TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click below to navigate through the various sections of the 2024 annual report.
CEO Message &
Board President
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Community
Igniting Strength in our
Community
Igniting Youth to share
their Story
EDITOR'S MESSAGE
This year’s annual report is about how SCHC has taken on initiatives to further our vision of Igniting the Strength in the Community.
It's about building trust with our clients, partners and stakeholders within our community. It's about providing opportunities for our Scarborough community to raise awareness of the health inequities that impact their daily lives. It's about helping our community in various ways to demonstrate its strength and ability to affect change.
I hope you enjoy this glimpse into a few of these initiatives and stories that illuminate this journey,
- Debra McGonegal, Director of Communication & Development
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to start by honouring the land that we are on, which has been the site of human activity since time immemorial. It is the traditional territories of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River First Nations. Ontario is covered by 46 treaties and other agreements and is home to many Indigenous Nations from across Turtle Island, including the Inuit and the Metis. These treaties and other agreements, including the One Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, are agreements to share and care for the land and its resources peaceably. Other Indigenous Nations, Europeans, and newcomers were invited into this covenant in the spirit of respect, peace, and friendship. We are all treaty people. Many of us, have come here as settlers, immigrants, and newcomers in this generation or generations past. We are mindful of broken covenants and strive to make this right with the land and each other. I would also like to acknowledge those of us who came here involuntarily, particularly as a result of the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade. And so, I honour and pay tribute to the ancestors of African Origin and Descent.
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MESSAGE FROM CEO & BOARD PRESIDENT
This past year, we focused on implementing our new strategic plan and meeting our vision to Ignite the strength of the community!
Our three Strategic Directions are:
OUTSTANDING SERVICE DELIVERY
Deliver system leadership by being transformative by:
• Growing and strengthening our integrated suite of services
• Igniting a collaborative community health strategy
• Unleashing our Community-Based Research (CBR) potential
ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH
Ensure our people and culture are well-supported by:
• Cultivating the wellbeing of our people
• Fostering a strong values-driven organizational culture
ACTION ON EQUITY
Advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging with an intersectional lens by:
• Advancing our journey towards truth and reconciliation
• Co-creating with the leadership of Black communities to address anti-Black racism
• Ensuring a safer space for 2SLGBTQ+ people
These Strategic Directions reinforce SCHC’s mission to provide accessible, equitable and transformational health and social service choices for the well-being of diverse communities. A few key highlights to demonstrate our work include:
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Our commitment to ensuring the impact of our work is demonstrated by the 88% of clients using SCHC services indicating in our Client Experience Survey that they experience a sense of belonging as a result of accessing SCHC services.
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We actively engaged with our community, staff, and community partners in developing a Poverty Reduction Strategy because we recognize the unfortunate reality of rising poverty rates in Scarborough.
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The Board approved a Community-Based Research Strategy co-designed by the community, staff, and partners from a wide range of partners. This work builds a foundation for SCHC to support the Scarborough community in demonstrating the reality of their unique circumstances to inform change across the health and social systems.
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We continued our work on equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, building stronger connections with the black community and establishing new collaborations in service provision.
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We look forward to building on our commitment to Action on Equity in the coming year as we develop our roadmaps to truth and reconciliation and ensure a safer space for 2SLGBTQ+ people.
We are also privileged to be a trusted partner of our funders as increased investments in Scarborough are made, and SCHC is granted the steward of these funds. We look forward to implementing many new services, including expanded access to interprofessional primary care teams, services to support Scarborough residents living with and/or at risk of Hepatitis C and HIV, greater access to health and wellness services for pediatric clients, increased case management and navigation supports for residents and funding to work with the community to enhance community safety and wellness projects.
As always, we must acknowledge and thank the commitment and support of our staff, volunteers, board directors, donors, partners, and funders, including Ontario Health Toronto, United Way Toronto, York Region and Peel, the City of Toronto, and The Ontario Trillium Foundation. We extend our sincerest appreciation to them as their generous contributions and support allow us to make health care accessible to Scarborough’s most vulnerable.
