M e s s a g e f r o m t h e E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r Over the past 12 months Bereaved Families of Ontario – Halton/Peel has had the honour and privilege of providing support to hundreds of individuals and families. We recognize that it takes a lot of energy and courage to participate in our peer mentoring groups. I hope that each individual who has visited our facility has had an opportunity to meet new friends and find comfort as they learn, process and journey through their grief. Audre Lorde said “I have come to believe…that what is important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood.” It is my hope that you found solace amongst peers. As I reflect, 2009 was an exceptionally busy year with many changes, transitions and growth for our organization. I wish to thank all those who contributed to our office and administrative work. Our university and college students, Melanie, Tonia, Tiffany, Heather and Nazma, whose fresh perspective, ideas and questions helped to rejuvenate our passion and look upon what we do with fresh eyes. To our administrative and IT volunteers Larry and Onette who kept us worry free of all viruses and other such concerns that continue to boggle my less then “techie” abilities. To Maureen Hunkeler who provided assistance with program and fund development. We were so pleased to welcome her aboard in December as our Program Co-ordinator to help ring in 2010. Although Pamela Blackmore was only on staff for a brief time, we are appreciative of the foundation she helped build to move us forward in fund development and are pleased to have her transition into a volunteer role as a group facilitator. To Lisa Alexander, I must say thank you for overseeing all the important internal day to day responsibilities of keeping our office running smoothly and supporting our students and volunteers in their tasks. Her unwavering commitment and passion for the organization has lead her into a new and vital role of Director of Community Engagement, but it is her authentic and genuine unhindered humor that provides a haven for us all and allows the sun to shine through on stormy days. We must also express our appreciation to the wonderful members of our Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) who provide ongoing support, guidance, wisdom and encouragement to us all. Each month these wonderful ladies meet to ensure that we are at all times implementing “best practices”. It is due to the generosity and dedication of all those above that we continue to build the capacity of our programming. We received the 2nd year of operational funding from The Ontario Trillium Foundation to support one full time and one part time staff position. We also received funding from the Oakville Community Foundation to support our community outreach. This will help us to continue to build the momentum of program expansion and our commitment to educating the public about grief and bereavement. We also wish to thank our financial supporters. The support we receive from our community is overwhelming and we thank all who have contributed! Your generosity has made a difference. Next steps for BFO-H/P are exciting as we begin to implement the 2nd year of our 3 year strategic plan. The emphasis for 2010 will be on program expansion, public education and broadening our profile in the Halton and Peel communities. We will be launching our campaign to reach the four corners of our region through our Share and Support program and work diligently on developing both our Ambassador and Alumni Programs. In closing I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the staff, students and volunteers who have worked along side me with such conviction, integrity and compassion. We have shared a great deal together. You amaze me with your work ethic and willingness to take on “all other duties as assigned.” I look forward to forging ahead in the remainder of 2010. Madeleine 2 C h a i r p e r s o n ’s R e p o r t I once again have the honour to pass along a brief message from the Board, reflecting on this past year and the accomplishments of BFO-Halton/Peel. Without a doubt 2009-2010 was the most stable year during my tenure as Chairman. It was a year where we had the opportunity to build, expand and look forward rather than constantly being on our heels, operating day to day. Once again, our memory events, the Walk(s) and Loving Memory Tree provided valued avenues for connecting, healing and reflection. Our inventory of support programs and services grew as we expanded “Share and Support”, offered Grief 411, Lunch and Learns and Teen GPS. As well, a more concerted effort has been made to