AGM 2003 - Executive Director's Report

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

For most members of the Lakehead Social Planning Council, this will be a rather unusual Annual report: for the first time in 19 years, it's not written by someone named "Brenda" and it's a report based only on my 6 months’ service as Executive Director.

As most members recall, Brenda Reimer retired in July 2002, after 18 years of service with L.S.P.C. She left a legacy of community mobilization and citizen involvement, and a history of L.S.P.C. leadership and participation in many projects and causes affecting Thunder Bay. She shepherded the Agency through times of crisis and success; in an era when there is little government support for social planning councils, and several have reduced services or closed their doors in the last few years, it is a tribute to her that this small agency in Thunder Bay has survived, and prospered. As I took over in mid-year, I inherited an Agency that has little money, ...but a balanced budget, that had a small number of employees, ....but a huge number of volunteers; that had no direct services of its own, .... but had supported and developed others; that had no power, ....but had influence and persuasion and leadership in the community.

So 2002 was a year of transition as the L.S.P.C. changed Executive Directors. It was also a year of change at the Directors' level, as several members of the Board of Directors resigned and moved on -some to new communities, and some to new places to serve in this city. Others have given notice that they will not seek to renew their term at the Annual General Meeting, having completed their term of service. I thank all of these individuals who have a heart for public service, and give of their free time so willingly. While reflecting a marked transition, these changes bring new faces and new ideas to the Board.

It was a time of transition for some of the projects that we had been operating, and for the staff attached. We concluded the Education Component of the Thunder Bay Housing Initiative, and the E.A.F. –Minor Capital Project; we wrapped up most of the work on the Urban CAP project as well.

There was excitement as the L.S.P.C. became the Thunder Bay sponsor of Health Canada’s Social & Economic Inclusion Initiative. With Phase 1 funding secured, and staff hired, a proposal was submitted for Phase 2, entitled “Closing the Distance”. This new initiative, targeting marginalized youth who are not well connected to mainstream agencies and services, looks to be funded for 2003/04, and we have made it the theme for this year’s Annual General Meeting.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation approved a three-year grant, commencing in the fall 2002, for which we are thankful. The two goals are 1) to increase our Information Technology capacity, to bring us up to speed with the ‘real world’ of computers and electronic information, and we have hired an IT Co-ordinator and trainer, Mark Walther, and 2) to increase our fund raising capacity with a Manager of Community Relations and Development, and we have hired Jennifer Wolfe who is working to increase our donor base and fundraising ventures. We are hoping for a positive 3-year relationship with these new staff members.

Our daily operations at Victoriaville include dozens of phone calls and personal visits from people looking for information from our Community Information & Referral Centre. We continue to provide a free telephone, and low-cost fax/photocopier service, and our CAP site is filled with users, regular and one-time. We are addressing a community need for a very vulnerable population at our office site, and a listening ear and a friendly smile are an important facet of our work.

On an on-going basis, we have worked with Diversity Thunder Bay and Fast Forward>>Thunder Bay. While quite different, they both seek to build strength in our community: with the aboriginal community for the appreciation of cultural pressures and diversity, and with Quality of Life Committee, a part of municipal planning. I have worked with the Housing Coalition, both in the implementation of SCPI (Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative) and to advocate/network for affordable accessible housing.

Financial matters are always a concern with a small community-based agency which has no core government funding. I would like to thank the Thunder Bay Foundation and the Paterson Foundation for their generous support, as well as support from Bombardier (Thunder Bay) Employees 4C Fund. The Treasurer’s report shows an excess of expenditure over revenue, which will have impacts in the future, as grant revenue shrinks. Our Fundraising activities become even more important as Bingo revenue is declining to a lower but stable level. Specific events become more important: including a tag day and a Thunder Bay Symphony balcony event. We are appreciative of many anonymous donors who give through United Way and Lakehead University staff donations.

Our premier event, Christmas Fest 2002 drew wonderful support from the community, although net revenue was down due to a marked attendance drop. Lakehead University social work students’ fundraising and an expanded silent auction were key features this year. We will have to work to restore and enhance net revenue from this event in 2003.

A look to the future is unclear. We have a new opportunity and partnership with United Way about 211 Information & Referral. We have a new Health Canada initiative. We will be working on a new Strategic Plan and Vision in 2003. But, we need to replace some project management income, perhaps with new projects, or with core government funding. The City only supports us through FARG, while other cities are supported through grants, and our Bingo-revenue losses have not been replaced from Casino revenues. Like many in the voluntary non-profit sector, we have long-serving staff who are not paid at levels that would be available elsewhere.

My sincere thanks goes to those hard working staff, and to all of the dedicated volunteer and Board and committee members. The L.S.P.C. truly is community based, and without the members and volunteers, it would not exist. May our numbers and strength grow as we work to build a better community in Thunder Bay.