Atiqa Mohammad
Board President
Jeanie Argiropoulos
Chief Executive Officer
MISSION
Providing accessible, equitable and transformational health and social service choices, for the well-being of diverse communities.
VISION
Ignite the strength
of community.
VALUES
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Inclusive
Innovation
Collaboration
Accessibility
Respect
Equity
Igniting Belonging in our Community
EarlyON builds Belonging through Unity and Trust
Reflecting on our innovative journey, I feel great joy and pride in our stories of positivity, unity, and change as a direct result of the Innovation Grants awarded by the City of Toronto, Children’s Services. Impactful imprints remain on our hearts as we continue to uplift our intentions to learn and unlearn with one another and ignite equitable, accessible, inclusive change, and approaches for black families and children in our community.
The Innovation Grants provided valuable funding to hire Black-identifying staff to lead noteworthy initiatives igniting culturally responsive and safe spaces. Additional highlights to the grant work include culturally relevant food, transportation supports, and powerful platforms for guest speakers highlighting peer-support models and knowledge sharing.
Co-designing meaningful programs and services worthwhile to families of East Scarborough resonated with many parents, such as this mother insightful sharing, “Seeing black faces among our educators is important for our children who learn a lot by mirroring and encouraging academic endeavors in our community.” A sense of belonging and trust magnifies throughout our relationships and work to provide validating experiences.
As we flow through Phase 2, excitement is evident as we continue to offer The Reading Partnership Parents Program, a Family Literacy program for Black families and children, 4 to 6 years of age. Our project team of Registered Early Childhood Educators, students, and volunteers receive ongoing support and training to deliver the program in-person and online to about 56 families. The program equips families with learning tools, such as a literacy kit with diverse books, additional supports to online learning modules and child relief for siblings attending in-person. A space of joy where families feel comfortable to share their challenges or insecurities and laugh with ease is a testimony to crucial groundwork in the making! We end with a phrase from a grandmother “a transformative force has been created for my family, leaving an indelible mark on our lives. As a result of this grant accessible resources and trustworthy relationships have helped improve their interpersonal skills.” The EarlyON Child and Family Centre is appreciative of the immense opportunity to capture the essence of our community spirit and collaborate wholeheartedly.
- Jennifer Bothelo, Coordinator of EarlyON Child & Family Centre
Igniting Belonging Through Creativity
A Client Story
With an apprenticeship about to start, Stephan was on his way to becoming a carpenter when a simple fall changed the course of his life. Despite rehabilitation, returning to “normal” was difficult as Stephan had an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). He describes socializing as hard, and sticking to tasks and routines proved difficult. This made him feel isolated and different from the rest of the world. When the Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Team connected with Stephan, he hesitated and thought, “Oh great, more service providers.” Yet, as Stephan shares, the ABI outreach team was “able to see beyond my brain injury and what my passion and capabilities entailed.” The team was able to ignite his passion and create a connection. With the help of our Behavioral Therapist and Independent Support Worker, Stephan started his own e-commerce business to showcase his jewelry and crafts.
The ABI Outreach Team reached out to SCHC’s “Creative Space” program—which is an art group for seniors within the Active Living Centre that get together to learn and experience new ways of being creative—and they thought that Stephan’s resin moulds were the perfect fit for this program. So, with the team's support on a rainy day in April, Stephan hosted a workshop in front of 17 seniors. One participant stated, “I enjoyed Stephan’s class. He went all out to show us what the craft entailed. I was amazed by the range of moulds and decorative items he brought and how organized he was. I would love to have another session.” Another participant stated, “Our resin jewellery workshop with Stephan was excellent, and our best attended. He was a great instructor and gave us lots of ideas and materials to work with. The workshop was well organized; everyone enjoyed it and was thrilled with their final pieces.”
Thank you, Stephan, for showcasing your talents and igniting creativity and connection.