outreach and start to provide improved education to the many stakeholders in our community. A great example of this was a presentation around BFO-H/P and grief, made by the staff to over 60 Social Workers for the Peel Board of Education. This past year also provided us the opportunity to solidify our organizational fabric, through governance and policy. You may remember, this was a priority of the Board and our Executive Director last year. As a registered charity and legal corporation, we have commitments that must be upheld to the community. We must be diligent with respect to the protection of personal information; the safety of our members, our volunteers and our staff; and ensure ongoing governance to government and our funding supporters. The rebuilding of our Professional Advisory Committee (PAC); improvements to our insurance protection, the establishment of committees to address fundraising; outreach and governance; improved volunteer registration and administration and finally, an extensive review and updating of many of our policies and procedures, were just some of the key initiatives that took place to make us stronger. Of course, none of this would happen without the commitment and hard work of our numerous volunteers and the many supporting groups who provide resources to keep us moving forward. Add a fantastic staff, lead by our Executive Director Madeleine Buhlau and you together make the BFOH/ P. I do want to personally thank the efforts of Helena Stahls and Melanie Jane Temple who left staff positions at BFO-H/P in 2009. Under Helena’s leadership, both her and Melanie’s dedication and tireless efforts over the last two and half years kept the organization working to support our community, especially through some very challenging times. Thank you very much to you both for your tremendous contributions. BFO-H/P is positioned to take the next step. We have matured substantially as an organization this past year. We are going to all corners of our Halton-Peel community to support the many diverse cultures and community segments with their grief. Our passion grows and we will continue to expand our services, capacity and capabilities. Richard BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2009 CHAIRPERSON Richard Sheppard TREASURER Kenneth R. Moffat MEMBERS AT LARGE Karen Lowe Mark Bennett Andy Alexander Betty-Lou Kristy Mohsen Mahmoud 3 O u t r e a c h a n d E d u c a t i o n C o m m i t t e e The committee will effectively connect, promote, and educate the community about BFO-H/P. We will extend reach to address the varied needs of our diverse community and work to create venues and means to provide “user friendly” connections into our community. One of the key roles of the committee is the Ambassador Program. This program will be an extension of the OEC mandate and also help BFO-H/P gain and better understand various cultures customs and beliefs, with respect to the grieving process. An Ambassador will be a volunteer who actively educates the community about BFO-Halton/Peel. They will try to create/bridge relationships within our diverse communities. The Ambassador will, represent oneself as a BFO-H/P champion who embraces diversity and can leverage the unique value of our services to make “connections”. They will focus on creating trust as an effective resource that “links” into the community. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Madeleine Buhlau Joanne Downey-Hayward Mohsen Mahmoud Diana Napa Nazma Ramnauth Richard Sheppard C o m m u n i c a t i o n s a n d F u n d r a i s i n g C o m m i t t e e R e p o r t It has been a very busy time for the Communications and Fund Raising Committee. Our mandate is as clear as the title of our group: we need to raise the profile of BFO-H/P in the community through increased communication, and we need to develop sustainable funding for the organization. This of course is much easier said, than done. As if that wasn’t enough, we were also tasked with recruiting and interviewing new members to our Board of Directors. So we devised a “divide and conquer strategy”. Board Recruitment: led by Betty-Lou Kristy, we have identified and put forward 3 candidates, and we have an additional two other candidates currently being considered. Alumni Program: Madeleine is spear heading this project, which will be a new event, to bring together all the people that have been involved in, or have used BFO-H/P services. Walk To Remember: our big summer event, led by Lisa Alexander, this year’s Walk will be larger than ever, with increased activities and events for people of all ages. 3rd Party Fundraisers: events to raise funds for BFO-H/P There are many more