2011 annual reportA N N I V E R S A R Y C E L E B R A T I O N25th

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board of directors & staffEXECUTIVE

President

Rick Arnone

Vice-President

Tammy Nunez

Secretary

Carol Ferguson

Treasurer

Tammy Nunez

Member-At-Large

Karen Brock

MEMBERS

Antonella ApaNancy BradleyPeter CsefkoJanet DickhoutRahul Kulkarni - Retired**John Mohler - On Leave**Brian Shiller

STAFFapril 2010 – march 2011

Idil AbdillahiMohamed AbudiabNoushad AhmedAbigail AliDeborah AndersonGeoffrey AnyotiManjit AroraRobert AversaOdessa AustinMohamed BadshaZhyra BaigMelissa BantonLeslie BarnesClaudia BarningLorraine BlondinMukul BodiuzzamannCraig BoltonNadine BraundEvelyn CanasCatherine ChenTara CowanMary Jane CrippsJenny Da SilvaMansour DavoudzadehCrystal FelthamLisette FernandezAfia Nana Frempong-MansoTeya GreenbergYulia GruzinskyArla HamerSusan HamiltonAsgar (Nasser) HanarahWitcliffe HenryMike HughesShahida JawaidJenany JeyarajanDr. David KantorHyonson KimMelanie LaFormeColleen LelievreTanya LicoFred LwangaCelia MahabirElizabeth MilletteJasiel MusniRiki MyreHeather NealSimon NnaakiryaMaria NovielliIguehide NungahLucy O’BrienPhilip OwusuEda Pallotta

Eddy PalmaDarrell PateyAzra (Jelena) PejanovicLibia PelaezJelisaeta (Elizabeth) Protic-KokicAlicia RalphRajendra RamnarineReza RasouldnezhadNorette Rene-GougeonMaureen RichardsLeslie RobinsonStephanie RobinsonPamela RozoSujan SapkotaTara ShusterFely SidoroNadia SilvaRochelle SilvaGurpreet SinghFelicia SpauldingJermaine SpenceKatherine SwartzElizabeth TaylorRobyn ThomasMike TomkinsonLaticia ToondayCathy TraynorScott TrevithickAnjali UpadhyaAlex WalterSuzanne WebbNikki WoolleyGregory WongMary Sworin-WrightJames YeomanMoosa YousefyKevin Zeilig Cindy Zettas

STUNDENTSapril 2010 – march 2011

Cynthia ChuangAshley CohanAshley CoxRuth GebremariamIman HaibehMichelle McPhersonCherie MaddenEllen OseiTejas Patel

2010 ⁄ 2011

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president’s & executive director’s report2010/2011 was an extraordinary year for Reconnect. The organization relocated, celebrated our Twenty Fifth Anniversary and transformed our clinical programs.

Our Annual Report will provide you with some of the highlights of our accomplishments and additional details about our anniversary celebrations. We are especially proud to present Recovery stories from two of our members who have received support from Reconnect over the past year.

The move to 56 Aberfoyle has established a foundation on which Reconnect will continue to build:

1. Accessibility for the clients to on-site programs and office based meetings with their workers. Reconnect’s data indicated that our clients live close to public transit and use the TTC as their primary means of transportation. Reconnect’s new location at the Islington subway station and bus terminal has greatly improved access for clients. Since the move, many clients who previously had not been able to participate in programs offered at our office have been able to attend groups and to get involved.

2. Closer proximity to the hospitals that we work with: St. Joseph’s, Humber River Regional, CAMH, and the Etobicoke campus of the William Osler Health Centre and to the other community agencies that Reconnect works with in partnership. Our new location enhances Reconnect’s potential to increase our partnership arrangements with the hospitals and to collaborate on initiatives that contribute to diversions from emergency rooms.

3. Improved work environment for the staff. The staff have greater access to other services and supports, community amenities and the TTC.

Reconnect signed a three year Multi-Service Accountability Agreement with the Toronto Central Local Health Integrated Network (TC LHIN), our principle funder. Reconnect will continue to provide our existing services and expand programs throughout the TC LHIN.

In 2010/2011 Reconnect helped over 1200 people achieve their recovery goals and recognize their strengths. Reconnect is committed to our clients and to the provision of flexible, strengths based excellent services in order to meet their diverse needs. Our clients are Reconnect’s first, and most important priority.

Reconnect’s staff are our strength. They are the agents of change that inspire our clients to identify and achieve their goals and improve their lives.

Mary Jane CrippsExecutive Director

Rick ArnonePresident

Reconnect has many well established partnerships with community and hospital providers and other related sectors. Together, working collaboratively, scarce resources are combined and unique solutions are created in order to meet each client’s individual needs. We are appreciative of the trust our partners place in us and for their willingness to actively participate in our client’s recovery processes.

The challenges in our work are many, for example: growing demands for more sophisticated data collection and analysis; infrastructure requirements that are essential to meet those needs; increasing operational costs; and competitive compensation levels.

Reconnect’s staff are our strength. They are the agents of change that inspire our clients to identify and achieve their goals and improve their lives.

