COMMUNITY CENTRE

2015-16

Providing immigrant women and their families with opportunities to improve their quality of life through empowerment, self-improvement and community action.

ANNUAL REPORT

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I had the honour of continuing my service as the President of Working Women Community Centre (WWCC) this year. It has been another busy and successful year for WWCC, thanks to our staff and the strong leadership of our Executive Director, Marcie Ponte. Our ongoing work to provide settlement services, LINC English language instruction, On Your Mark tutoring for children and youth who need it most, HIPPY instruction for parents and their preschool children learning to be successful in school, and many other projects and initiatives continued.

As an organization that focuses on the needs of immigrant women and their families, global crises have a great impact on our work. WWCC was one of many agencies that helped to resettle thousands of Syrian refugees into Canada. From welcoming them at Pearson International Airport, to English language instruction delivered in our LINC classes, to modifying our HIPPY program to accommodate families adjusting to our education system, WWCC was there to offer support during the difficult transition into their new lives in Toronto. Our Young Patrons Council also hosted an event with newly appointed senator and guest speaker, Ratna Omidvar, who spoke about her own experiences as a refugee and how refugees have had an important role in shaping Canadian society.

Many of this year’s highlights are related to space. At our Victoria Park HUB, we continue to collaborate and innovate. We hosted a HUB Forum designed by local residents, agencies, and other stakeholders to discuss important issues in the neighbourhood. Our existing anchor partner Family Service Toronto (FST) enhanced their presence in our HUB offices. The Connector, a shared work space, was recently established for entrepreneurs, freelancers, designers and start-ups. A new program, with confirmed funding, that supports immigrant women entrepreneurs will also be run out of the HUB.

We settled into our new space at Jane and Finch, across from Yorkgate Mall as well. With the closing of the Oriole Food Space (OFS) in September 2015, we worked with our community partners to find a temporary home for our food bank at Parkway Forest community Centre. This food bank was well used by Syrian refugees and others in the community, in addition to our multicultural Community Garden, where Syrian artist, Ani, led a community art program.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank all our dedicated program volunteers who make WWCC part of every community we work in. We are very grateful for your support and commitment to the Centre. I also want to acknowledge the work and dedication of our staff, Board of Directors, funders, donors, and community partners.

Thank you.

Karen Sun President

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF TORONTO’S IMMIGRANT WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES SINCE 1974.

The Centre’s woman-focused and integrated settlement approach addresses the following:• Adjustment - learning English skills, adjusting to Canadian culture and redefining home in a new environment

• Adaptation - building a new life in Canada

• Integration - living in Canada free of barriers to economic, social, cultural and political inclusion

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OUR APPROACH

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES AT A GLANCE

• Oriole Community Garden and Food Space

• Peer-led Programs and Activities

• Community Engagement Activities

• Community Ambassador Training

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - 5,998 SERVED

• Ambassador Training for Latinx Parents with Elementary School Children

• Community-driven Initiatives at Victoria Park HUB

• LINC - Language Instruction for Newcomers and Childcare for Newcomer Children

• HIPPY - Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-school Children

EDUCATION AND LEARNING - 2,616 SERVED

• OYM - On Your Mark Mentoring/Tutoring for Portuguese and Spanish Speaking Students

• One-to-one Support

• Information Sessions

ACCELERATING THE SETTLEMENT PROCESS - 5,800 SERVED

• Serving Live-in Caregivers

• One-to-one Support

• Women’s Groups

EMPOWERING WOMEN - 2,703 SERVED

• Personal Action Plans

• Violence Prevention

• Compassionate and holistic programming with a focus on families

• Community and neighbourhood building that is inclusive and engaged

• Asset and peer-based

• Integrated settlement and community engagement model embedded in all programs and services

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CONNECTOR CO-WORKING SPACELocated at our Victoria Park HUB, the Connector Co-Working Space is where local entrepreneurs can access resources, make professional connections, and work in an environment that embraces business development and growth. There are currently seven registered members, and several more to join shortly. Local enterprises will be encouraged to partake in the social procurement opportunities stemming from the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project. Other projects included a HUB Forum, promoting local artists with the Scarborough Sofar Sounds team, and supporting initiatives spearheaded by the Scarborough Community Organization.

WWCC is partner in the Oriole Foodspace providing information workshops for newcomers

SYRIAN REFUGEES EXPRESS THEMSELVES THROUGH ART

AT OUR LINC CENTRE

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Razmig, a Syrian artist volunteered his time to create a beautiful mural on the wall at the Fairview location

Ani doing art for our Care for Newcomer Children program and in our community Garden

WELCOMING SYRIAN REFUGEES

WWCC 2014-2015 Annual Report 5

Financial Overview

Excerpted from Working Women Community Centre’s audited statements, which are prepared by Berman, Lofchick & Lum, LLP, Chartered Accountants. Full audited statements are available on request.