programs we are involved with such as Lunch and Learn, The Memorial Garden, and on and on. Needless to say, we couldn’t do all this without the hard work and commitment from our committee members, so a special thanks to Betty-Lou, Lisa, Lori, Tiffany, Onette, Joe and Madeleine for all their efforts. Andy – Committee Chair COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Madeleine Buhlau Joe Wilkinson Lisa Alexander Betty-Lou Kristy Onette deVera Tiffany Matheson Lori Brewer Andy Alexander P A C R e p o r t Bereaved Families of Ontario-Halton/Peel’s new Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) was formed in early 2009 to provide consultation and support to the Executive Director and Board of Directors. PAC is comprised of professionals working in areas relevant to bereavement, children, families, health, and mental and emotional well-being, and the Executive Director. PAC meets monthly and is available for consultation between regular meetings. PAC’s agenda is driven by items posed by the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and PAC members. Members of PAC have also been involved in various BFO activities including facilitator training and Share and Support nights. PAC’s Chair, Deborah Davidson, Ph.D., also sits on BFO’s Provincial Board of Directors. PAC welcomes comments and concerns from the population served by BFO-Halton/Peel. Dr. Deborah Davidson – Committee Chair PAC MEMBERS: CHAIR: Dr. Deborah Davidson Madeleine Buhlau Sheryl Abraham Anna Baas Anderson Rev. Mary E. Dodge Bovaird Rena Brohm Jane Lowes Ciordas Stephanie Crouch Tia MacLaren Dr. Christine Newman Maryanne Shaw 4 B e r e a v e d F a m i l i e s T e a m I am very pleased to introduce you to the Bereaved Families team. If you are in the office, participating in our groups or just visiting, please take a few moments to introduce yourself to our staff. Maureen Hunkeler – Program Co-ordinator Lisa Alexander – Director of Community Engagement Madeleine Buhlau – Executive Director A Y e a r i n R e f l e c t i o n As we reflect on this year gone by and plan to celebrate our 22nd anniversary we would like to identify some of the year’s milestones: New promotional materials March Remodeling the office April Walk to Remember May Development of Teen GPS and Lunch and Learn June/July NEW – Summer Share and Support July/August NEW – Implementation of Grief 411 September NEW – Implementation of Teen GPS October NEW – Implementation of Lunch and Learn November Loving Memory Tree December PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Our devoted and skilled team of over 75 volunteers provided much needed support in the form of: . 7 mutual support groups with a total of 38 participants served . 33 initial one-on-one support meetings conducted with bereaved parents and adults . 14 Share and Support evenings with approximately 290 participants . Our Annual Walk to Remember brought out over 150 participants . Our Annual Loving Memory Tree Ceremony brought out over 320 individuals . 2 Teen GPS programs for 19 youth . 1 Lunch and Learn to 5 Law Firms . 3 Grief 411 sessions for 20 individuals 2009 L u n c h a n d L e a r n Addressing Grief in the workplace, the Lunch and Learn program is designed to provide bereaved employees with skills and strategies for coping with grief and to teach non-bereaved employees how to support grieving co-workers. The program also provides strategies to help increase or return to previous employee productivity. “The capacity to care is the thing that gives life its deepest meaning and significance” -Pablo Casals T E E N G P S – N a v i g a t i n g T h r o u g h G r i e f The purpose of the Teen GPS program is to provide secondary school students a venue to begin and explore the grieving process. To cultivate resiliency, empower students, and equip them with effective coping strategies. To address taboo subjects, challenge societal notions of grief and foster grief education. To proactively address the mental health concerns which have been historically and intimately connected to grief and bereavement. We also offer a three hour training session for teachers, principals, social workers, child youth workers and teachers which focuses on how to effectively support grieving students or co-workers. Needed… A Strong, deep person wise enough to allow me to grieve in the depth of who I am And strong enough to hear my pain without turning away. Not too close, because then you couldn’t help me to see. Not too objective, because then you might not care. Not too aloof, because then you could not hug me. Not too caring, because I’d be tempted to let you live my life for me. I need someone who believes