2024

4 Dianna Atkinson 6/11/2019 Eligible for second year of 1st Term 2024-2025

5 Aaron Lagadin 6/11/2019 Eligible for second year of 1st Term 2024-2025

6 Carla Mulholland 6/11/2019 Eligible for second year of 1st Term 2024-2025

7 Cheryl Reid 6/11/2019 Eligible for second year of 1st Term 2024-2025

8 Roberta Simpson 6/11/2019 Eligible for second year of 1st Term 2024-2025

9 Vacant

10 Vacant

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REFLECTIONS OF THE PRESIDENT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Lakehead Social Planning Council (LSPC) has a long-standing history of being a reliable, effective and efficient resource in bringing social service organizations together for our city. The organization also plays an important role in the coordination and development of programs effecting the well being of seniors, families and those individuals most vulnerable in our community. As a result of this expertise, the LSPC demonstrated great resiliency and responded quickly and effectively to work collaboratively with community partners to address the urgent and developing needs, created by the onset of COVID-19. As the Regional Service Provider for 211 Services in the North, the LSPC’s program is recognized as a professional resource for Information and Referral to community social services, but also acts as a central point of access for local services, including coordination of emergency food hampers for seniors and providing numerous specialty help lines for the public throughout the year. The Ministry of Community, Children and Social Services has recognized the valuable role 211 Services has provided during COVID. Ontario 211 Services Board has also recognized the provincial leadership role of 211 North, and their continued excellence in service delivery. This year, the Ontario 211 Services joined the Canada 211 program, and has now gained national status. The LSPC is most grateful for the financial support of the United Way of Thunder Bay/UWCC, the Thunder Bay Foundation and other funders/supporters who have given generously to meet the community needs during these challenging times. The work to strengthen our governance remained a focus this past year and the LSPC is pleased to announce the Policy and Development Working Committee has completed a fully updated set of organizational policies, which has been included as an area of compliance for the agency’s 5 year accreditation process, that was completed this Spring. A more strategic direction has been proposed for the organization and will be one of change, modernization and looking forward. To further assist in this area a strategic review will be undertaken in 2021. A variety of areas will be explored for future prioritization i.e. a modernized approach for service delivery, enhanced public awareness, and program and partnership development. I look forward to working with the 2021 Board of Directors, as we continue to navigate these interesting and unprecedented times. I am always uplifted by the generosity of our community, the dedication of the LSPC employees, and caring members such as you. Together we can make a difference and a “better Thunder Bay for all”.

Respectfully, Paulette Howe President, LSPC Board

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MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR OF SERVICES

Change is expected in life and can bring with it many challenges, both professionally and personally. For the Lakehead Social Planning Council, the year 2020 was one that was unlike any other. The world as we knew it has certainly changed from a year ago. For those of us in the non-profit world we know that change is inevitable: resources ebb and flow, members and community champions come and go. Yet through the countless changes embraced, we have seen growth, opportunity and innovation. In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and very quickly the LSPC made the decision to close its doors to the public – the same doors that welcomed over 15,000 in-person visitors the year before. As everyone mobilized and shifted to working remotely we too began to administer the following programs and services by phone, email, chat and online: 211 North, Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, Ontario Energy Support Program (hydro), Low Income Assistance Program (hydro/gas), Phones for Families, and the food hamper delivery program through 211 (for isolating seniors and those experiencing mobility issues). We continued to focus on community impact and responding to emerging community needs. We found new ways to interact with people and continued to deliver the core services we have provided to the community for many years. We enhanced our social media footprint, gaining hundreds of new followers. Our incredible team worked through the pandemic to deliver on tasks related to poverty reduction, housing insecurity, social justice and community based research. We know this would not have been possible without our networks of collaborators, community partners and funders working with us to help make their communities, not only survive - but thrive.

I thank the LSPC|211 North staff who showed remarkable adaptability under tremendous stress, dealing with the urgency in the community by helping to meet basic needs, while also coping with the impact of the pandemic on their own families and lives. During a period of long, hard work our team rose to the occasion as they always do. We managed to address priority issues and demonstrated resolve, resilience and creativity to move our core programs forward.

As the LSPC celebrates 58 years of service we look forward to 2021 as another year of change; one that includes developing a 3 year strategic plan, completing the accreditation process for our 211 Centre, creating a social media campaign, re-branding, enhancing awareness and much more. Change is difficult. The familiar is comforting. Putting that notion aside – we move forward in bridging today’s activities in anticipation of the new normal and another exciting year at the LSPC.