Financial Statement 2014-2015RevenuesFederalProvincialMunicipalUnited WayFoundationsOthersTotal Revenues

ExpendituresPersonnelBuilding OccupancyProgram ExpensesAdministrationEquipmentPurchased ServicesStaff Related ExpensesHSTInsuranceAdministrative RecoveryTotal Expenses

Net Surplus

2015$ 3,400,805

$ 290,616$ 195,669$ 752,196$ 286,338$ 112,383

$ 5,038,007

$ 3,626,115$ 772,770$ 334,704$ 96,122$ 75,380$ 47,375$ 20,530$ 1,808

$ 13,947-00

$ 4,988,751

$ 49,256

2014 $ 3,618,526

$ 223,684 $ 202,900 $ 709,400 $ 284,865 $ 134,586

$ 5,173,961

$ 3,373,197$ 752,681$ 665,879$ 110,744$ 68,212$ 43,089$ 19,180$ 14,806$ 14,300

-00$ 5,062,088

$ 111,873

Thank you to our funders and DonorsCitizenship and Immigration CanadaHuman Resources & Skills Development CanadaOntario Ministry of CitizenshipOntario Women’s DirectorateOntario Trillium FoundationCity of TorontoHIPPY Canada

Toronto District School BoardToronto Catholic District School BoardUnited Way TorontoRegional Government of the AcoresGovernment of PortugalTides CanadaAll of our Generous Donors

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FederalProviniciaMunicipalUnited WaFoundationsOthers

PersonalBuildingOccupancyProgram ExpensesAdministrationEquipmentPurchasedServicesStaff RelatedExpensesHSTInsuranceAdministativeRecovery

3,400,80568%

290,6166%

195,6694%

752,19615%

286,3386%

112,3832%

2014-2015 REVENUES: $5,038,007

2014-2015 EXPENDITURES: $5,038,007

3,626,11572.7%

772,77015.5%

334,7046.7%

96,1221.9%

75,3801.5% 47,375

.9%

20,530.4%1,808

0%13,947.3%

WWCC lead the coordination of the Rosina Shopkeeper’s Project that recognized shopkeepers in Bloorcourt, the project was awarded recognition by Heritage Toronto.

VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTE ENORMOUSLY TO THE SUCCESSFUL IMPACT OF OUR WORKWorking Women Community Centre acknowledges the tremendous work and commitment of our many volunteers. With close to 500 supporting us, our volunteers have a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of many newcomers and their families throughout the year. WWCC relies heavily on volunteers who sit on our Board of Directors, college students who participate in placements at our locations, peer leaders who share their talents and skills, and many others who generously and freely donate their time.

WWCC thanks all who contribute to our organization and compassionately help to improve the lives of others.

Thank you.

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Access Alliance Multicultural Health & Community Services

ACCES Employment

Advent Lutheran Church

Afghan Cultural Association

Aisling Discoveries Child & Family Centre

Alzheimer Society of Toronto

Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre

Black Creek Community Health Centre

Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

Canadian South Asian Growth and Support Services

Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples

Children’s Aid Toronto

Christian Centre – LINC

Community Living Toronto

Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Community Health Centre: Early Years

East Toronto Chinese Baptist Church

Evergreen Brick Works

FCJ Refugee Centre

Faith and the Common Good

Family Services Toronto

Flemingdon Health Centre

Firgrove Learning & Innovation Community Centre

First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre

Furniture Bank

Hispanic Ontario Lawyers Association

Immigrant Women’s Health Centre

Institute of Chartered Accountants

Iranian Women’s Organization of Ontario

Jessie’s Centre

JVS

Karen Partnership Group

Latin American Education Network

Malvern Family Resource Centre

Menonite New Life Centre of Toronto

Meridian Credit Union

METRAC

MicroSkills

Mothers of O’Connor

Muslim Welfare Centre

New Circles Community Services

North York Community House

North York Harvest Food Bank

North York Women’s Shelter

OCAD University (Photography)

Open Streets TO

Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) – Ryerson, University of Toronto, York University

Parkdale Parents’ Primary Prevention Project (5P’s)

Parkdale Community Health Centre

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration

Roseneath Theatre

RBC (Bloor & Dovercourt Branch)

Ontario Early Years Centre

Ryerson Tri-Mentoring Program, Centre of Community Partnerships

Scott Mission Childcare Centre

Seneca College

Church of St. Jude (Wexford) Anglican Church of Canada

Stanley Public School, The Continuing Education Department

TAIBU Community Health Centre

Caring Village

The Peoples Church

The Redwood Shelter

Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office

Toronto Green Community

Toronto Catholic District School Board

Toronto District School Board

Toronto Employment & Social Services

Toronto Learning Disabilities Association

University of Toronto, Portuguese Association

University of Toronto, Concurrent Teacher Education Program

University Settlement

Welcome Centre Immigrant Services

WelcomePack Canada

Willowdale Community Legal Services

Women’s Connection

Workers Action Centre

Yorkdale Adult Learning Centre

York University, Lusophone Association

York University, Concurrent Teacher Education Program

Young Parents No Fixed Address

Youth Services Network

WWCC is also a member of the following networks:

Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter

Chinese Integration Networking

Middle Childhood Matters Toronto

Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants

Supportive Education for Employment Mobilization

Social Planning Toronto

Toronto Neighbourhood Centres

Woman Abuse Council of Toronto

OUR PARTNERS

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In an effort to reduce barriers and increase parental involvement in their children’s elementary schools, WWCC and Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto collaboratively created LatinX Parents for Change, a Parent Ambassador Training Program. The project helps LatinX parents gain a better understanding of the education system in Ontario. This project is supported by the Toronto Catholic District School Board and Toronto District School Board and is funded by the City of Toronto, and Access, Equity and Human Rights Investment Funding Program. To date, 28 parents have participated and are ready to train other parents in their communities.

LATINX PARENTS FOR CHANGE PARENT AMBASSADOR PROJECT

HIPPY SPECIAL PROJECT: CAREER PATHWAYS FOR NEWCOMER WOMEN

In 2015, Working Women Community Centre (WWCC) partnered with Seneca College and was funded by Status of Women Canada to launch a new program for newcomer women with young children. The Career Pathways project was designed to empower and prepare them for continuing education opportunities or employment. Six “Peer Animators” were hired and trained from the pool of previous HIPPY Home Visitors/Moms to conduct needs assessment surveys and interviews with newcomer mothers.

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Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Human Resources & Skills Development Canada

Ontario Ministry of Citizenship

Ontario Women’s Directorate

Ontario Trillium Foundation

City of Toronto

HIPPY Canada

OUR DONORS

FINANCIAL OVERVIEWFinancial Statement 2015-2016

2015

$ 3,400,805 $ 290,616$ 195,669$ 752,196$ 286,338$ 112,383

$ 5,038,007

$ 3,626,115$ 772,770$ 334,704

$ 96,122$ 75,380$ 47,375$ 20,530

$ 1,808$ 13,947

$ 4,988,751

$ 49,256

Revenues

FederalProvincialMunicipalUnited WayFoundationsOthers

Total Revenues

Expenditures

PersonnelBuilding OccupancyProgram ExpensesAdministrationEquipmentPurchased ServicesStaff Related ExpensesHSTInsurance

Total Expenses

Net Surplus

2016

$ 3,336,786 $ 390.932$ 226,832$ 828,658$ 352,615$ 144,868

$ 5,199,691

$ 3,606,668$ 812,989$ 460,798$ 120,900

$ 66,168$ 37,467$ 32,438

- $ 12,036

$ 5,149,464

$ 111,873

Toronto District School Board

Toronto Catholic District School Board

United Way Toronto

Regional Government of the Acores

Government of Portugal

Tides Canada

Special thanks to all our generous donors.

This year, Amelia Jimenez, an incredible artist, left us to soon. Her contributions made a significant impact on all the lives of the immigrant and refugee women who she worked with, especially the Latin American community.

A collective mural led by Amelia and Lynn Hutchinson showcasing a detailed mosaic and part of Amelia’s legacy, stands outside of WWCC’s downtown office building. This collage of immigrant and refugee stories will forever remind us of the struggles, successes and memories experienced by so many women. Amelia worked in partnership with WWCC for multiple projects: “Scouring City, Brushing Sky,” a project with immigrant and refugee women working in the cleaning sector, and “Book of Memories,” a project with immigrant senior women to explore and celebrate their untold stories.

I personally had the great honour to work with Amelia on a number of art projects. Her passion for art was contagious, and remembering her kindness and compassion, I am reminded that her life was too short.

Amiga, I learned so much working with you. You will be missed, my friend!

Diana Grimaldos

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REMEMBERING AMELIA

Board Of Directors

President Karen Sun

Vice-President Lianne Krakauer

Secretary Biljana Vasilevska

Treasurer Diana Simpson

Members Diana Abraham Kathryn Dubois Janet McGill Laura Siperman Sarah Thom Sarah McQuarriel

Executive Director Marcie Ponte

Downtown 533A Gladstone Avenue Toronto, Ontario M6H 3J1

Tel. 416-532-2824 Fax 416-532-7432

North York East Centre 5 Fairview Mall Drive, Suite 478 North York, Ontario M2J 2Z1

Tel. 416-494-7978 Fax 416-494-5266

Victoria Park Hub 1527 Victoria Park Avenue, 2nd Floor Toronto, Ontario M1L 2T3

Tel. 416-750-9600 Fax 416-750-9606

North York West Centre 2065 Finch Avenue West. Suit 106 Toronto, Ontario M3N 2V7

Tel. 647-346-3700 Fax 647-346-3701

Services for immigrant women and their families.

COMMUNITY CENTREwww.workingwomencc.orgEmail info@workingwomencc.org