that the sun will rise again, but who does not fear my darkness… Or my walk through the night. Someone who can point out the rocks in my way without making me a child by carrying me. Someone who can stand in thunder and watch the lightning and believe in a rainbow. -Author unknown 5 K e y S t a k e h o l d e r s a n d F i n a n c i a l S u p p o r t e r s 2009 Fiscal Period Community Foundation of Oakville Ontario Trillium Foundation Corby Distillery Turner and Porter Funeral Directors Limited Telus Winners Bank of Montreal Toronto Trucking Association AMJ Zonta Club of Oakville Lions Club of Oakville King Canada Inc. Superior Vault Company Ltd. Longo’s TD Caring Together Volunteer Grants Program Peel Adult Education Centre Kwik Kopy Design & Print Centre Origin Evergreen Mississauga Massive Tank Studios United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton Donor Choice Program United Way of Toronto Donor Choice Program United Way of Calgary and Area Donor Choice Program United Way of Oakville Donor Choice Program United Way of Peel Region Donor Choice Program Hydro One Employees and Pensioners Charity Trust Fund V o l u n t e e r s Volunteers to the rescue!! What would we do without you? No task is too great or too small. Countless hours facilitating groups, one-on-one appointments, organizing and implementing special events, participating in committee meetings, providing IT support, the list is endless and awesome. Our volunteers come from our membership, from the community and we have also had the pleasure of working with an incredibly skilled group of students. Members of our Board and Professional Advisory Committee volunteer their time to assist with the development of BFO’s policies, support our fiscal management and ensure that we continue to stay focused on our mission and goals. We thank all our volunteers for their commitment and involvement at the centre. Facilitator/Advisor Capacity of Service Helena Stahls One on One Facilitator/WTR Iris Walsh Child Loss Group Facilitator/One on One Ken Moffat Child Loss Group Facilitator/One on One Pearl Moffat Child Loss Group Facilitator/One on One Lillian Bomanski Laura Taylor Tanoon Fraser Theo Borg Sheena Klassen Melanie Temple Antonietta Marroccoli Raul Morales Kathleen Baranik Sheryl Abrahms Jessica Millette Maureen Hunkeler Wilma Vander Hurk Paul Serrao Joyce Petrie Betty - Lou Kristy Sharon Lowe continued on page 7 Child Loss Group Facilitator/ One on One Child Loss Group Facilitator One on One Facilitator One on One Facilitator One on One Facilitator Adolescent Group Facilitator Adolescent Group Facilitator Spousal Loss Group Facilitator Spousal Loss Group Facilitator Children Group Facilitator Children Group Facilitator Spousal Loss Group Facilitator/ Office Support Children Group Facilitator Spousal Loss Group Facilitator Grief 411 Presenter Grief 411 Presenter/Share and Support Grief 411 Presenter/Group Supervisor 6 M o r e V o l u n t e e r s ! Rena Brohm Group Supervisor Marisa Jokelainen Facilitator Training – Presenter Anna Baas Anderson Facilitator Training – Presenter Yvette Perreault Facilitator Training – Presenter Kristine Gagnon Facilitator Training – Presenter Deborah Davidson Facilitator Training – Presenter Chris Leonard Facilitator Training – Presenter Theo Borg Facilitator Training – POD Leader Kathleen Baranik Facilitator Training – POD Leader Jeff Pogue Walk To Remember Committee Laura Taylor Walk To Remember Committee Iris Walsh Walk To Remember Committee Kay Setaram and son Anand Walk To Remember Committee Kathleen Baranik Walk To Remember Committee Turner and Porter Team Loving Memory Tree – Providers of the Loving Memory Tree Ross Griffith Loving Memory Tree – Volunteer Nancy Griffith Loving Memory Tree – Volunteer Ryan Switzer – Massive Tank Studios Loving Memory Tree – Guitarist Deborah Smith Loving Memory Tree – Soloist Kim Pollard Loving Memory Tree – Pianist Jeff Redford Loving Memory Tree – Bagpipe Liz Fielding Loving Memory Tree – Pianist Ralf Buhlau Loving Memory Tree – Poetry Reading Keelee Buhlau Loving Memory Tree – Volunteer Stephanie Hunkeler Loving Memory Tree – Candle Lighter Matt Hunkeler Loving Memory Tree – Candle Lighter Caryn Negin Loving Memory Tree – Candle Lighter Mike MacDonald Loving Memory Tree – Candle Lighter Vanida Hannan Loving Memory Tree Committee Lori Brewer Loving Memory Tree Committee Phyllis Spagnuolo Loving Memory Tree & Walk Committee/WTR Laura Hampson Loving Memory Tree Committee/ WTR Kathryn Bennett Loving Memory Tree Committee Sallie Moore Loving Memory Tree Committee Ted Moore Loving Memory Tree Committee Sue Scarborough Loving Memory Tree Committee Royal City Soccer Club Loving