However, Reconnect looks to the future with optimism and hope that the lives our clients will improve.

We look forward to working with the Toronto Central LHIN and continuing to be an important provider of mental health and concurrent disorder services in West Toronto.

In order to achieve our organizational goals and strategic objectives, Reconnect requires the leadership that only a committed and experienced Board of Directors and Management Team can provide. Our shared vision for the future has been exceptionally evident in all Reconnect’s endeavours throughout the past year. We appreciate their dedication, support and guidance throughout a year of transformation. We all look forward to continued growth and success in the year head.

Respectfully,

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2010/2011highlights• Reconnect transferred its accountability agreement from the Central West

LHIN to the Toronto Central LHIN.

• Fully implemented the Ontario Common Assessment of Need (OCAN) across

all service areas, making Reconnect one the first adopters of the OCAN to fully

integrate across the organization.

• Ended the year with a 26% increase in service delivery targets and served close

to 1400 individuals.

• Co-Chaired the Central West LHIN Concurrent Disorder Network and rolled

out the GAIN Short Screener tool at Reconnect. The GAIN-SS screens for

mental health and substance use issues.

• Recruited and developed capacity for Concurrent Disorder Specialists staff

within the Concurrent Disorder Network in CWLHIN to provide support and

system navigation for individuals with complex needs.

•

Initiated an evaluation pilot project of a shared care model between CHIRS – a

community based provider of Acquired Brain Injury services and the Reconnect

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team. The overarching objective

is to pilot a mechanism for enhancing the capacity for service delivery for

individuals with an ABI who experience co-morbid mental health issues, in the

community.

• Continue as Co-Chair to the Toronto Mental Health and Justice Committee

and the West Human Service and Justice Coordinating Committee.

• The Day Program increased service capacity by undertaking a program design

change resulting in an innovative service delivery model. This change will

increase the number of participants the program serves.

• The Mental Health and Justice Prevention Service experienced a significant

increase in service volumes due to its involvement with Court 102 at Old City

Hall, the Bail Program, Probation and various detention centres and other

courts within the GTA. The program consistently meets and often exceeds

service targets and length of stay objectives.

• Between the various Case Management Services, the Assertive Community

Treatment Team and the Mental Health and Justice Short-Term Residential Bed

Program, individuals involved in more than one program at Reconnect increased

significantly.

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our missionInspired by hope in the individual’s

potential to recover, Reconnect

works collaboratively with adults

experiencing serious mental illness

to reach their goals and improve

their quality of life.

who do we serve?We serve men and women,

16 and over, who have a serious

mental illness. We also work with

clients who, in addition to their

mental illness, have co-occurring

challenges (such as developmental

disability or substance use).

board of directorsThe Board of Directors is

comprised of consumers, family

members, mental health

professionals and interested

community members.

highlightsthis year’sRecipients of Years of Service Recognition 2010

Rising Star

Witcliffe Henry

Reflecting Our Values

Abigail Ali

Innovation and Creativity

Catherine Chen

25 years of serviceMary Jane Cripps

15 years of serviceLorraine Blondin

10 years of serviceLibia Pelaez

5 years of serviceIdil AbdillahiMelissa BantonYulia Gruzinsky

Susan HamiltonShahida JawaidCelia MahabirEda PallottaMaureen RichardsNadia SilvaScott TrevithickKevin Zeilig

2 years of serviceOdessa AustinMohamed BadshaWitcliffe Henry

Winners of Staff Recognition Awards 2010

Every year all staff have the opportunity to choose which of their peers is most deserving of these staff awards. During the past year, the following staff were the recipients of staff awards.

Once a year, Reconnect celebrates staff who have worked at Reconnect for two, five, ten, fifteen and twenty years. During the last year, we acknowledged the contribution of these highly valued staff members.

Team Player

Catherine Chen

Marking a Difference in Mental Health

Idil Abdillahi

Mike HughesHyonson KimTanya LicoJasiel MusniRiki MyreHeather NealElizabeth ProticRaj RamnarinePamela RozoGurpreet SinghElizabeth Taylor

Anjali Upadhya

higlights25th anniversary• Launch Pizza Party – February 2010

• Creative Minds Showcase – May 2010

• Client Lunch at Mandarin Restaurant – June 2010

• Silver Annual General Meeting – September 2010

• Gala and Auctions – November 2010

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the following is the proposed slate of directors for 2011/2012 fiscal year:

To serve a term of 3 years

we welcome:

Leo Bisharat

Karen Brock

Tammy Nunez

Brian Shiller

Directors continuing their terms are:

Two Years Remaining:

Janet Dickhout

One Year Remaining:

Rick Arnone

Antonella Apa

Nancy Bradley

Carol Ferguson

board succession planning committeereportOnce again, the Client Council has had another exciting and productive year. Fundraising

efforts have continued to be at the fore-front of the Council’s agenda, as we recognize the many opportunities and resources our funds provide for all Reconnect clients. The Council held a bazaar which raised over $300 to fund a movie outing last February. Furthermore, the Client Council has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to assist Reconnect clients to achieve their educational goals by donating $500.00 to Reconnect’s Client Scholarship Fund this past year. We are pleased to have a Client Council member be one of the recipients of scholarships awarded this year, and we are excited to have the member enroll for a College course this Fall.