Etsy shop: @StephansWoodshop
Instagram: @StephansWoodshop
- Megan Davies, Community Health and Support Services Manager
Igniting Inclusivity in our Community
Call it a Spade Ignites Inclusivity in a Safe Space
In our bustling communities, finding a place of genuine acceptance and support can feel like a rare treasure. Yet, amidst this challenge, the Call it a SPADE (Safer Positive Accepted Drop-In Environment) project has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a sanctuary where individuals can find solace, camaraderie, and empowerment.
At the heart of the Call it a SPADE project lies its mission to cultivate a safer, supportive, and judgement-aware environment. Here, participants are not just aid recipients; they are embraced as valued community members. Through fellowship, hot meals, and access to vital resources, the Call it a SPADE project extends a support system to those navigating the complexities of life's journey.
However, the Call it a SPADE project is more than just a provider of material support. It catalyzes profound transformation, aiming to nurture a greater sense of belonging and connection among its members. Through weekly group sessions, individuals come together to share their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs. In doing so, they forge bonds that transcend circumstance, ethnicity, and background barriers. It is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and collective action. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding, the SPADE project not only enriches the lives of its participants but also strengthens the fabric of our community.
As we reflect on the strides made by the SPADE project, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Together, we can continue to build upon the foundation of empathy and solidarity laid by the SPADE project, ensuring that no one is left to navigate life's challenges alone.
- Charanjit Singh, Community Wellness & Engagement Manager
Building Inclusivity to Strengthen Our Community
Honouring the different cultures and races that call Scarborough home helps ignite strength by building inclusivity, understanding, and compassion among us.
Honouring the different cultures and races that call Scarborough home helps ignite strength by building inclusivity, understanding, and compassion among us.
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Black History Month and Black Innovation Grant Reading Partnership: Empowering Through Education and Inclusion
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Celebrating Tamil Heritage Month January 2024: Honoring Cultural Diversity and Unity
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Cooking with a Budget Workshop: Promoting Health and Inclusivity in Our Community
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Red Dress Day Walk: Raising Awareness and Building Community Solidarity
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Standing Together for Understanding and Healing
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Standing Together for Understanding and Healing
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Seniors Trip Summer 2023: Fostering Connection and Inclusivity Across Generations
Igniting Strength Through
Collaboration & Research
As part of our reflection on having achieved zero unmet criteria from our last Accreditation in 2022, a key feedback item was that our well-established ethics framework was truly integrated into our organization’s practices, which we continue to lean on to guide us from the front line to organizational ethics. As such, we focused on conducting a visioning retreat with feedback from staff, clients and community partners on our evolving role in research. Through consultation, analysis and response to our new strategic priorities, we committed to further adapting the Community Based Research methodology to how we uplift the community's voice equitably and inclusively, which results in actionable support. We recruited the support of the Centre for Community-Based Research to guide us as a whole organization and ensure we are on the right path, not just in building our capacity but also in understanding our role in bridging capacity in the community more deeply. Our journey will land us on research priorities and effective initiatives that ensure our
improvement projects are community-centred, participatory, action-oriented, and sustainable. Furthermore, we have an established hub of academia, private and public partners, entrepreneurs and other community leaders and agencies bringing innovative solutions to further propel new opportunities to long-standing and already well-researched issues with our community. We have the only community member seat on the SHN Research Ethics Board and are the community partner for the SHN Research Institute. We look forward to igniting the voice of our community at all tables.
One of the major complaints from clients and providers when coordinating care amongst different organizations or physician groups is how to share information with client consent. SCHC’s Health Information Network Provider Status (HINP) designation has helped to address this!
Different healthcare and community support organizations have systems with important health information about their clients. These systems do not interact with each other. Those clients often access many different services and support from our partners and us. Not having access to those different systems is a long-standing barrier to optimizing care coordination, communication and timely person-centred care. In response, SCHC became the host of common data, particularly personal health information, for clients accessing multiple agencies. We did this by developing a platform leveraging cloud-based technology, strictly adhering to the laws of privacy to keep critical personal health information safe and secure while unifying partners to work collaboratively on one platform. One particular area was centralized palliative access where we could receive all referrals for Scarborough palliative care across the region for multiple care teams including the hospital, home and community care and of course SCHC’s palliative care services. The outcomes revealed previously hidden insights into where clients had been falling through the cracks and why, and expedited service delivery higher quality care. The co-designed development of this particular platform pushed us to achieve what is called a Health Information Network Provider status, whereby an agency holds data for two or more other agencies. SCHC is the first organization in the Scarborough-OHT to achieve this status, opening up the doors for so many different areas of care requiring integrated coordination across multiple partners in a much more seamless fashion.
