SCRI Society ‘The Club’

Social, Cultural, Recreational

Inclusion for all www.theclubscri.com

Annual Report 2012

What is SCRI Society ‘The Club’?

We are parents, people who have disabilities, friends, family members and professionals, who have come together to create opportunities for, and with, people who have special needs and challenges.

Formed in 2007, SCRI Society is a registered charity that operates in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Thanks to the support of St James Anglican Church, the United Way of Halifax Region, and partners throughout the Community, we have been able to create programs that bring people together, help to combat isolation, enable people to develop their social lives

and skills, and create more choices.

Alice Evans, Executive Director, registerinfotheclub@gmail.com

Sharon Malay, Chair of Board of Directors, theclubscri@gmail.com Facebook page ‘SCRI Society ‘The Club’, or www.theclubscri.com

Telephone/text (902) 478 1917

Programs during 2012

Drop In Club

Summer Camp

Lunch Club

Outings and Events

A daily program with social space and activities for our community to join together

and make friends.

A four week Summer program for young people

and adults.

A life skills program teaching cooking, shopping and healthy eating.

Special events including our Halloween Party, the Winter Ball, Out on the Town, and Blingo Gala

Contact us

Annual Report 2012

Partners

Working Together

When SCRI Society first conducted a needs analysis in 2007, feedback from caregivers and people who have special needs showed us that there was a desperate lack of programming and accessible provision in Halifax and the surrounding areas.

Young people and adults who have disabilities were finding themselves suffering from isolation and many had little in the way of a social life or community connection. This isolation and lack of opportunity extended to families and caregivers.

to provide opportunities and strengthen our community

Together with partners throughout the community, we have been able to realize our dream of having a social space that brings people together to make friends and build relationships.

The Drop In Club now operates between six and eight sessions per week with activities that focus on healthy living, cultural activities and ideas from our members.

Over 110 people attended programs at the Club last year, with over 60

volunteers and program leaders.

Young people and adults have built relationships, learned skills, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

But this is just the start… there is a still a great need for daytime programming, and sustainable options for people in Halifax and the surrounding areas. People with disabilities need a strong presence and visibility in the community. We need to work together to ensure we have opportunities and choices in the future and our voice is heard.

SCRI Society believes that working together with other organizations and groups is the way forward. By combining resources and ideas, we can achieve more, and do it better.

The Club would not be possible without the input and support of our partners in the community.

Thank you to the Parish of St James Anglican Church for their incredible generosity and support.

HRM Recreation, the Recreation Inclusion Network, Bethany United Church, Autism Nova Scotia, Friday Night Social, and the Investors Group for their

amazing support this year.

Students from local universities have given so much to the Club during the past year. In particular we would like to thank the Schools of Nursing, Health & Human Performance at Dalhousie University, and PR at Nova Scotia Community College. Special thanks to Independent Living Nova Scotia, the IWK Hospital, Halifax Association for Community Living, Sobeys,

Annual Report 2012

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One thing that people who visit the Drop In Club talk about is the warm welcome that they get when they arrive. It’s our members and the volunteers who give their time and energy to ‘The Club’ that make it special.

Likely Mitchell Coleman will greet you at the door to the Drop In Club. He’ll introduce himself and welcome you. Mitchell knows everybody at the Club, what their last name is, and whether or not they have a dog. He is one of our many members who shows kindness to others on a daily basis, who come up with ideas, join in, make conversation, laugh, enjoy friends, and share a great sense of humor.

At the Club everybody is different, and everybody is welcome. Our members and volunteers accept each other for who they are. It is this, along with the unique qualities of each individual at the Club that makes it such a special place.