During Mental Health Week, a bake sale was organized by the Day Program, which raised over $260.00 for the Walk of Hope for Schizophrenia. Some Council members were able to help out with the bake sale and participated in the Walk of Hope. Among other highlights of this year’s successes, the Client Council played an instrumental role in providing creative ideas and hands-on support throughout Mental Health Week. The “Out of the Shadows” series in partnership with the Richview Library was a tremendous success this year. The series included speakers Rona Maynard- former Editor of Chatelaine magazine, and the Honorable James Bartleman –former Liutenant Governor- sharing accounts of their personal experiences with mental illness and stigma. The event was inspiring, uplifting and encouraging to consumers, families and the general public in attendance.

Last month, the Client Council held a very productive planning day, in which new goals and objectives for this year were identified. A special word of thanks to Eda Pallotta for her hard work and dedication to the Council this past year, and a welcome back to Liz Millette who is returning to her former position on the Council.

We are thrilled to celebrate Reconnect’s 25th Anniversary this year, and we look forward to any opportunities to make this incredible milestone even more memorable and joyous!

Cheers!!

client councilreport

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our programs

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Short-Term Residential Bed Program

CASE MANAGEMENT

Mental Health & Justice: Prevention Program

Supportive Housing Etobicoke (SHEY)

Housing & Support in Peel (HASP)

The Transitional Case Management Program

Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT)

Treat at Home

Mental Health & Justice Housing Support Program

Community Support for Seniors

Community Support Program

Street to Homes

Dufferin Connects

Central West Concurrent Disorder Specialized

Support Services

SOCIAL SUPPORT & SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Social Resource Centre

Dual Diagnosis Day Program

Rehabilitation Day Program

Youth: Community Choices for Success

EMPLOYMENT

Reconnect to Work Program

statement of financial positionStatement of Financial Position as of March 31

assets2011 2010

Current Cash and short term deposits Cash - Ministry Special Funds Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses

Capital Assets (Note 3)

$ 79,1779,947

69,77430,443

189,341

--

$ 232,743

$ 35,9569,947

125,08149,791

220,775

11,968

$ 231,485

liabilitiesCurrent Blank loan (Note 4) Account payable & accrued liabilities Deferred capital contribution (Note 5) Due to Ministry of Health (Note 6)

Net Assets

On behalf of the Board:

$ -- 62,017 -- 20,79782,814

106,527

$ 189,341

$ 45,00056,34911,96819,322

132,639

100,104

$ 232,743

Director

Director

r eco n n ect m e n ta l h e a lt h s e rv i c e s

w w w . r e c o n n e c t . o n . c a

56 Aberfoyle Cres., Suite 400Etobicoke, ON M8X 2W4

Tel.: 416.248.2050 Fax: 416.248.6557

BN 10735 2528 RR0001Charitable # 0725010-11-13

Many achievements are possible, if we believe in ourselves.

I was not good in school, and I still am not good in school. Misery likes company, and I befriended others who were like me. Because I limited myself to friendships with others who were going nowhere fast and because of my tendency to be a loser, I was not quick to develop proper social skills and I was socially very awkward. My dad switched me to a second public school, because I was not succeeding at the first school I attended. I got to high school but I subsequently dropped out. At the time that I quit , I was two years behind.

I left high school to go and work for a veterinarian, because that’s what I thought I wanted to work at. I was so interested in that line of work that I spent a lot of time reading my boss’s

medical books. It was the first time in my life that I felt that I knew something. It was in my destiny to come to Canada. Once I got to Toronto from Jamaica the place was so clean that I was discouraged from riding the subway, while smelling of dogs and cats, so I decided to change my career goal from animal work to electronic technician. I took an electronics course and then got a job as a technician but I hated it . I was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and put on the meds. Since I was thinking clearer, I began to make more realistic life choices: I took correspondence courses in math, with the intention of becoming a tutor. I am from a family of academic achievers, so I suppose my becoming a math tutor is at least partially one way of measuring up.

My tutoring services open next month.

recovery story 1 by: bruce

recovery story 2 by: konrad

My name is Konrad, I’m 19 years old, and I’ve been in the YCCS program (Youth Community Choices for Success) for two years. It’s important to me to have a respectful and calm environment where I can be myself and speak my mind. It’s important to me to be accepted for who I am. I like to be accomplishing something and have something to work on.

Over the last year, I’ve volunteered at a Community Garden; this is my second summer volunteering with them. I like the structure, and the contribution from everyone. I learned more about responsibility and good work habits. I also went back to school

and continued where I left off. I’ll be getting my diploma soon. My teacher’s and guidance counselors have supported me with this.

I like going on group trips that are interesting, like the movies, the Exhibition and walking around the mall. I get excited about what trip will be next, and it’s something to look forward to; you never know what’s going to happen next.

I needed determination and perseverance through the hard times, and getting back on the right track, and I’m now looking forward to bigger and better things!.