- Callum Tyrrell, VP of Innovation, Improvement and Engagement
Using Data to Transform the Client Story
Igniting Trust in our Community
Projects and programs engage the community where they are to build trust and create change within their community.
Building Trust with Families and Youth for a Safe Neighbourhood.
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In Scarborough youth violence has been on the rise leading to concerns around safety, well-being, and for youth, families, and the community. From physical altercations to gang-related activities and even tragic instances of gun violence, the repercussions of youth violence are felt through neighbourhoods and generations. SCHC is working to address these challenges with innovative programs aimed at building trust within the community, addressing root causes and empowering both parents and youth.
The city of Toronto has partnered with SCHC to implement targeted programs to tackle youth violence from multiple angles. Two programs launched in 2023 are the Family Wellbeing Program and Youth Violence Prevention Program. They are leading the charge in empowering families and youth to break the cycle of violence and create safer, more resilient communities.
The Family Wellbeing program takes a holistic approach to violence prevention by addressing the underlying factors that contribute to conflicts in the home and poor use of support. By providing parents with resources and connections to programming, the program aims to strengthen family bonds and equip parents and caregivers with the tools they need to create nurturing environments for their children. From parenting workshops to navigation, the program offers a range of interventions tailored to the unique needs of each family, fostering healthier relationships and more stable home environments.
Simultaneously, the Youth Violence Prevention program partners with the grassroots organization, The Good Guides, to target at-risk youth directly, offering mentorship, educational opportunities, and counselling. Through after-school programs, community outreach initiatives, and skills development workshops, the program seeks to engage youth in positive activities that build self-esteem, foster resilience, and cultivate a sense of belonging. By empowering young people to channel their energy and talents into productive pursuits, the program not only reduces the likelihood of involvement in violence but also lays the groundwork for long-term personal and professional success.
By addressing the root causes of violence and investing in the well-being of families and youth, these initiatives are not only reducing crime rates but also fostering a culture of empathy, accountability, and empowerment. Families are finding renewed hope and support, while youth are discovering their potential to become leaders and changemakers in their communities.
Alongside both of these programs is a community engagement and awareness campaign, "Talk About It". Directed at youth ages 10 to 17 and their families in our target neighbourhoods, impacted by health inequities, racism, bias and stereotyping, this campaign encouraged readers to reach out to our program to learn more about violence happening in their communities, neighbourhoods, home and online. By talking about it, they can be actively involved in reducing the stigma, help prevent violence and connect those impacted by violence to resources that can help.
However, the work is far from over. Addressing systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, and access to resources remains key to improving the health of the Scarborough community. We recognize that everyone has a role to play in creating a safer, more inclusive community where all have the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can Ignite the Strength in Community to help break the cycle of violence and build a brighter future for generations to come.
Building trust to provide health education and information in our community
Each season brings changes and new trends in fashion, food, and health. In Fall 2023, we saw the latest trends related to vaccine hesitancy, fatigue, and concerns around new and emerging viruses. In response, the vaccine ambassador team was back in action with innovative approaches and styles.
Building on the successful strategies of past ambassador projects, we had a head start on connections in the community. This translated to being present in places of faith and high-traffic areas, and we were out in different spaces. As always, our team represented the community, connecting directly with over 5,000 residents in their languages between September 2023 and March 2024.