Finally, many thanks to you: our friends, donors, members, partners, volunteers and funders. You help sustain the

work we do and ensure that we can continue supporting those community members who need us most. Together

we will get through this crisis and hopefully can leverage the lessons learned to make improvements for the future.

Together we create a collective impact to improve conditions in making a better Thunder Bay for all.

Respectfully submitted, Marie Klassen, Director of Services

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The 2020 year has been yet another financially successful and productive year for the Lakehead Social Planning Council (LSPC). 2020 saw the budget increase to $1.96M from $1.38M in 2019, and LSPC has reported a 2020 year end surplus of $53,260. LSPC remained committed to diligent business and financial practices. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was a challenging year for everyone. Despite these challenges LSPC was able to adapt and continue to serve the members of our community with appropriate practices and safety measures put in place. As the 211 North Regional Service Provider additional funding was received to help alleviate some of the increased pressures resulting from COVID. LSPC’s share of variable funding from the new funding agreement with Ontario 211 Services continued to provide additional performance-based financial support. LSPC continues to rely on contract and fee for service funding, and would like to acknowledge the following major funders for their continuous support to community programming:

City of Thunder Bay – Anti-Racism Incident Reporting, Poverty Reduction Strategy Initiative funding, Age Friendly (flow through)

United Way of Thunder Bay - 211 Phone, Data Management and Walk-In Services

Service Canada - Reaching Home

Ontario Trillium Foundation - Out of the Cold Initiative (Grace Place)

Synergy North – LEAP

Thunder Bay Counselling – partner in Prosper Canada’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program

Employment and Social Development Canada – ESDC – COVID-19 – Reaching Home

In 2021 we look forward to exploring further opportunities, and efficiencies that will continue to support and strengthen the organization. On behalf of the LSPC Board of Directors, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to senior management and staff, as well as the volunteers for their ongoing hard work and commitment to serving individuals and other service partners in our community. Respectfully submitted, Aaron Lagadin Treasurer

TREASURER’S REPORT

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2020 FINANCIALS AT A GLANCE

Revenue - Operations $2,013,862

Expenditures - Operations $1,960,602

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Through the Covid-19 pandemic, the Lakehead Social Planning Council (LSPC) continued its role as the Community Entity for Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) Homelessness Strategy - Reaching Home funding - creating contracts, monitoring projects, and supporting organizations with any necessary supports and resources. The LSPC worked collectively with the Homelessness Coalition Advisory Board (HHC) to determine how to manage more than $500,000 in emergency funding to support efforts at providing overflow and isolation sheltering to people experiencing homelessness. Along with the overflow and isolation efforts, some of the COVID emergency funding was used to fund 8 social navigator positions with two each at Shelter House, John Howard Society of Thunder Bay, Elizabeth Fry Society and Alpha Court. The LSPC worked collaboratively throughout the year, often meeting twice daily with federal, provincial, and municipal funders, the health sector, first responders, Indigenous organizations, and many others to ensure everyone in the community was kept as safe as possible.

The LSPC also worked very closely with the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre (Indigenous Community Entity) and the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board to determine how to best spend COVID emergency funding, so that there were no gaps in delivering services such as overflow and isolation sheltering for those experiencing homelessness. This included the delivery of the Out of the Cold Program used at the isolation shelter to help deliver services when necessary. The Out of the Cold Program began its final year of funding from the three-year Grow Grant provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. $750,000 was provided to manage the program from 2018 to 2021, that subsequently helped prevent deaths from exposure in the cold winter months and for anyone not able to access emergency overnight shelter for any reason. The program also grew to include a Social Navigator position that helped connect people to services and support and in some cases successful housing. Coordinated Housing Access became a reality in Thunder Bay with LSPC working collectively with the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, TBDSSAB and Alpha Court, delivering funding through Reaching Home for a Data Coordinator. The Coordinated Housing Access Table (CHAT) is comprised of front line staff and support staff aimed at housing chronically homeless individuals as well as offering wrap around supports to ensure successful housing. The local Poverty Reduction Strategy worked to gain momentum for the Living Wage Campaign, as well as collectively working with communities across Ontario to bring more awareness to the Campaign. The pandemic brought more attention to the fact that essential workers are sometimes paid minimum wage and live in poverty, and organizations began to join the campaign towards the end of the year. We hope to see much growth in the campaign moving forward.