“I found I am easily accepted there without struggling to conform, as I am accepted the way I am, and respected, like everyone else is.” Victoria Shepherd

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“From my very first visit to the Club I was hooked; I was providing respite care and the family had signed him up for their summer camp program. I had never been around such amazing and inspiring people from the members, volunteers, leaders and even the other respite care providers. I was living three hours from my hometown and family and walking into the Club I felt at home, it was like I had an instant connection with everyone involved. I started off that September volunteering and helping out as much as I could; if I was having a bad day I knew that going to the Club would put an instant smile on my face and turn my whole day around. The Club has definitely changed my life, it has changed me into a better person; as a future teacher I know that my time at the Club will have a major influence on how I teach my class. I have learned to be patient, open-minded and a true advocate for people with exceptionalities.” Trista Jacquard

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Families and support workers have also found support and made friendships through The Club. Throughout 2012 the IWK Launch Program held monthly sessions for parents and carers at the Club with topics ranging from ‘Housing’ and ‘Day Programming’ to ‘Equine Therapy’. Halifax Association for Community Living has facilitated weekly problem solving sessions with members, and many families have found respite workers and respite

solutions via The Club.

People who take part in our programs

Our members, volunteers, friends, families, staff and guests all contribute

to make The Club a special place

“Thank you for The Club. I have great friends now. This has been the best year of my life.” Conar Clory

Annual Report 2012

In 2012 family members and carers took part in a formal evaluation of the Club conducted in partnership with Dalhousie University. This was to find out whether The Club is having real benefits for participants and their families.

The results showed that over 95% of members had developed their self-confidence, made new friends, were more likely to participate in activities, and had developed their independence:

“Last year, her Resource Teacher attended an open house as my daughter’s guest. She commented on how there was such a difference in my daughter. We asked in what way - and she said that my daughter was so confident and at ease at the Club. (My daughter can exhibit high anxiety in the school setting). She indicated that she felt my daughter had a strong sense of "belonging" and that she seemed so much more mature than at school. She was impressed with how my daughter took pride in showing her around and introducing her to members and leaders.”

95% of parents & carers believe

that The Club has helped their

family member to fulfill their

potential.

Over 95% of people reported a reduction in their stress level, with an overall 40% reduction in stress reported since family members have started to attend The Club.

Everybody who responded felt

that being part of the Club helped

them belong to a useful network,

with access to supports,

information and events.

“My daughter Sarah joined the Club in 2010. We immediately saw the benefits of the many programs as well as the diversity of all involved. She has been happy to be a part of this new community, which in turn has brought her to the greater community.” Sharon Malay

People who have intellectual

disabilities and other challenges

play a lead role in running The

Club, from volunteering and

planning activities, to sitting on

the SCRI Society Board of

Directors. The Club is an

example of how people can direct

their lives, make choices and

contribute to their community.

Proving that it works Highlights of the year included the Blingo Gala, which raised funds for our Summer Camp, our Theatre Week show which was scripted and performed by members, and the Fashion Show organized by students from Dalhousie University.

The Club provided access to many arts and cultural events during the year including outings to Neptune Theatre & CKDU Radio station. We took part in Youth Arts Week and were host to many guests including the First Nation Drummers, African Dance & drumming, visual artists and Hip-Hop break-dancers.

‘Bodyrockers’ was our Healthy Living Program that introduced members to healthy food, lifestyles, healthy relationships and increased fitness. Our Walking Club is now working towards taking part in the Bluenose Marathon.

The Club said goodbye to dear friends last year. Elliott Dingwell, Fred Martin, and Renee Pye (co-founder of The Club), moved to Ontario to find day-time programming options for Elliott. They are much missed by everyone at The Club.

Our day program, The Lunch Club, teaches participants

shopping, budgeting & clear up skills, and how to cook tasty,

healthy meals they can make at home.

Annual Report 2012

Thank you

It takes a community to build a community, and SCRI Society programs would not be possible without the support of the United Way of Halifax Region and the many people throughout HRM who donate to the United Way.

The Drop In Club, Lunch Club, and all related programs and events were made possible thanks to the United Way of Halifax Region, The Windsor Foundation, membership fees, St James Anglican Church and the Province of Nova Scotia Dept of Health and Wellness.

‘Creative Showcases’ provided access to arts events and promoted creativity with our members, including a Theatre Week in July. Generously supported by the Province of Nova Scotia Dept of Communities and Culture.