In response to the growing fatigue in vaccines post-pandemic and the rise in interest in RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), Measles, and other health topics, our team took an open, non-judgmental approach to questions, breaking down myths and engaging with residents. As said best by an ambassador, "If someone has no interest, we don't push them," we found that having an earnest conversation about what mattered to the residents was the best way to build trust and connections. With that, established residents were more open to hearing about the role of vaccines in keeping them and their community safe. This trust-based approach also presented new opportunities to support general health literacy and referrals to needed programs. One tool piloted with this team, and one we are looking to continue developing, is using games to interact with the community. Our ever-creative ambassadors work tirelessly to produce different activities that attract people of all ages and engage them in topics like hand washing, vaccines, and the impact of respiratory illness.
The team also expanded the formal vaccine education beyond COVID-19 to presentations, resources, and articles on life course vaccines, focusing on childhood and senior vaccines. The community showed a great response to these sessions. We were invited to present to over 10 EarlyOn Child and Family Centres to build trust in and awareness of routine childhood immunization, a key issue with COVID-19 lockdown measures leading to large declines in immunization coverage.
We were in the community in more ways than before. We continue to post on social media, including a key FAQ video made available in five languages. We also expanded our presence in print and online publications, submitting four articles in three languages to more than six publications. These points connected us with almost 30,000 residents.
By Amy Stephenson, Interim Manager-Special Projects
with notes from the Final evaluation by Dr. Tariq Habibyar
Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (Public Health Ontario). Immunization coverage report for routine infant and childhood programs in Ontario: 2019-2020, 2020-2021 and 2021-22 school years. Toronto, ON: King’s Printer for Ontario; 2023.
Palliative Care Volunteers Build Trust One relationship at a time.
My journey with SCHC began in October 2022. I first encountered this wonderful organization at a volunteer panel hosted by my university. The warmth and enthusiasm of the staff immediately drew me in. Eager to make a difference, I quickly completed both in-person and online training sessions, and by April 2023, I was matched with my client.
Drawn to the Cause
The in-home Hospice program was the aspect of SCHC that captivated me the most. The one-on-one time spent with clients in their own homes creates a unique opportunity for deep, meaningful connections. For clients who can’t go out often, having someone dedicated to spending time with them is incredibly impactful. Being in their safe space, I can provide not just care but also companionship, making a real difference in their lives. Additionally, I have the chance to interact with their family members, getting to know them on a personal level. These profound relationships are what make me feel like I truly belong in in-home Hospice care.
Choosing SCHC
The welcoming nature of SCHC’s staff played a huge role in my decision to volunteer with them. From the volunteer panel to the training sessions, everyone was incredibly kind and supportive. Listening to the heartfelt stories shared by fellow volunteers during training made me feel like I was in a safe, special place. SCHC also offers a variety of volunteering roles, allowing me to explore my options and choose the path that resonated most with me.
My Volunteer Activities
My client has limited communication skills, so our activities mainly involve playing puzzles and memory games. Some of these games include matching words to pictures or numbers. These sessions are not just fun but also therapeutic, providing mental stimulation for my client.
Staying Motivated
What keeps me motivated is the warm welcome from the family and the little moments shared with my client. Despite her limited communication, there are times when she recalls a cherished memory, which warms my heart. She truly enjoys our puzzle sessions, and her family has told me it’s the highlight of her week. Knowing that my visits bring joy and make a difference makes me look forward to every week.
The SCHC Community
Volunteering with SCHC feels like being part of a big, impactful community. The supportive staff, regular events, and newsletters all contribute to a sense of belonging. I feel secure knowing that support is available whenever I need it.
Personal Motivation
My personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease, through my grandmother who lives overseas, deeply motivates my involvement. Volunteering with a client with Alzheimer’s allows me to feel like I am making up for the time I can’t spend with my grandmother. This personal connection drives me to show up and give my best.
A Message to Future Volunteers
Volunteering is a life-changing experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone with a strong heart. My progress at SCHC has been remarkable. From feeling shy and uncertain during my first visit, I now eagerly anticipate each week, enjoying conversations and jokes with the family, and seeing my client’s eyes light up when I arrive. If I could go back, I would join even sooner. Volunteering not only changes the lives of those you help but also profoundly enriches your own life.