Memory Tree - Printing Larry Lloyd IT Support Angela Chang IT Support/LMT Teri McMahon Graphic Design/Promotion F u n d D e v e l o p m e n t While we have a very strong financial challenge ahead of us, we would like to extend a thank-you to those who contributed to BFO-H/P in 2009. The Walk to Remember last May and the Loving Memory Tree in December were excellent fundraising events and helped us raise over $30,000. Thank you to those who participated or contributed with volunteer hours. We will soon host our 13th Annual Walk to Remember on June 19th and are looking forward to another successful Loving Memory Tree event this December. Funding however was down, with both personal and corporate donations. This has caused us to think creatively and look to new and responsive tactics regarding our funding, volunteer co-ordination and program delivery. In response we are developing an Ambassador Program so that we may effectively connect, promote, and educate the community about BFO-H/P and create/bridge relationships within our diverse community. We also look forward to the launch of our BFO Alumni Program, BFO Friendships -Reuniting to celebrate our journey of Hope and Healing scheduled for September of 2010. If you are a BFO Alumni, friend, sponsor or supporter and wish to connect and stay connected with our BFO family, we invite you to join us for a wonderful evening of entertainment, and conversation. Our theme for the evening is MEMORIES – of loved ones passed, friendships made and memories yet to come. Through personal donations, corporate contributions, and fundraising events, we have managed to continue assisting our community through relevant programs and services. Once again, thank-you for your financial support over this past year, and we hope you will continue to assist us into the future. 7 2 0 0 9 F i n a n c i a l R e v i e w invaluable. Total expenses for 2009 were slightly more than $140,000. The direct cost of this resource represents over 80% of BFO-H/P’s cash expenses. Administration (8%) and occupancy & insurance (4%) are the second and third largest expenses, respectively. The board believes that the level of total expenditures in 2009 was appropriate for an organization of the size of BFO-H/P. Despite the relatively strong financial performance of BFO- H/P in 2009 and the fact that we started 2010 with over $50,000 in cash, 2010 will be a challenging year. The budget for 2010 indicates that this cash surplus, together with currently anticipated revenues, may not be adequate to cover BFO-H/P’s expenses for the year. The search for new sources of funding is becoming more challenging as corporate and other donors are less generous because their own financial positions have been challenged by the recent global recession. In response to this situation, BFO-H/P staff will focus its efforts on the submission of requests for funding in an attempt to boost revenues and will be implementing cost cutting measures. Respectfully submitted, Ken Moffat Treasurer and Director May 27, 2010 (Note: Based on unaudited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2009) In the world of not-for-profit organizations in which Bereaved Families of Ontario – Halton/Peel (BFO-H/P) operates, “cash is king”. BFO-H/P ended 2009 with over $50,000 in cash that is available to fund its operations in 2010. The three largest sources of revenue in 2009 were a grant from the Trillium Foundation and contributions relating to the Walk to Remember & the Loving Memory Tree; together these sources accounted for almost $120,000, over 75% of total revenue. The remainder of BFO-H/P’s revenue was derived from a revenue sharing program with the provincial organization and various other corporate and personal donations. Since none of these sources of revenue are “guaranteed” in the future, the challenge for BFO-H/P is to be in a constant search for new sources of revenues, a challenge that is faced by all not-for-profit organizations. BFO-H/P staff, lead by our Executive Director, is working diligently to meet this challenge. BFO-H/P cannot operate without the dedication of it’s people. Our members are fortunate to be the beneficiaries of a huge amount of time that is “donated” by volunteers who facilitate most of the programs offered by BFO-H/P; there is no “cash” cost for the organization associated with these valuable resources. Similarly, our members benefit from the complementary work of the dedicated staff of BFO-H/P; their work on the various programs offered by BFO-H/P is We listen. We understand. We care. 33 City Centre Drive, Suite 610, Mississauga, ON L5B 2N5 Phone 905-848-4337 Fax 905-848-4338 www.BereavedFamilies.ca 8