‘Bodyrockers’ Healthy Living Program was supported by the IWK Foundation, the Windsor Foundation, Capital Health, and via in-kind support from our many members and volunteers.

‘Superstar Summer’ was supported by Halifax Community Health Board, Allan Grantham and Ross Elliot, Milt and Carla Isaacs, Independent Living Nova Scotia, and the individuals who generously contributed to the Blingo Gala.

A special thank you to our awesome volunteer and staff team who put in so much hard work, energy, and enthusiasm into our Drop In Club, Summer Camp, Lunch Club and special events.

“I must mention the quality of your staff and volunteers. Super impressed with these young people.”

“The staff at the camp are EXCEPTIONAL. We cannot express our sincere gratitude for their enthusiasm, dedication and hard work. Many things stood out about this staff, from their kindness, their professionalism, their knowledge of special needs, their enthusiasm, their dedication.”

“Our daughter could feel the love from each and every one of the staff. She felt safe, cared for, and understood and this consequently made her feel relaxed and happy. You have a very special group of staff whose value is ‘priceless’.”

If you would like to join our volunteer team, please email Volunteer Co-ordinator Jackie Rivers: theclubmembers@gmail.com

Find out more at www.theclubscri.com

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“Because of the positive effects ‘The Club’ has had on my daughter and others like her, I began volunteering and became a member of the Board of Directors. There I am able to have input and contribute to my daughter’s future and well-being. I strongly encourage others to do so as well.”

We are actively seeking people who wish to contribute to their community to help us create opportunities and change. If you would like to join our Board of Directors, please contact Sharon Malay at theclubscri@gmail.com

Chair of Board: Sharon Malay Renee Pye (to April 2012)

Board Members: Kari Robertson Deanne Meister Vicki Harvey Sandra McFadyen Anne MacRae Paula & Brian Layton Peggy Weaver Mona Murphy Mark Gosine (to April 2012)

Ex Officio Members: Conar Clory Danielle Pottie Isai Estey Karley Gates Victoria Shepherd

Session Leader Rep: Emma Cameron

Executive Director: Alice Evans

Lunch Club: Audrey Samson

Our community has made remarkable changes during the past five years. SCRI Society wants to ensure that we continue to build on these achievements and work

towards a better future for people who have special needs, carers, and families.

Join us to help shape our future and make the changes we need.

Board of Directors 2011/12

Shaping our Futures

Annual Report 2012

Detailed Accounts are available on request

Audited Accounts compiled by Optio Incorporated Accounting 5991 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, Nova Scotia

SCRI Social, Cultural, Recreational Inclusion Society (The Club)

Registered charity no: 836137422RR0001

www.theclubscri.com

SCRI Society, Social Cultural, Recreational, Inclusion Society Statement of Revenue, Expenses and Net Assets Year end October 31 2012

Revenue $ Capital Health 4,400 Province of NS. Dept of Health and Wellness 11,300 Province of NS. Dept of Communities and Culture 4,128 Active Halifax 650 IWK Foundation 3,465 United Way of Halifax Region 42,411 Fundraising 9,315 Donations 26,107 Miscellaneous 2,650 Membership Fees Drop In Club 12,730 Lunch Club 1,015 Summer Camp 10,705 Total Revenue 128,876

Expenses Fundraising 1,199 Drop In Club 32,155 Lunch Club 2,441 Summer Camp 18,996 Office and equipment 10,809 Salaries and Wages 40,491 Depreciation 1,826 Total Expenses 107,917

Net revenue for the year 20,959 Net Assets, beginning of the year 14,757 Net Assets, end of the year 35,716 ~ Balance Sheet, October 31 2012 Assets Current Cash 38,552 Accounts receivable - Equipment and Leasehold Improvements 7,588 46,140 Liabilities Current Accounts Payable 3,347 Deferred Revenue 7,077 10,424 Equity Net Assets Invested in Capital Assets 7,588 Net Assets 28,128 35,716

46,140

Financial Statement