Join SCHC and make a difference—one visit at a time.
- Mysha Salmon, Palliative Care Volunteer
Igniting the Strength of Community
To Develop a Poverty Reduction Strategy
This past year, an engaged group of staff members at Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC) came together to develop the organization’s first board-approved Poverty Reduction Strategy. Over 8 months, the Poverty Reduction Strategy Working Group met regularly to develop a plan that would be meaningful to our community. As part of the development process, the Working Group, in consultation with SCHC’s Client Advisory Committee, Senior Leadership Team, and several community program clients, developed a survey tool to gauge the stressors negatively impacting the quality of life for Scarborough residents. The survey was conducted over a three-week period and was offered in over seven different languages. We were extremely pleased with the survey results, as we received 278 responses from community residents/clients and 36 responses from partner agencies. The survey results directly shaped the goals and objectives of our strategy, identifying stressors such as housing security, employment, and food security as top concerns for our community members. To work toward lessening the burden of these identified stressors, we divided our strategy into three key priorities with specific actions and measures intended to reduce the impact and effects of poverty on our communities:
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Delivering meaningful services
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Removing barriers to service access
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Actively contributing to equity-focused advocacy efforts.
At SCHC, our vision is to "ignite the strength of community" and, in doing so, serve a Scarborough in which people can live, grow, and thrive. The SCHC Poverty Reduction Strategy is designed to effectively support this vision and embed a poverty reduction lens into our processes and practices. We recognize that poverty has the potential to impact how clients and the community interact with SCHC’s programs and services and that its impact must be considered in all our interactions and activities, from service planning to service delivery. SCHC’s first Poverty Reduction Strategy will be a living document in the sense that it will require future iterations to address future priorities, highlighting where progress has been made and where opportunities for continued focus remains.
Addressing poverty is an ongoing commitment for SCHC, and this strategy is only the beginning. We realize our potential in helping to address this vast issue and are committed to prioritizing our community's needs. We look forward to making progress on our action plan and contributing to a strong and healthy Scarborough.
- Michelle West Martin, Vice President of Community Services and Partnerships
Igniting Youth to Share Their Voice:
A client, volunteer, and now staff
My Journey
In 2015, I joined the Mind and Spirit Youth Leadership (MSYL) program, eventually serving as chief from 2016 to 2019. This experience fueled my passion for social work, leading me to earn a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Social Work. Now, I work at SCHC as a Tamil Youth Outreach Worker.
The Impact of MSYL
MSYL equipped me with leadership, planning, and community engagement skills, crucial for my social work career. It also helped me build strong connections in the Eglinton East Kennedy Park community, enhancing my ability to provide effective support.
My Role as a Tamil Youth Outreach Worker
I support Tamil youth aged 13-29 and their families with service navigation, educational and employment assistance, newcomer support, and emotional guidance.
I aim to help them thrive and gain autonomy.
Challenges in the Tamil Youth Community
Tamil youth in Scarborough are resilient and culturally proud but face mental health challenges and communication barriers with parents. Addressing these requires holistic, culturally sensitive approaches.
Goals for Empowering Youth
I aim to empower youth and families to make informed health decisions and engage in open mental health dialogues. By breaking down stigma and providing support, I help youth navigate challenges confidently.
Supporting the Scarborough Love Auction
Your support for the Scarborough Love Auction is crucial. Your generosity sustains vital community programs, fostering growth and well-being. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community.
- Rashme Nandakumar, Tamil Youth Outreach Worker
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DOLLARS
AND DATA
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION/OPERATIONS
Please see below for the statement of operations and the statement of financial position of SCHC for this past fiscal year (ended March 31, 2024).
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Below is the statement of operations and comparison from this fiscal year to the prior.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Below is the statement of financial position for year end of March 31, 2024.
BREAKDOWN OF REVENUE AND EXPENSES
Below is the breakdown of revenue and expenses for 2023-2024.
REVENUE
EXPENSES
CORPORATE DONORS ($500+)
INDIVIDUAL DONORS ($500+)