PROGRAM, PROJECT & COMMITTEE REPORTS: SOCIAL RESEARCH & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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Through past work with the United Way and the Chamber of Commerce with the Cross-Sector Collaboration event, where many local issues were discussed and the input and collective work with the City's Community Safety Well Being Plan, the need to increase the social determinants of health became very apparent. The Thunder Bay Poverty Reduction Strategy met with Health Minister Patty Hajdu in 2020 to discuss a Pilot Project that would aim to reduce poverty by offering services and supports to meet the social determinants of health for all individuals in Thunder Bay. The committee members continue to work on this project and will continue the discussion in 2021. Due to COVID, the Point in Time Count was delayed, but the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board collaborated with the Lakehead Social Planning Council and determined that a 2021 count would be safer. We look forward to another enumeration gleaning critical data that will provide an updated profile of the homeless population in Thunder Bay.

Respectfully submitted, Bonnie Krysowaty, MPH Social Researcher / Planner

PROGRAM, PROJECT & COMMITTEE REPORTS: SOCIAL RESEARCH & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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LAKEHEAD SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL CONTACT CENTRE: PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS

The CVITP is a program that helps eligible individuals who need assistance

with their income tax and benefit returns. The CVITP is a partnership

between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Lakehead Social

Planning Council that houses the tax preparation clinic and arranges for

volunteers to prepare tax returns for low-income individuals. In 2020 (for

the 2019 tax year), the team processed 4,346 returns, generating

$1,585,954 in refunds that benefitted our community.

LSPC administers the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) on

behalf of Synergy North. The LEAP program is a utility payment assistance

program that helps eligible Synergy North customers with hydro accounts

in arrears. In 2020, the LEAP program was able to assist 21 households

keep the lights on and household warm for 28 adults and 7 children. The

LSPC is also an intake agency for LEAP on behalf of the United Way of

Simcoe Muskoka, Hydro One and Enbridge Gas and processed 9 intake

applications during the year.

The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) offers monthly on-bill

credits to help lower-income households manage electricity costs. The

amount of each monthly credit received depends on how many people live

in the home and the household’s combined income. The Ontario Energy

Board designated the LSPC as an intake agency to help individuals apply

for the OESP program. In 2020, the LSPC completed 125 applications on

behalf of individuals.

The Community Access Program continues to provide free computer and internet access to individuals above the age of 18 who otherwise may not have web access. In 2020 the CAP site was used by 348 individuals.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX PROGRAM (CVITP)

UTILITY PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

ONTARIO ELECTRICITY SUPPORT PROGRAM

COMMUNITY ACCESS PROGRAM (CAP)

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LAKEHEAD SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL CONTACT CENTRE: PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS

In partnership with the Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre, the LSPC operates as a host site for the non-profit food purchasing coordination intended to provide healthy, nutritious food in an affordable, acceptable manner. In 2020, the LSPC site dispensed 7 orders totaling 3 single and 4 family boxes. This program works to ensure that everyone can afford the best possible, high-quality local and regional produce.

A project launched in September 2010, offering free telephone services (hardware, basic service & voice mail) to eligible families with children attending schools in Thunder Bay, is administered by the LSPC. This partnership between Lakehead Public Schools, Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, United Way of Thunder Bay and Tbaytel, is administered by the Lakehead Social Planning Council’s staff. A total of 34 phone lines were active in 2020.

Our fee-for-service program, with the function to inform hundreds of nonprofit agencies of upcoming events, conferences, workshops, job opportunities, etc., is available to all organizations. In 2020, there were a total of 34 emails sent for community benefit. Visit our website to sign-up to our broadcast email distribution list.

Outreach and awareness activities are conducted on a regular basis with informational presentations to community groups, front line workers and organizations; attendance at conferences/workshops and by invitation to local events such as street, health and information fairs. In 2020, staff participated in 11 outreach and awareness activities.

GOOD FOOD BOX PROGRAM

PHONES FOR FAMILIES

BROADCAST EMAIL DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND AWARENESS

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211 NORTH SNAPSHOT

2020 started off as many other years, but by March, the entire world changed. COVID-19 arrived in Ontario.

211 was ready to respond by serving as the front door to community services. The COVID-19 shutdown left a large number of people in need of services and support, and in numbers like never seen before.

When people did not know where to turn, they turned to 211. Over the next six months, contacts to 211 Ontario increased by 153%.

*Chats and Emails answered by the 211 Northern team, and does not represent the number of users from Northern Ontario.

Visit www.211ontario.ca to view Ontario 211 Services 2019-2020 Annual Report, In it Together.

Visit www.211oncovid19.ca to view Ontario 211 Services

COVID-19 Update report and related needs data.

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Community Partnerships

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PARTICIPATION

Age Friendly Thunder Bay

Alpha Court

Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins

Anti-Racism Incident Reporting Working Group

Beendigen

Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness

Canadian Mental Health Association

Caregiver Support Committee

City of Thunder Bay, Incident Reporting

Confederation College, Social Service Worker Prgm.

Diversity Thunder Bay

Elizabeth Fry Society

Income Security Advocacy Centre

John Howard Society of Thunder Bay & District

Lakehead Fundraising Association

Lakehead Public Schools

Lakehead University, School of Social Work

North West Local Health Integration Network

Northwest Community Legal Clinic (Rainy River)

NW Ontario Women’s Centre, Good Food Box Prgm.

Ontario Age Friendly Community

Ontario 211 Services, Regional Service Providers

Ontario 211 Services Specialty Lines

Child & Youth Counselling Line Good2Talk Ontario Caregiver Helpline ReportON

Ontario Living Wage Network

Ontario Native Women’s Association

Ontario Non Profit Network

Poverty Free Thunder Bay

Poverty Reduction Strategy

Prosper Canada - Thunder Bay Counselling

Regional Food Distribution Association

Service Canada – Reaching Home Initiative

Shelter House

Social Planning Network of Ontario

Superior Shores Gaming Association

Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board

Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce

Thunder Bay Crime Prevention Strategy

Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Thunder Bay District Social Services Admin. Bd.

Thunder Bay Drug Strategy

Thunder Bay Food Security Network

Thunder Bay Housing & Homelessness Coalition

Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre

Thunder Bay Speakers School

United Way North Eastern Ontario

United Way of Sault Ste. Marie and District

United Way of Thunder Bay

Volunteer Thunder Bay

Membership Membership in the Lakehead Social Planning Council is an indicator of support for the mission and work of the organization. Membership is open to any person or organization. In 2020, there were 36 individuals and 44 organizations supporting the organization through membership fees and donations. Thank you to our donors and members for your ongoing support.

Fundraising Activities

Superior Shores Gaming - $ 9,603

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President: Paulette Howe Past President Allen Poling Vice President PhebeAnn Wolframe-Smith to September 22, 2020 Lisa Schmidt

Treasurer Aaron Lagadin Secretary Dianna Atkinson Directors Jillian Gribben Todd Kennedy to September 22, 2020 Cheryl Reid Prakash Shrestha Roberta Simpson Sandra Snider

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020

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Staff Director of Services Marie Klassen Supervisor of Finance & Administration Bev Gamble Social Researcher/Planner Bonnie Krysowaty Manager -211/Community Information Kristen Tomcko Certified Community Resource Specialist - Data Curator (CCRS-DC) Lisa Owens Certified Community Resource Specialist / CCRS-DC Lorraine Ryder Certified Community Resource Specialist Pat Michels Certified Community Resource Specialist / CCRS-DC Erin Modin Certified Community Resource Specialist Joe Downey Certified Community Resource Specialist Leah Tees Community Resource Specialist Leah Hupe Community Resource Specialist/Office Support Amy Weeden Receptionist Ann Kobelt Financial Empowerment Coordinator Susan Fiskar PIT Count Coordinator Tara Hahkala-Crawford Information Technology Mark Walther Office Support Sharon Corston Summer Student/Office Support Ricki Hill Summer Student Tamara Gagnon Summer Student Mellissa Gagnon

Confederation College/Lakehead University Placement Students

School of Social Work Placement Student Gabriela Ciolca School of Social Work Placement Student Cassandra Connell School of Social Work Placement Student Brooke Matson School of Social Work Placement Student Jordan Wark

Income Tax Volunteers

Thank you to the many volunteers who contribute their time, skill and effort to support Lakehead Social Planning Council’s programs, services and initiatives.

STAFF, PLACEMENT STUDENTS & VOLUNTEERS

Nancy Arthur Margaret Boone Gerard Boyer Mary Cernigoj (Coordinator) George Chehowy

Sharon Otway Diana Pallen Kathie Pawlik Pamela Kosola Carol Voth

Sharon Corston (Coordinator) Margo Davis Julie Fels Birthe (Bea) Ligate Gloria McKay

Lakehead Social Planning Council Community Information & Referral Centre

Members / Affiliations Social Planning Network of Ontario

Alliance of Information & Referral Systems (AIRS) Inform Ontario Inform Canada

Community Information Online Consortium (CIOC) O211S

211 National Service Providers

2020 GRANTS ARE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGED City of Thunder Bay (Community, Youth & Cultural Fund) $ 31,586 Employment & Social Development Canada (Canada Summer jobs) $ 12,844 Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services (Pay Equity) $ 10,820 United Way of Thunder Bay (211 Phone, Web, Walk-in) $ 48,000

125 Syndicate Avenue South Unit 38 Thunder Bay, Ontario

P7E 6H8

58 years of service to the community “People Helping People”

Funders and Financial Partners Thank you for your continued support